Abstract: A vending or dispensing machine is operable in triple depth, double depth, and single depth operating modes. A cradle which is rotatable through 360.degree. is used to separate cylindrical articles from a number of tandem nonstaggered vertical columns. The rotatable cradle separates a single can or other cylindrical article from each of the columns disposed in a storage zone above the cylindrical cradle and drops the cans into an escrow zone. One of the cans in the escrow zone is immediately dispensed. If operating in a triple depth mode, the remaining two cans are held by side mounted pivotable escrow members which are controlled and movably operable by the cradle itself. Upon a second activation the cradle moves further in its sequence allowing one of the escrow members to release its hold on a second can such that that can drops into a dispensing zone accessable to a consumer.

Abstract: A vending or dispensing machine is operable in triple depth, double depth, and single depth operating modes. A cradle which is rotatable through 360.degree. is used to separate cylindrical articles from a number of tandem nonstaggered vertical columns. The rotatable cradle separates a single can or other cylindrical article from each of the columns disposed in a storage zone above the cylindrical cradle and drops the cans into an escrow zone. One of the cans in the escrow zone is immediately dispensed. If operating in a triple depth mode, the remaining two cans are held by side mounted pivotable escrow members which are controlled and movably operable by the cradle itself. Upon a second activation the cradle moves further in its sequence allowing one of the escrow members to release its hold on a second can such that that can drops into a dispensing zone accessable to a consumer.

Abstract: A vending or dispensing machine is disposable in modes for triple depth dispensing, double depth dispensing, and single depth dispensing. Upper and lower gating members or rockers are used to selectively release cylindrical articles such as cans or bottles from a storage compartment containing staggered tandem columns into a consumer accessible dispensing zone. The upper and lower rockers are moved by a drive plate which causes reciprocation of the rockers by way of drive pins. Removable retaining members are used for preventing premature release of center column cans and also provide an anti-theft feature. A removable gating piece is used to prevent the premature release of a rear column can. A freely swinging anti-theft bar has a stepped portion which keeps a can from being axially slid in the escrow zone disposed between the storage compartment and the dispensing zone, thereby preventing the unauthorized removal of the can.

Abstract: A circuit reciprocator or alternator arrangement for alternately operating two vend motor-driven stack mechanisms loaded with the identical product brand from a single common customer-operable selector switch. An on-on type switch having SPDT contacts for alternately completing a circuit to the two vend motors is operated by an actuating linkage. The linkage is arranged such that switching or toggling of the on-on switch occurs prior to a particular known point or range of points of the vend cycle where the probability of a mechanism jam is higher. Therefore, if one of the vend motors jams, the circuit has already been completed to the other vend motor which can then be subsequently actuated. Further, the on-on switch is geld in a position where no furhter toggling or switching occurs, and the circuit will continue to be completed to the other, unjammed motor. The linkage is further arranged such that no damage occurs when one motor is stalled and the other continues to operate.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus including a plurality of spaced vertically disposed inclined shelves, each shelf having a first and second side by side supporting surface adapted to support an associated first and second row of articles. First and second gate members are respectively located at the lower ends of the first and second support surfaces. Each gate member is shiftable between two opposite positions, a blocking position such that the lower most article in the associated row is blocked from moving off the lower end of the associated support surface, and a releasing position such that a lower most article in the associated row may freely move off the lower end of the associated support surface and into an escrow cradle which constitutes a common receiving area. An actuator cooperates with the gate members to provide for the shifting of the gate members upon the dispensing of an article, which is rotated out of an escrow cradle by a consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles such as cans from adjacent staggered stacks thereof in a bin with the adjacent stacks having two corresponding columns of cans, a releasable support member for each column movable from an article support to an article release position, a linkage for dictating movement of both support members, a pivotally mounted latch plate for controlling movement of both support members and adapted to be disposed from a rest position to either a first position wherein the first support member is maintained in its article support position while the second support member is directed via the linkage to its article release position or a second position wherein the second support member is maintained in its article support position while the first support member is directed via the linkage to its article release position, an escrow bar rigidly secured to the latch plate and movable therewith whereby with the latch plate disposed in either its first or second position and the corresponding sup

Abstract: A vending machine control circuit which at relatively low cost effectively provides a lockout arrangement which ensures the delivery of only one article per money insertion and which allows alternate selection of articles when one selection is stalled or jammed. The circuit arrangement requires only two cam-operated switches per product selection, and has a single credit release relay common to all product selections. The credit release relay is energized when a vend relay is energized as the result of money insertion, and a time delay circuit is provided for maintaining energization of the credit release relay after the vend relay is de-energized near the beginning of a product vend cycle.

Abstract: A composite vending control circuit is disclosed that is readily disposable in either a single-priced or multi-priced configuration. The composite vending circuit includes the circuit elements and interconnecting conductors required for operation in either a single- or multi-priced mode of operation. Further, a switching arrangement in the form of interconnectable plugs permit reconnection of the circuit elements whereby the single-priced circuit configuration may be readily adapted to operate in a multi-priced configuration. Thus, conversion may be readily achieved without extensive rewiring or the addition of further circuit elements.

Abstract: In a multi-rack can vending machine, an article release mechanism for controllably releasing articles from an article rack automatically into a vertical access as the article level in the access is lowered. The article release is a spring retained flapper plate which pivots about a pivot support to release multiple articles on demand. The flapper plate is normally retained against the force of the spring in an article retaining position until the level of articles in the access is sufficiently low to allow the flapper plate to pivot without contacting the uppermost article. Generally, two articles of sufficient weight are required on the flapper plate in order to overcome the force of its retaining spring to actuate the pivotal release of the two articles into the access.