Abstract: A device for vending articles includes a stack of separator panels, each of which supports a product package, positioned in a storage bin. The bin has separator panel support tabs extending into the bottom thereof, and a pivot plate containing a panel-dislodging detent is located at the bin's bottom. The lowermost panel is dislodged from the support tabs by rotation of a pin forming part of an associated coin mechanism after proper coinage has been inserted into the mechanism and its operating handle has been turned. The pin forces the plate to pivot, causing its detent to press against the separator panel, thereby dislodging the panel from the support tabs, together with its product package. Once dislodged, the separator panel falls from the device, together with the vended article, the article proceeding to an area accessible to the purchaser, and the separator panel being retained on a hanger attached to the bin.

Abstract: A coin mechanism for a vending machine comprises a cylinder rotatable in a passageway within a housing to release vended product to a purchaser. Operation of the mechanism requires insertion of purchase coins into coin slots accessible when the cylinder partially protrudes from the housing. The cylinder is thereafter substantially completely inserted into the housing and rotated by means of a handle located on one end thereof. Upon rotation of the cylinder, the coins prevent engagement of locking pawls mounted in the housing with either of two separate mechanism-blocking shoulders located on the cylinder. The end of the cylinder opposite the handle is connected to a coupler member, which in turn is fastened to a spiral product coil, rotation of the cylinder causing rotation of the coil and the release of product therefrom. The coupler member also includes a ratchet wheel which cooperates with a pawl in the housing to prevent improper rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A limited access container that limits the rate at which articles can be withdrawn therefrom includes a retrieval rod which extends through the top cover of the container and which has an article-holding implement on the lower end thereof. After securing an article thereto, the rod is lifted to the top of the container and the article passed through a slotted horizontal passageway to a vertical shaft down which it is lowered to a point adjacent a container opening for removal of the article. A pivotable lever is located adjacent the passageway having a passageway blocking member on one end and a blocking-activating member on the other end.

Abstract: A vending device for vending machines comprises a spiral coil connected to a coin-operated mechanism that allows rotation thereof and the connected coil when predetermined coins have been inserted into the mechanism. The loops making up the coil comprise closely spaced neighboring loops, remote from the mechanism, capable of supporting and transporting product to be vended as the coil is rotated, and distantly spaced neighboring loops, incapable of supporting the product. As the coil is turned, product is transported toward the mechanism until it reaches the distantly spaced loops where it drops from the spiral into a chute accessible by the purchaser. The mechanism is rotated by coin receivers that are blocked from rotating by spring-urged pawls unless predetermined coins have been inserted therein, or unless disabling tabs are interposed between the receivers and the pawls.