Abstract: A connection apparatus for a vending machine of a type having a helically shaped member which is connected to a drive shaft in a novel manner. A one piece molded plastic member has a hub section for connection to the drive shaft and a plurality of radially extending arms for connection to a convolution of the helically shaped member.

Abstract: A vending machine of a type having a plurality of coin releasable and manually operable pull rods for selectively releasing a product to a consumer. A novel mechanism is provided for selectively locking or releasing the pull rods. This mechanism includes a rod pivotally attached to a frame, the rod being attached to a first lever which is, in turn, operably connected to the pull rod and to a second lever which is, in turn, pivotally attached to a third lever. Structure is provided for causing the third lever to be biased to a position wherein the pull rods are locked; but, upon the insertion of a predetermined amount of money into the vending machine, one of the pull rods can be actuated to release a product due to a changing of the fulcrum of the third lever and simultaneous movement of the third lever and its associated locking structure to thereby unlock one of the pull rods.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus of a type which can be manually actuated once a sufficient amount of money is inserted therein to thereby dispense a selected item is provided with an ejector assist mechanism and a mechanism for preventing the item being dispensed from tipping over during the dispensing thereof for thereby assuring a positive delivery of the item and for preventing more than one item from being dispensed at one time. An item holding structure includes a pair of flanges of a particular shape for causing items being dispensed from interfering with one another during the dispensing process.

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 a type utilizing a selectively rotatable helical member. The helical member is connected at one end to an annular plate having gear teeth around the inner periphery thereof. A drive gear is disposed within the annular plate and is in operative engagement with the teeth on the inner periphery of the annular plate. The drive gear and thereby the annular plate and helix is driven ultimately by an electric motor. Once the motor is turned on the helical member will rotate one-half of a revolution before being switched off by a switching device. A vertical divider is disposed within the helical member and supports the helical member along the top thereof. A portion of the helical member is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the helix and this portion is connected to the vertical divider for stabilizing and supporting the helical member as it rotates. A plurality of such vending units are stacked on top of one another and are slidable into and out from a cabinet housing.

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.