Abstract: A gear motor having an output shaft for driving the dispensing mechanism of a vending machine includes a plurality of magnetically operated switches positioned adjacent one end of the output shaft and a plurality of magnets attached to that end of the output shaft. A DC electric motor is energized by a computer to rotate the output shaft in a first direction until one of the magnetic switches is actuated by a magnet, which instructs the computer to reverse the polarity of power to the DC motor, reversing the direction of the motor and the output shaft. When the output shaft is returned to its standby position, one or more of the switches are again actuated which instructs the computer to terminate power to the DC motor. An enclosure surrounds the switches and magnets and protects them from the ambient.

Abstract: A snap lock will hold in assembled relationship two tubular parts one within the other in telescopic relationship. The locking mechanism has a rectangular base with rectilinear outer ends and a button urged by a spring perpendicularly away from the base. The base will slide within tracks along the inner walls of the male tubular part and the button will project through an aperture in the wall of the male part which is complementary to the shape of the button. The female tubular member has an aperture in its walls which is also complementary to the shape of the button such that the button will project into the aperture in the female member when one aperture is aligned over the other.

Abstract: An electric motor control unit for use in a vending machine includes a sealed housing containing an electric motor drivingly connected through an eccentric and a cam follower to a magnetic switch actuator operatively associated with a sealed, magnetically operated reed switch. Energization of the electric motor rotates an output shaft carrying the eccentric for one cycle of operation, whereupon the motor is deenergized to complete the cycle.