Abstract: An electronically actuated bulk vending machine with a merchandise storage globe seated on a base for electronically actuated distribution of the merchandise via a rotatable merchandise wheel nested in the base and under the storage globe where the machine includes an electric motor for rotating a gear where the gear extends from the motor to engage the merchandise wheel along the peripheral gearing thereof.

Abstract: A flat article vending machine capable of mechanical or electronic actuation and which provides for convertibility using modular actuation assemblies, has replaceable chimney hopper modules, an anti vandalism gate, and a pocket display panel assembly, and is front loading.

Abstract: An anti-corruption coin/token chute assembly is provided for use with conventional coin acceptance assemblies. The assembly includes a coin race having first and second side walls and a floor. The floor is provided with a plurality of apertures to facilitate release of foreign substances. An ejection member is movably coupled the coin race. The ejection member includes a coin race insert that, in the rest position, is nested in the coin race. The coin race insert also includes first and second side walls and a floor. The floor of the coin race insert is provided with a plurality of apertures and is advantageously positioned so that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the apertures of the floor of the coin race. Accordingly, unauthorized foreign substances, such as liquids, that are injected into the chute assembly are drained through the apertures before fouling the electronics of the coin acceptance assemblies.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending including at least one electrically lockable, crank actuated vending machine linked to a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending machines. The electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly includes a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: A print hammer mechanism with a flexible interposer selectively moveable from a normal position into the path of a rotating impeller tooth which engages the interposer driving it and the associated hammer toward a print line to impact a print medium with a type die on a moving carrier. The interposer is flexible in the plane of motion of the hammer and the impeller tooth which allows slower and more controlled acceleration of the hammer and enhances the wear of the materials used to fabricate the hammer, interposer and impeller tooth. Uncontrolled oscillation of the flexible interposer and, hence, multiple strikes and multiple rebounds from the print hammer back stop are prevented by means of a mechanical linkage which captivates the interposer to the hammer for travel with the hammer but also allows the interposer to move from its normal position into the path of the impeller tooth and to return to its normal position.

Abstract: A reversible drive apparatus for a flexible web, especially adapted to a reversible ribbon drive for a printing machine. A driving spur gear is arranged to be shifted between a pair of spur gears, each associated with a ribbon spool. The shifting is accomplished by mere reversal of direction of a drive motor which has a lead screw type shaft upon which the driving spur gear is mounted with mating screw threads. This allows the driving spur gear to travel laterally along the lead screw shaft between the pair of spur gears whenever the motor reverses direction.