Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a housing having lockable access, a forward viewing window and a lower output tray. Two or more trays are positioned within the housing, each tray of the trays accommodating a plurality of products, wherein each tray includes a self-contained motor and track configured to move the products responsive to a user action. The system additionally includes a selector for moving an indicator laterally between the two or more trays and a knob spaced apart from the selector for activating the motor to move the products forward and drop a single product into the output tray.

Abstract: A vending machine having a housing incorporating an authorization unit, a storage area for storing vendible product, a dispenser for dispensing the vendible product, and an integrated brewer. The vendible product stored in the storage area comprises a cup containing a brew pack and condiments. The integrated brewer is secured to the housing yet has a user-accessible brew chamber in which a consumer can deposit the brew pack associated with the vendible product in order to brew a hot drink. The dispenser is interlocked with the authorization unit such that the dispenser dispenses vendible product in response to a dispense signal from the authorization unit. The integrated brewer is interlocked with the authorization unit such that the integrated brewer is by default inoperative and becomes operative in response to an asserted operation signal from the authorization unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a money reception device has a storage device, a reject device, and a control device. The reject device rejects money which has been judged not to be a normal coin, out of received coins. After the money has been rejected, when storage of the money to be received again in the storage device is permitted, the control device controls the reject device so that the money to be received again is not rejected.

Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.

Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.

Abstract: A coin counter is provided for push-pull coin vending machines, arcade machines and pay-per-use appliances. The counter comprises a bracket assembly having first and second chambers. The first chamber for receiving, processing and expelling a coin, and the second chamber having a switch assembly which is interactive with the coins moving through the first chamber by means of an actuator arm so as to register counts on a connected numeric display. The counter further comprises a stop which receives the weight of the coins processed through the machine and also redirects the coins, allowing the actuator arm to rotate in a reduced arc than the prior art.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a bill-operated capsuled article vending machine. The capsuled article vending machine 10 is provided with a capsule container 12 at an upper portion thereof and a capsule dispensing unit 14 at a lower portion thereof. The capsule dispensing unit 14 is provided with a reverse rotation preventing mechanism 44 of the handle 32, a bill identifying unit 50, a bill storing box 52 and a rotation control unit 54 for the handle 32, in addition to the handle 32. The rotation control unit 54 is provided with a locking mechanism 60 for locking or unlocking the handle 32, a sensor 62 for detecting a rotational position or a rotational angle of the handle 32 and a control unit 64. When the bill identifying unit 50 recognizes reception of a prescribed bill, the rotation control unit 54 enables one rotation of the handle 32, by which an article is dispensed.

Abstract: There is provided a vending machine for multiple product sales, including means for displaying multiple products; means for operating the machine and effecting the dispensing of any selected product; at least one display screen disposed adjacent to the means for displaying multiple products, and an electronic control unit for selectively controlling the display on the screen prior to, and/or during, and/or after a vending operation. A method for operating a vending machine is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely monitoring the sales transactions in bulk vending machines, said apparatus comprising at least one bulk vending machine having a coin mechanism. The coin mechanism includes a coin plate; a selectively rotatable shaft extending radially therefrom; a coin shuttle, a cam-bearing lobe and a coin mechanism adapter plate co-axially and collectively located around the selectively rotatable shaft; and a first switch and a second switch. The first and second switches are fixedly mounted and oriented on the coin mechanism adapter plate so that the maximum amount of backlash in the coin mechanism is less than the angular spread of the switches.

Abstract: A coin counter is provided for push-pull coin vending machines, arcade machines and pay-per-use appliances. The counter comprises a bracket assembly having first and second chambers. The first chamber for receiving, processing and expelling a coin, and the second chamber having a switch assembly which is interactive with the coins moving through the first chamber by means of an actuator arm so as to register counts on a connected numeric display. The counter further comprises a stop which receives the weight of the coins processed through the machine and also redirects the coins, allowing the actuator arm to rotate in a reduced arc than the prior art.

Abstract: A coin-operated personal computer is controlled by a coin box having a timing mechanism to allow a user to operate the computer for a predetermined amount of time for a fee. The computer keyboard which is used to enter and/or retrieve information is connected through the coin operated timing mechanism such that the driving mechanism of the personal computer, data storage, memory, etc., is operational at all times, but the keyboard data transmission line which is used to enter and/or retrieve information is disabled at the end of the time period. The file or data which the user is working on is not lost when the timer disables the keyboard, since the other components of the computer system remain on and operational to retain the data, and in the event that the user has not completed the work at the end of the time period, another coin can be inserted for additional time in which the work can be completed or saved to memory storage.

