Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a manifest and a sales report for route distributors selling newspapers is disclosed. It particularly cooperates with newspaper vending racks which capture data regarding time of day for sales and sales volume. It enables a route distributor to be equipped with a portable CPU having an internally stored manifest specifying rack locations and the number of papers to be loaded at each location, sometimes known as a draw. While driving the route, stale newspapers known as returns are also collected, and this data is also input. This system therefore enables optimization of draws and distribution to increase the production of the route salesman. Moreover, data is collected in the portable CPU and is held by the CPU without requirement of sales reports or manifest on paper. The electronic data capture also improves security, and enables steps to be undertaken to reduce paper pilferage.

Abstract: The application discloses a device (10) to retrofit into the cabinet (11) of newspaper vending machine racks to prevent the removal of more than one copy of the newspaper for each vend or door opening of the cabinet (11). The single vend device (10) consists of a front panel (12) with a T-slot (14). The arms (14a) of the T-slot (14) are normally closed off with a pivoted closure plate (16). Consumer access to the newspapers is provided through the leg of the T-slot (14b), but the newspaper must be slid through the gap between the closure plate (16) and the front panel (12). The thickness of the gap is adjustable to selectively allow for the variation in thickness between various editions of the newspaper. The closure plate (16) is spring loaded to be biased to the closed position. Following removal of the paper, the closure of the plate (16) and a locking pin (32) prevents the plate (16) from re-opening. The locking pin ( 32) is disarmed upon closure of the cabinet (11) door (25a).

Abstract: A device for locking a coin control mechanism and insert into the interior of the housing of cabinet of a newspaper rack, the device comprising a cross bar (30) permanently mounted across the housing front opening (22) on which there is attached a blade receipt member (32) or in which a blade receipt slot (33) is located. An insert (38) consisting of a metal perimeter (40) having an insert cross member (52) extending from an upper insert brace (42) to a lower insert brace (46) is connected to pivot cams (36) attached to or near a lower edge (24) of the housing opening. The insert cross member (52) has an insert bracket (56) attached thereto which is generally L-shaped, having an attachment leg (58) for attaching the insert bracket (56) to the insert cross member (52) and a lock receiving leg (60). The insert (38) attaches to the pivot cams (36), and is dimensioned such that the perimeter (40) fits snugly against the perimeter of the front opening (22) of the cabinet.

Abstract: The application discloses a device (10) to retrofit into the cabinet (11) of newspaper vending machine racks to prevent the removal of more than one copy of the newspaper for each vend or door opening of the cabinet (11). The single vend device (10) consists of a front panel (12) with a T-slot (14). The arms (14a) of the T-slot (14) are normally closed off with a pivoted closure plate (16). Consumer access to the newspapers is provided through the leg of the T-slot (14b), but the newspaper must be slid through the gap between the closure plate (16) and the front panel (12). The thickness of the gap is adjustable to selectively allow for the variation in thickness between various editions of the newspaper. The closure plate (16) is spring loaded to be biased to the closed position. Following removal of the paper, the closure of the plate (16) and a locking pin (32) prevents the plate (16) from re-opening. The locking pin ( 32) is disarmed upon closure of the cabinet (11) door (25a).

Abstract: A coin control mechanism for use with a periodical dispensing device, the device comprising a first coin chute capable of allowing the passage of nickel, dime, and quarter denomination coins therethrough but which rejects dollar coins, a second coin chute capable of allowing passage of dollar coins therethrough; a diverter in the first coin chute, weight and size responsive, and will reject dollar coins into the second coin chute; and levers (704) and (242), responsive to the passage of coins through the two coin chutes, to operate the totalizer (268) to advance the totalizer from a non-dispensing position to a predetermined dispensing position as coins pass through the chutes.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a retrofit coin measuring apparatus installed in a newspaper vending rack, and more particularly a retrofit structure which is electronically actuated. It incorporates a switch which is operated by insertion of a coin into the coin chute, switching on electrical power which is otherwise switched off to preserve battery life. The coin measuring apparatus has a removable retrofit structure which is attached by a lock bar. Inside the coin measuring apparatus, there is a switch which initiates operation of the electronic circuitry to test for bogus coins, to measure the value of the coin, and sum the total value of coins inserted until a price has been paid and to thereafter operate a door mounted on a paper receiving cabinet. The door is provided with a door hook cooperative with a door hook closure device to close and latch after the sale of a paper. After each sale, the electronic circuitry is switched off and is in a dormant state until the next transaction.

Abstract: A coin control mechanism (52) for use with a dispensing device having an access door. The coin control mechanism includes a door locking assembly disengaged by the action of a totalizer which rotates in response to the denomination of coins dropped through a coin chute. The totalizer is connected to a price control unit comprised of three rotatable slotted rings whose slot positions may be changed to reflect different desired cumulative values of coins needed to activate the mechanism by varying the position of the slots with respect to a release bar (510) and the other slots on the split ring assembly (500). The slotted rings advance towards the release bar (510) in response to the rotation of the totalizer. When a slot engages the relase bar (510), the release latch is activated and the access door is unlatched.

Abstract: A coin control mechanism for use with a dispensing machine and containing a three-way adjustable price setter and a mechanical linkage to quickly change the coin control mechanism among any one of three preset prices, thus allowing for different price settings on different days. Three adjustable legs control the preinsertion position of a totalizer which calculates the cumulative total of coins inserted into the coin chute of the coin control mechanism. A three-position keyway and linkage allows an operator to quickly change the preinsertion position of the totalizer from outside of the coin control mechanism.

Abstract: The specification discloses a coin mechanism for dispensing machines including two or more rectangular chutes for receiving and containing a given number of coins. A rectangular gate selectively directs coins into the chutes and a rocker arm is operable to move the gate from a first position directing coins into the first chute to a second position directing coins into the second chute when the coins reach a predetermined height in a first chute. A pawl is adjustably mounted adjacent to the second chute to prevent upward movement of a predetermined number of coins deposited in the second chute. A catch plate pivotally attached to the door of the dispensing machine below the chutes supports the coins therein. The catch plate receives a hook which prevents opening of the door until the coins in the second chute are high enough to engage the pawl. A number of intermediate chutes may be located between the first and second chutes.

Abstract: The specification discloses a coin mechanism for dispensing machines including two or more rectangular chutes for receiving and containing a given number of coins. A rectangular gate selectively directs coins into the chutes and a rocker arm is operable to pivot the gate from a first position and hold it in a second position to direct coins into a second chute when the coins reach a predetermined height in a first chute. A pawl is adjustably mounted adjacent to the second chute and is operable to prevent upward movement of a predetermined number of coins deposited in the second chute. A catch plate is pivotally attached to the door of the dispensing machine and is located below the chutes to support the coins therein.

Abstract: A manually operated machine for dispensing coins in exchange for deposit of aluminum beverage cans is shown. An opening in a housing to a rotatable carriage may receive a beverage can which is then rotated through various dimension checking arms that insure the article deposited is a beverage can of the proper dimensions. Stops are provided that will prevent rotation of the carriage if the dimensions are not correct, or if a magnetic detector determines the can is ferrous rather than aluminum. After rotation through the stops, the beverage can is dropped from the rotating carriage into a suitable receptacle. Simultaneous with acceptance of the beverage can, a coin is dispensed. Anti-milking stops prevent more than one coin from being dispersed per beverage can accepted.

Abstract: An easily removable front panel for a newspaper vending machine uniquely containing the dispensing door with the customary display window, the coin mechanism and the coin return means. Easy access is provided not only for adjustment or repair of the coin mechanism and for coin removal, but also to the newspaper storage cavity of the cabinet for reloading.