US1159298A - Vending-machine. - Google Patents

Description

I.. A. VALDETTARO.

VENDNG MACHINE.

APPLlcATIoN FILED JULY 3.19m.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

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Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

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A TTUR/VEVS L. A. VALDETTARO.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED IULY 3.1914.

WM Way A TTOHNEYS 1 159 298- Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

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vENnINe MACHINE. Y y APPLICATION FILED IULY 3. I9I4. 1959929 Patented Nov. 1915.

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A TTOR/VEYS L. A. VALDETTARO. VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATIQN FILED JULY 3.1914.

Patented Nov. 2, 1915.

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W/TNE ES M-l TTUR/VEYS LG'XS VALDETTARG, 01T NEW YORK, N. Y.

VENDING-MACHNE.

aisance Specification of Letters Patent.

tatcnted NoT 2, i935;

Application filed July 3, 1914. Serial No. 848,745.

To all whom t may concern f Be it known that i., Louis fr. VALon'r'rAno, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of New v`fork, borough of the Bronx, in the county of liront; and State ot New York, have invented a new and lmproved Vending-ltlachine` ot which the tollowing is a t'ull, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to vendin machines, and relates more particularly to machines ot' that type by which, after the dispensing ot a certain and fixed number ot articles 'for which coins lhave been deposited, the next customer will have his coin vautomatically returned to him in addition to a dispensed article, so that he will receive the latter free of cost.

The invention has tor its general objects to improve the construction ot apparatus of the character referred to so as to be reliable and etlicient in use and absolutely proof against tampering 'with or improper operation.

More specifically the invention has tor its object to provide a simple, effective and novel means whereby the coin, after a certain number have. been deposited in the machine and articles received therefor, will be diverted by a valve mechanism into the article delivery chute or way, so that the purchaser will have his coin returned to him in addition to the article he intended to purchase. i

A; further object otl the invention is the provision ot an improved plunger mechanism which is normally incapable of operation until a coin is first deposited in the machineq when such mechanism is automatically unlocked by. an operating pressure on the plunger, whereby thel plunger mechanism is operatively connected with the article-dispensing mechanism and the coin-return mechanism. v

Still another object of the invention is the provision ot' means tor preventing re-operation of the 'plunger mechanism, unless the same has completed its cycle of operation and returned to normal position, there being a ratchet device which permits the plunger mechanism to move on its operating stroke, and after completion oi the operating stroke the pawl of the ratchet device is held rctracted or in unlocked position so as to permit the plunger mechanism to return to normal position, and at the .last part ot the return movement the pawl is automatically released so as to be ready for action on the next operative stroke. of the plunger.

The invention has as a further object the employment ot a novel coin holder or seat into which the coin is deposited to render the machine operative, such seat having a movable part or keeper which slides laterallyor in a plane parallel with the coin during the operation ot' the plunger mechanism, until the keeper passes out ot' contact with the coin, when the latter is dislodged 'from the seat and drops into a suitable receptacle arranged to receive the coins. With such objects in view, and others which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention comprises various novel features of construction and arrangement out partsfwhich 'will be set Jforth with particularity in the following description and claims appended hereto.

in the accompanving drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the invention and wherein similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views, Figure 1 is a vertical section ot the machine taken parallel to the plane of the Ymovement of the plunger' and dispensing mechanism, the plunger mechanism being shown as having been slightly pushed-inwardly so as to release the lock therefor; F ig. 2 is a similar section on an enlarged scale, showing the operating parts in normal position, that is to say, before an operating pressure is applied to the plunger' mechanism; Fig. 3 is a section similar to Fig. 2, showing the plunger and dispensing mechanisms in the position they occupy at the end ot the operating stroke for dispensing an article; Fig. 4 is a sectional. view showing the plunger mechanism near the end of its return stroke and just about in the act ot unlocking the article dispensing mechanism, so that it can automatically return to its initial position; Fim 5 is a horizontal section of the machine, showing the internal mechanism in plan; Fig. (i is a transverse section on the line 6 6, Fig. 1, drawn on an enlarged scale to illustrate the means for holding a coin in position for rendering the machine operative and thc gearing for the article-dispensing mechanism and the coin-return device; Fie. 7 is a similar section showing the coin keeper or abutment at the extremo of its lateral movement after releasing the coin; Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of the article-dispensing mechanism and showing an article as just having been ejected from. the marjazine or holder; Fig. 9 is a sectional. 'view on the line 9 4), llig. t3: lfig. l() is an enlarged sectional View of the coin-return device; Fig. ll is a detail sectional view on the line l1-1.l, Fig. l, showing the plunger mechanism controlling,- means; vFigs. l2 and lf3 are detail plan views ot the coin holder' or seat and its cooperating, keeper, showing the latter in normal position in the first ligure and in shit'tcd position in the second figure, to permit ot` the ejection of the coin; 14- is a sectional. view on the line .ll-leg Fig. l2, when a coin is in the seat or holder; Fig. l5 is a detail view showing the manner in which the coin is ejected 'from the holder or seat. Fig. lG'is a perspective view ot' the forward end ot' 'the coin engaging element of the plunger inechanism; and Fig. 17 is a sectional view on line lil-ll', Fig. l.

