Abstract: A machine for vending stacked articles, such as newspapers, one at a time. The machine includes a paper feed mechanism, operated through the opening of the door, which disengages when the door is about halfway open. The device also includes a mechanism which automatically adjusts to the thickness of the paper to be vended, which includes an elevated shelf, spring loaded to bring a paper to a position adjacent a slot through which the paper feed mechanism urges the paper. The slot is covered by a one-way flap, allowing the paper to issue outward but prevents a dishonest customer from reaching through the slot to take additional papers.

Abstract: A coin control mechanism 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 multiple 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 and the other slots on the split ring assembly. The slotted rings advance towards the release bar in response to the rotation of the totalizer. When a slot engages the release bar, the release latch is activated and the access door is unlatched.