Abstract: An improved electronic coin mechanism and coin operated dispensing system includes an electronic coin mechanism which controls operation of a vending machine and stores certain types of data. The data in raw form are read out by a reader which may be interfaced to a computer through a shuttle. Due to the variety of information which may be collected, the computer is able to generate a variety of reports. The electronic coin mechanism is battery operated and designed for long service life. The mechanism includes an apertured rotatable coin wheel which detects the value of a coin by its diameter and compared the count with stored information in the coin electronics, the latter having an elapsed time relative counter. Time of first and last sale as well as sales per period are stored as well as total amounts received. Various levels of security are provided. Details of the coin mechanism and system are described.

Abstract: The prevent invention is directed to improvements in vending machines of the type having an access door which is opened by a purchaser for removing a purchased article from within the machine.A two-stage hydraulic door closer is provided with a spring to return the access door through its arc of movement from the open to the closed position at a relatively slow, controlled, substantially uniform rate which allows a purchaser to open and release the door and then to remove an article from the interior of the vending machine with one hand without interference by the access door while the article is being removed.

Abstract: An improved vending machine having an enclosure for storage of articles and an access door is provided with an arm affixed to the door and which has a free end, with a hydraulic door closer connected between the free end and the machine. A stop element is affixed to the machine enclosure and projects into the door opening of the access door for stopping movement of the arm thereby to limit the opening movement of the door and thus prevent application of excessive force to the hydraulic door closer. The vending machine also includes a latch hook releasably engageable with the stop element for restraining the door in an open position against return to a closed position.

Abstract: A coin operated pull down door mechanism for a vending machine is disclosed having a latch mounted to the door above a coin receiving and sorting mechanism, a coin seat disposed underneath the coin mechanism, a rod mounted for normally yielding to a camming surface on the door latch when an attempt is made to open the door, and a lever cooperating with coinage wedged by the coin mechanism against the coin seat so as to urge the rod into engagement with the camming surface to thereby bias the latch out of locking engagement with the keeper, allowing opening of the door. Also disclosed is a door return spring mechanism for a vending machine.

Abstract: A number of improvements to the single article vending machine of U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,477 are disclosed. An angled catch has been provided to prevent the platform which holds the articles from being depressed by a customer, thereby defeating one mode of theft. The provision of a biasing spring greatly facilitates the adjustment of the width of the slot through which the articles are withdrawn. Other improvements enable the machine to operate more smoothly and dependably by insuring that the vended articles are withdrawn easily from the machine and without becoming skewed or jammed in the slot. An improved mounting bracket facilitates proper mounting of the protective cover plate by the operator after the machine has been serviced.