Abstract: An improved electronic coin mechanism and coin operated dispensing system includes an electronic coin mechanism which controls operation of a vending machine and stores certain types of data. The data in raw form are read out by a reader which may be interfaced to a computer through a shuttle. Due to the variety of information which may be collected, the computer is able to generate a variety of reports. The electronic coin mechanism is battery operated and designed for long service life. The mechanism includes an apertured rotatable coin wheel which detects the value of a coin by its diameter and compared the count with stored information in the coin electronics, the latter having an elapsed time relative counter. Time of first and last sale as well as sales per period are stored as well as total amounts received. Various levels of security are provided. Details of the coin mechanism and system are described.

Abstract: A coin operated pull down door mechanism for a vending machine is disclosed having a latch mounted to the door above a coin receiving and sorting mechanism, a coin seat disposed underneath the coin mechanism, a rod mounted for normally yielding to a camming surface on the door latch when an attempt is made to open the door, and a lever cooperating with coinage wedged by the coin mechanism against the coin seat so as to urge the rod into engagement with the camming surface to thereby bias the latch out of locking engagement with the keeper, allowing opening of the door. Also disclosed is a door return spring mechanism for a vending machine.

Abstract: A number of improvements to the single article vending machine of U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,477 are disclosed. An angled catch has been provided to prevent the platform which holds the articles from being depressed by a customer, thereby defeating one mode of theft. The provision of a biasing spring greatly facilitates the adjustment of the width of the slot through which the articles are withdrawn. Other improvements enable the machine to operate more smoothly and dependably by insuring that the vended articles are withdrawn easily from the machine and without becoming skewed or jammed in the slot. An improved mounting bracket facilitates proper mounting of the protective cover plate by the operator after the machine has been serviced.

Abstract: In the improved pawls of the present invention, the tip of the first finger is provided with an edge which is inclined upwardly toward the second finger. The coins in the first chute interact with this sloping edge as the door is drawn open, instead of with the side of the finger when the coins are inserted, to produce the slight pivotal movement of the pawl which positions the second finger in the second coin chute. The improved pawl requires both a first particular combination of coins in the first chute and a second particular combination of coins in the second chute to unlock the door.

Abstract: A coin selecting funnel for use in a coin-operated vending machine, for receiving coins inserted into the machine through a slot, for routing coins larger than a certain diameter into a descending a coin chute, and for routing coins smaller than that certain diameter into a coin return passage includes a trough having a wall and a ledge which interest along a vertex oriented so that inserted coins are conducted downwardly from a coin slot to a coin chute, the coins passing along the wall with their faces flush to the wall and their edges supported by the ledge. The wall contains an aperture having an upper edge extending parallel to the vertex of said trough and spaced from the vertex by a distance exceeding that certain diameter. The aperture also includes a lower edge extending parallel to the vertex and spaced from the vertex by a distance less than half that certain diameter.

Abstract: A vending machine having an enclosure for articles to be vended, a lockable door to the enclosure and a coin operated locking mechanism to unlock the door when a predetermined combination of coins is placed in the coin operated mechanism. A coin mechanism enclosure includes releasable support which is engageable with the coin operated mechanism to hold the mechanism in a predetermined position to control the opening of the door. Structure is provided to release the coin mechanism from the support to remove the coin mechanism from the coin mechanism enclosure.A vending machine having an enclosure for articles to be vended, a lockable door to the enclosure and a coin operated locking mechanism to unlock the door when a predetermined combination of coins is received by the mechanism. A latch member is supported by the door with the latch member being engageable with a keeper within the coin mechanism when the door is locked.

Abstract: A single article vending machine having a chamber for storing a plurality of articles in stacked relation and an opening which provide an adjustable opening in communication with the articles. An adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the opening to a dimension which corresponds with the thickness of one of the articles and locking assemblies are provided to lock the opening. The locking assemblies to lock the adjustable opening include a plurality of locking members which are movable into the opening to block the opening. An actuating assembly is provided to move the locking members out of the opening such that the opening is unlocked to permit the withdrawal of one article through the opening. Stop members which are actuatable by the movement of one of the articles through the opening function to move the locking members into the opening as the article is moved through the opening.

Abstract: A coin sorting and access control mechanism for a vending machine comprising a central wall member having chute-forming members pivotally mounted on either side thereof and biased toward the central wall. Each chute is provided, at the upper portion thereof, with a funnel located so as to receive coins inserted through a slotted coin plate by a consumer wishing to gain access to the product being vended. The coin mechanism includes a funnel having multiple-apertured coin contacting surfaces which lead to coin transfer chutes. The coin transfer chutes, and the central wall therebetween, are provided with elongated slots extending therealong. The chute walls are also provided with surfaces which minimize coin surface area contact. Thus, the funnels, slots, and coin contacting surfaces minimize any surface tension which might arise in moisture between the mechanism and coins inserted into the machine.

Abstract: An housing for protecting a coin sorting and control mechanism and a coin storage box for use with a vending machine, such as a newspaper stand. The housing comprises a body in which a coin sorting and control mechanism may be mounted, and into which a vending machine door latch may move for cooperation with the control mechanism to lock the door in the closed position until coinage of a preselected value is inserted into the housing. A coin return chute is in the body to return rejected coins and foreign matter to the consumer. Proper coinage will fall through a funnel and past a baffle system into a coin storage box. The body is a five-sided structure enclosed by a cover which fits closely over its top. The cover encloses the sixth side of the body. The cover and body are provided with heavy steel flanges through which a padlock can be passed to lock them together.