Abstract: A coin hopper and dispenser is provided for receiving coins in bulk and singularly and reliably dispensing them. A rotating disc is received within a housing bore below the hopper, the disc having a number of coin receiving bores passing therethrough. On a bottom surface of the disc, riding upon a bottom plate surface within the housing bore, is a dispensing wheel having a thickness slightly greater than the thickness of the coins to be dispensed. The dispensing wheel has arms thereon extending between the coin receiving bores of the disc, the arms urging coins against a deflection spring which directs them through a coin slot. A spring retention plate is provided at the exterior of the coin slot to assure that the coins are overtly dispensed by rotation of the disc.

Abstract: Transport system for a currency validator in which an infeed belt makes frictional engagement with a vertical belt and is driven by a bite generated therebetween. The bite exists at an area of directional change in a note path such that a piece of paper tendered as valid currency changes its direction of movement from horizontal to vertical in that area. Maintained in that area is a magnetic reading head which arcuately engages a third belt. As the note passes along the note path, it is urged between the third belt and magnetic reading head such that it makes arcuate engagement with the reading head to increase the resolution and accuracy obtain thereby.

Abstract: A column vendor for articles such as generally cylindrical containers of beverage typified by cans or bottles of soft drinks is provided with an inexpensive and reliable way of being reconfigured to fit the particular distribution of popularity of brands/flavors or the like of articles, as experienced by the operator for the particular vendor. Openings are provided through intercolumn divider walls. In use, these openings are either closed by closure members, or fitted with shunt, cam or floor plates for effecting particular column transfers. In use, these members are static; adjustment can involve rearrangement, substitution, augmentation and removal of these members which preferably are hooked in place either on edges of the openings or in slots or other securement features provided on the intercolumn divider walls.

Abstract: A vendor for sequentially vending in alternation successive lowermost articles, such as beverage cans, from at least two stacks which are arranged in tandem, using a shared generally semi-cylindrical angularly indexable cradle having a stepped edge, where angular movement of the cradle by a first increment is sufficient to drop one supported article from under a forward one of the stacks to a delivery station, but insufficient to drop an axially adjacent supported article from under a relatively rearward one of the stacks, is improved by being provided with an anti-theft device preferably in the form of a leaf spring based on the cradle and erectable into the volume of space which is at other times occupied by the one supported article.

Abstract: A rotary cradle extends from front to back of a compartment for holding columns of articles to be dispensed. The cradle is of generally semi cylindrical hollow shape having a straight axial leading edge and a stepped trailing edge and mounted to be rotated about its cylinder axis. The cradle is free of internal partitions and is adapted for sequentially dispensing front and then rear articles from front and rear columns of articles in the compartment, or for dispensing single longer articles. A removable support in the cradle holds long narrow articles at the proper height for supporting a column of those articles in the compartment at the proper elevation for the straight leading edge of the cradle to isolate and support the column while dispensing an article in the cradle.

Abstract: A coin operated vending machine has a pair of spaced conductors mounted on a coin chute and in position to be bridged by any electrically conductive liquid squirted into the coin slot. Bridging of the conductors by the liquid completes a circuit which disconnects vending circuitry from its power source. The spaced conductors are mounted on a non-conductive support which prevents a coin itself from contacting and bridging the conductors.

Abstract: An electrically operated control circuit for a multiple selection vending machine with lockout circuits to isolate mal-functioning sections, thereby enabling continued vending machine operations via the remaining functional sections. The lockout circuitry is particularly directed toward sensing and compensating for jammed conditions in the product dispensing mechanisms using a minimal amount of additional circuit elements over non-protected counterpart machines. The malfunction lockout circuitry includes a motor-cam driven embodiment, and a unique thermally sensitive motor thermostat actuated embodiment.

Abstract: A vending machine has a compartment dimensioned to hold at least two columns of cylindrical articles with the articles in axial alignment, front to rear. A bail structure has upper and lower bail bars swingable about a central fore and aft axis, to opposite sides thereof. The lower bail bar, when in one lateral position, supports the bottom articles of both the columns while the upper bail bar supports all other articles in the compartment. The lower bail bar is laterally wider under the rear column than under the front column so that partial swinging of the bail releases the bottom article from only the front column and further swinging releases the bottom article of the rear column. An anti theft member hangs pendulously from the upper bail, in the front column, and serves to prevent movement of a rear column article resting on the lower bail from moving into the front column after an article in the front column has been released from the lower bail.

Abstract: The evaporator coil of an ice bank type of beverage cooler and dispenser is provided with a multiplicity of spaced apart copper rods extending both inwardly and outwardly of the coil. The evaporator is operated in a tank of water to form a body of ice on the coil and a beverage conduit is cooled by the water. The water gives up its heat in melting the ice. The rods cause the body of ice to have separate and spaced projections of ice extending therefrom to present more surface to the water for more efficient cooling, particularly during peak loads.

Abstract: A vending machine having a compartment dimensioned to hold two pairs of columns of cylindrical articles with the columns of each pair arranged with their articles in axial alignment, front to rear, and the two pairs being vertically staggered and horizontally overlapping. A bail structure comprises upper and lower bail bars swingable about a central fore and aft axis, to opposite sides thereof. The lower bail bar, when in one lateral position, supports the bottom articles of one pair of columns while the upper bail bar supports all other articles in the compartment. The lower bail bar is laterally wider under the rear columns than under the front columns so that partial swinging of the bial releases the bottom article from only the front column and further swinging releases the bottom article of the rear column.