Abstract: An adjustable, multi-product vending machine is disclosed which is capable of dispensing a large number of products in a relatively small space using a limited number of coin slides. The device is activated by one or more coin slides which may be of the multi-coin type and comprises a plurality of variable width product dispensing bins, each of which is equipped with a vend plate assembly for individual operation. The bins are easily adjustable in width to accommodate products of various sizes and one vend plate assembly is provided for each bin. An interlock system interacts with the plurality of vend plate assemblies to prevent dispensing more than one product during each operation of a coin slide.

Abstract: A magazine vending machine which is operable solely by manually activated lever mechanisms and without any electric devices. The machine is further characterized in that sample magazines displayed at a show-window are utilizable for sale by lever mechanisms which are automatically operable when the corresponding magazines other than the samples which are stocked for sale in the machine are exhausted.

Abstract: A small-article receiving hopper is mounted on the upper surface of an inclined support and is rotated by connection with the drive shaft of a motor projecting through the support. The disk-like bottom of the hopper is undercut to form a circumferential series of radial and angularly spaced article receiving slots with the innermost end of the slots in overlying relation with respect to an outlet opening formed in the support. A centralized electrical control means controls operation of a selected motor hopper of a plurality of motors, each associated with a different hopper for dispensing different drugs. The motor of the selected hopper is rotated until a desired number of pills is dispensed and is then stopped.

Abstract: An electrically operated control circuit for a multiple selection vending machine with lockout circuits to isolate mal-functioning sections, thereby enabling continued vending machine operations via the remaining functional sections. The lockout circuitry is particularly directed toward sensing and compensating for jammed conditions in the product dispensing mechanisms using a minimal amount of additional circuit elements over non-protected counterpart machines. The malfunction lockout circuitry includes a motor-cam driven embodiment, and a unique thermally sensitive motor thermostat actuated embodiment.

Abstract: An electromechanical interlock device is interposed between an electrical credit system and a mechanical product dispenser. In preferred form, the interlock device includes a solenoid electrically connected to the credit system, and a drive cam adapted to be positively rotated by the manually operated mechanical product dispenser. The interlock device also includes a locking arm spring loaded into locking engagement with the drive cam to prevent unauthorized rotation thereof, an activator arm connected to the solenoid and adapted to remove the locking arm from locking engagement with the drive cam, and a latch lever. The solenoid is electrically energized upon deposit of the coinage required to achieve vending of a product, the solenoid driving the activator arm and, hence, the locking arm, into the unlock position, thereby withdrawing the locking arm from interlock engagement with the drive cam.

Abstract: A dispensing and control system, adaptable to coin operated vending machines, for selective operation of one of the dispensers acting as a means for releasing and dropping a selected merchandise to a delivery location using a mechanical or electrical control. Three dispenser mechanisms, suitable for different merchandise groups, are operable by a low power operating stroke suitable for a fully mechanical machine where the operating power comes from the manual actuation of operating knobs which are visually and mechanically linked to individual dispensers. Same dispensers are operable by an electrical power source using a novel selection system which includes a coupling and resetting control for coupling a selected dispenser actuator to a common power driven actuating member.

Abstract: Coin controlled article vending apparatus which features a hydraulic system to release a selected article from stacked horizontal position for dispensing.