Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved rotary coin mechanism that prevents the theft of vending machine items by preventing the maintained presence of a theft tool used by a thief to interfere with the operation of a coin detector so that a coin slot without a coin of the prescribed size can be rotated past the coin detector to allow product to vend without the insertion of a coin of the prescribed size. The invention closes a gap between the rotating coin disc and the mechanism casing after a coin slot has entered into the rotary coin mechanism casing so that the theft tool cannot be maintained in an inserted position for a sufficient range of rotation of the rotary coin mechanism handle. The invention applies to rotary coin mechanisms that require one or more coins in order to obtain the vended item.

Abstract: A coin mechanism includes a coin conveyor provided with a hub on its front face, which rotates in a recess formed in the rear face of the cover plate. The hub reinforces the structural integrity of the coin conveyor, allowing the mechanism to accommodate large coins without diminishing the reliability of the rotational locking mechanism. Preferably the recess is dimensioned as a bearing for the frontal hub, which secures the coin conveyor against shifting due to wearing of parts so that the mechanism retains a high tolerance for measuring the diameter of the coin over a longer period of time.

Abstract: A coin mechanism capable of accepting two coins simultaneously is provided with generally opposed coin slots with mechanisms for measuring each of the two coins immediately adjacent thereto. The measuring mechanisms includes detente cooperating with front and rear portions of a notched wheel, the detents being mounted so that only one detent cooperates with each portion of the notched wheel. The invention further provides a member for blocking access to the first coin slot as the second coin passes, to prevent removal of the coin therefrom.

Abstract: A coin sorting device of an automatic vending machine which can easily change a price without changing the automatic vending machine or the coin sorting device, is disclosed. In the coin sorting device, each of a pair of coin sorting levers prevents rotation of the turn plate due to engagement of the engaging portion with the coin sorting pawl portion when a put-in coin is smaller than a normal coin. On the other hand, when a put-in coin is the normal coin, the engaging portion is arranged to ride over the coin sorting pawl portion due to a sliding contact of the normal coin following rotation of the turn plate. One of the pair of coin sorting levers is provided with a coupling pin which can couple or coupling-release the coin sorting levers.

Abstract: A coin mechanism capable for simultaneously accepting two coins in generally opposed coin slots measures the diameter and thickness of each coin at the commencement of the actuation of the coin mechanism and includes a rocking blade to obstruct one of the coin slots so as to prevent unauthorized removal of a coin.

Abstract: A single copy publication dispenser having an enclosure with a suitable stationary, but adjustable, platform for retaining a stack of publications thereon. A publication discharge assembly overlies the platform and includes a discharge member which is slidable laterally between first and second positions against the force of springs for enabling selective discharge of a single publication, while the entire discharge assembly is slidable vertically under the force of gravity so that the discharge member abuts against the upper surface of the next publication for discharge. The discharge member includes a pivotable discharge bar operable between a first position at which it grips the publication adjacent an edge thereof as the pull bar is retracted under force of springs. An interlock mechanism is provided between a publication withdrawal pull bar and the coin mechanism for enabling actuation of the discharge assembly only when coins of the proper number and size are present in the mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coin rejector for accepting multiple coins. Upon sequential insertion of two coins of the desired size, a customer can rotate a handle to operate a vending machine. The device employs a rotatable wheel which accepts the disks, positions them adjacently edge-to-edge such that the outer edge of the second disk disables a blocking member which otherwise prevents vending, and deposits the disks into a collection chamber.

Abstract: A vending device for vending machines comprises a spiral coil connected to a coin-operated mechanism that allows rotation thereof and the connected coil when predetermined coins have been inserted into the mechanism. The loops making up the coil comprise closely spaced neighboring loops, remote from the mechanism, capable of supporting and transporting product to be vended as the coil is rotated, and distantly spaced neighboring loops, incapable of supporting the product. As the coil is turned, product is transported toward the mechanism until it reaches the distantly spaced loops where it drops from the spiral into a chute accessible by the purchaser. The mechanism is rotated by coin receivers that are blocked from rotating by spring-urged pawls unless predetermined coins have been inserted therein, or unless disabling tabs are interposed between the receivers and the pawls.

Abstract: A mechanical coin-freed dispensing mechanism which is operated by the energy of the falling coins. Entering coins are sorted into at least two coin sizes that are respectively stacked edge-on-edge in two accumulator columns. The sorting is performed by pairs of rails, one pair for each coin size, along which the coins travel and which allow undersize coins to fall through while oversize coins will not fit between them. When either of two packet-vending drawers is pulled, pairs of fingers are operated that sense whether the correct totals of coins have accumulated in the columns by feeling for the top coin in each column. If either coin total is not correct, a sear or sears operatively connected with the fingers prevent the drawer from being pulled out. When a drawer is pulled out an interlock bar is cammed laterally to lock the other drawer and also swing aside deflector flaps supporting the columns of coins to allow them to fall into cash boxes.

Abstract: A simple coin mechanism for a vending machine is disclosed. The coin mechanism includes a coin carrier designed to review all of the required coinage at one time. The coin mechanism also includes a separate spring loaded coin pawl and ejector cam for each coin. Finally, the coin mechanism includes a backup panel which prevents actuation of the vendor by reverse rotation of the coin carrier.

Abstract: The Mechanism has a platform which has a coin chute formed thereon, and which rotatably journals a slotted plate. In opposite 180.degree. positions a plate slot aligns with the coin chute, there being two of such slots. Each slot has an abutment which, when the slot is aligned with the coin chute, is engageable by a spring-biased pawl to prevent rotation of the plate if no coinage, or inadequate coinage has been passed through the chute to occupy the chute-aligned slot. A second pawl engages reliefs formed in the plate to hold the plate in a position in which a slot is aligned with the chute, and a spring-loaded arm, pivotably coupled to the platform, also positions the plate for coinage reception. An arcuate wall fixed to the platform, and circumjacent the plate, guides coinage to a bottom portion of the Mechanism.