Abstract: A rotary coin mechanism is provided with a braking system in which one end of a stationary brake arm is anchored to the frame of the mechanism. The other end of the brake arm provides a breaking ring which surrounds the hub of the drive gear and applies a compressive force thereto, to frictionally restrain the drive gear and thus prevent the coin mechanism from free-wheeling rotation. In the preferred embodiment the braking ring is open at one end and merges into a bifurcated stem which provides an adjusting screw to adjust the compressive force applied by the braking ring.

Abstract: A coin mechanism for a vender includes a blocking member biased to a rest position retracted from the coin slot, and pivotable between the rest position and a blocking position in which the blocking member substantially covers the coin slot. The blocking member cooperates with a rotatable member which forces the blocking member into the blocking position upon rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A bulk vender having a lockable cash box which has a coin aperture into which coins fall as they are ejected from the coin mechanism. During removal of the cash box from the vender a blocking mechanism automatically blocks the coin aperture, rendering the contents of the cash box accessible only to someone who possesses the key for unlocking the cash box. In a preferred embodiment the blocking mechanism is actuated by rotation of the lock which locks the cash box into the vender.

Abstract: The invention provides a base for a vending machine having a removable cash box slidably received within the base for receiving coins or tokens deposited by the coin mechanism into the base compartment. In the preferred embodiment the base includes a base frame having a reinforcing bridge bracing the front and rear portions of the base frame. The bridge resists deformation of the base frame, provides a secure structure for receiving the latch from the box lock, and provides a means elevated above the base floor for affixing a center rod which secures the components of the vender together, allowing the cash box to occupy virtually the entire floor area of the base.

Abstract: A coin mechanism capable of accepting two coins simultaneously is provided with generally opposed coin slots with mechanisms for measuring each of the two coins immediately adjacent thereto. The measuring mechanisms includes detente cooperating with front and rear portions of a notched wheel, the detents being mounted so that only one detent cooperates with each portion of the notched wheel. The invention further provides a member for blocking access to the first coin slot as the second coin passes, to prevent removal of the coin therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary coin mechanism in which the mechanism is provided with a boss which projects into the rotational path of the token. The boss allows rotation of the token carrier only if a token seated in the token receptacle is provided with a recess or groove complimentary to the boss and configured to approximate the rotational path of the token. In the preferred embodiment the groove has a first portion which is in line with the boss and a second portion which is offset from the first portion and connected thereto by a cam surface. As the token cycles past the boss, the boss passes from the first portion into the second portion of the groove and lifts the token within the token receptacle at the perimeter measuring point, so that only if the second portion of the groove is precisely positioned in the face of the token will the perimeter measuring device allow the token to pass.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular pedestal for a bank of vending machines, comprising a plurality of pedestal modules onto which each vending machine is mounted. Each pedestal module has a plurality of connecting posts disposed adjacent to edges of the top face at selected positions, so that when pedestal modules are placed side-by-side at least one post on the pedestal module is adjacent to at least one post on an adjacent pedestal module. A connecting member, having a plurality of openings spaced apart a distance approximating the spacing between adjacent posts of the adjacent pedestal modules, is placed over the adjacent connecting posts to connect the modules together, and retained in position by the base of the vending machine.

Abstract: A coin mechanism capable for simultaneously accepting two coins in generally opposed coin slots measures the diameter and thickness of each coin at the commencement of the actuation of the coin mechanism and includes a rocking blade to obstruct one of the coin slots so as to prevent unauthorized removal of a coin.

Abstract: A coin mechanism for a bulk vendor or the like is provided with a magnetic discriminating device, for selectively accepting coins having a magnetic component and rejecting coins or slugs which have no magnetic component. A magnet is lodged in the coin conveyor flush with the seating surface for a coin, and a resilient urging member such as a spring projects above the seating surface. The attractive force of the magnet on a coin having a magnetic component is greater than the repelling force of the spring, so a coin having a magnetic component is retained in the coin carrier while a coin or slug having no magnetic component is unseated by the spring and ejected into a coin rejection chute.

Abstract: In a coin mechanism for a vending machine, the inner face of the coin mechanism body is provided with a raised edge over which the coin projects slightly. As the coin mechanism is rotated, the coin travels along this raised edge. A portion of the raised edge is ramped inwardly, so that the coin is separated from the coin receiving recess with an axial force, thereby overcoming any attempt to circumvent the coin mechanism by adhering the coin to the coin receiving recess using tape or glue.