Abstract: A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The higher power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication wiht the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins.

Abstract: A coin operated timing mechanism for a parking meter and the like including a time display, a microprocessor for controlling the setting and operation of the display, a battery or similar self-contained power source, and a power regulation sub-system designed to minimize power consumption during operation of the mechanism. The power regulation system provides, on demand, voltage of either 3.5 or 5 volts. The highest power consumption 5-volt supply is available when necessary for short periods to read a NOVRAM device which stores operational parameters. The 3.5 volt mode is used during normal coin handling and timekeeping and during periods of communication with the microprocessor for changing the operating parameters or for auditing of the system. The mechanism includes coin actuated switches which are adjustable to insure most efficient operation including screening of spurious coins.

Abstract: A slot machine of the type having a plurality of rotatable reels, each bearing an annular row of various symbols on the outer surface thereof, which selects combinations of symbols at random during each game, and which awards prize coins when predetermined prize-winning combinations of symbols occur on prize-winning rows previously selected. For selectively designating prize-winning rows, the slot machine is provided with push buttons which also start the rotation of the reels.

Abstract: A coin distinguishing mechanism, installed preferably in a coin keeper, capable of discriminating coins of varying denominations and adding up the total value of the coins being kept therewithin. The coin distinguishing mechanism includes a coin slot means having a passageway which is defined on one side by a fixed element and the other side by a movable element. The movable element is generally kept to the same position by an elastic means. As the movable element is forced to move by a coin passing through the passageway, the moving distance will be magnified by a magnifying mechanism, and an attached arm with a conductive wiper having a first and a second contact ends is thereby actuated.

Abstract: A coin counter security circuit for use in vending machines having a counter for counting the number of vending transactions. The circuit functions to detect indicia of proper counter operation (and hence that the counter has not been improperly disconnected) and serves to enable the vend transaction when proper counter operation has been so detected. The indicia of proper counter operation can be the detection of a flyback signal normally generated by an inductive element associated with the counter.

Abstract: Apparatus for affixing a coin drop mechanism to the front panel of a vending machine in situations where internal tactile and visual access to the rear surface of the machine panel is limited. An external plate assembly includes guide rods extending from threaded studs which are used to align an internal plate assembly supporting the end drive mechanism. Internally threaded tubular locking fixtures applied over the guide rods to engage the studs for clamping the first and second plate assemblies around the panel. When proper assembly has been achieved the tip to the guide rods extends to the locking members to provide a tactical indication that proper installation has been achieved.

Abstract: A device for counting events, such as deposit of coins, providing a control signal after an easily preset number of events has been counted. A binary counter has a parallel output register, with a simple switch and diode connected between each output terminal of the register and a common signal conductor. Individual switches are set to the binary number corresponding to the desired count, so that the voltage on the common conductor changes when the count equals or exceeds the binary preset number. When the circuit receives on electrical signal to be counted, a delay circuit prevents counting for some minimum interval of time, to prevent false counts due to switch bounce or other disturbances which may be related to the event. Energy is stored within the device to maintain the stored count for a short period of time in the event of power interruption between receipt of a first signal to be counted and provision of a control signal when the preset number of counts has been reached.

Abstract: A motor home/soldout detection scheme which can sense N motors home and/or soldout, using only a two wire interface to each motor. The two wire interface can also be matrixed by row and column to further expand the interfacing ability. By channeling the home signal from the control board through the soldout switch the detection of soldout can be assured.

Abstract: An electronic upgrading mechanism for upgrading a mechanical timing device comprising an electrical coin sensing mechanism which is installed abutting a coin carrier mechanism of a mechanical timing device for detection of actuation of a clock winding lever in communication with a coin carriage of the coin carrier mechanism; wherein the actuation of the clock winding lever is caused by a coin placed in the coin carriage wound into primary contact with alternative abutting cam surfaces such abuttal thereof providing an electrical contact with the electrical coin sensing mechanism, having at least one compatible contact thereon, each contact dedicated to the denomination of a coin; wherein the electrical coin sensing mechanism communicates with a programmable electronic digital timing control and display device which is installed within an upgraded mechanical timing device thereby replacing clocking and flagging mechanisms of the mechanical timing device.