Referring to the drawing', A designates a. casing of any approved design which has a suitably-located magazine or article holder B, a dispensing chute C, an ejecting mechanism D, a plunger mechanism E, a coin receptacle F, a coin return or dispensing mechanism (l, a coin-receiv'ing` mechanism H, a coin supply chute l, and a plungeractuated gear carriage J, through which the article and coin-dispensing mechanism are operated, and thecoin released from the holder H.

The casing` A has a suitably-arranged opening l at the bottom oil the chute (ff, so that the purchaser can remove the article ejected from the magazine after the placing of a coin in the machine and the operation or" the plunger. The magazine is of any clesired construction and in the prei-ent instance it is shown 'as a vertically-disposed tube open at its bottom so that a column ot boxes or other articles 2 may be supported in such a manner that the lowermcst article 3 ma)7 be ejected by ejecting mechanism D and drop into the chute C. A battle 4 is disposed in the upper part of the chute so that the article will. strike the same and be detiected to such a position that it will travel edgewise down the chute o and thereby prevent clogging. rl`he articles 2 are supported on horizontally-disposed members 5 extending inwardly trom opposite walls ot' the casing", and traveling between these members is an ejector G in the iorm of a lever pivoted at Y at an approximately 'central point. and one end ci? the lever is provided with a spring 5% which holds the article-engaging end 9 of the lever in operative position. ln Fig. 1 the ejector 6 has its end 9 disposed behind the lowermost airticle 3, so that when the ejectingr mechanism moves to the lett 'from the position shown in Fig'. l to that shown in Fig'. 8, the lowermost article will slide horizontalhT out ot the magazine and enter the chute C. After the lowermost article has been ejected th.

with pinions 13 on a horizontal transverse shaft le journaled in bearings 15. @n this shaft is a central pinion 16 which meshes with a horizontal rack bar 17 which is tastened to and forms a part ot' the gear carriage d', so that when the carriage mof-'es to the lett from its normal position, by the customer pressingthe plunger mechanis after a coin has been deposited in the ina,- chine. the ejectine mechanism will eject an article. This carriage is slidably supported on horizontal ,guide bars or rods 1S which carry springs 19 that have their left ends bearing against the wall :'20 and the riglht end bearing againstI the portions 2l ot thc carriage, so that when the carriage moves to the le'lt the springs are subjected to compression and react at the proper time to return the carriage to normal prsition, as well as to return the ejector mechanism normal position.

rlfhe. plunger mechanism comprises a horizontally slidable Jframe or carrier 22 that has, as shown in Fig. 5, laterally-extending members 23 and provided with apertures 25 through which extend parallel stationary rods QG and 27, which form supports on which the plunger frame moves. The front end of the plunger frame has a stem 28 which extends outwardly thrrush the front of the casingl and carries a knob or pushbutton 29. The plunger frame normally occupies a position to the eXtreme right, as shown in Figi. Q, anda spring; 30 on the supporting' rod 2G opposes the movement of the plunger to the left when pressure applied to the pushbutton 29, and when pressure is removed from the latter the spring in en panding returns the plunger mechanism to normal position. 'lhe spring; 30 is interposed between a shoulder or stop 31 on the rod 2G and the arm 24 ot' the plunger 'trarne The plunger must be pressed inwardlv its 'full extent before it can return, and 'tor this purpose ratchet teeth 32 are. provided in the horizontal i'lant'e 33 on the trame and cooperating' with these ratchet teeth a spring-presse l pawl 3l which is slidablj/ mounted in a bearingY bracket rigidl'-,T supported in the casing. Toward the end or the movement ot the plunger the pawl 3% engages a cam 36 and is forced outwardly to inoperative position, so that the plunger sition, Fig. 1T, as the siennes can readily return without the paw/l engaging` the ratchet teeth, and when in this inoperative position a spring-pressed catch 37, Fig. 11, engages a shoulder or notch 3S in the pawl 3l and holds the same retracted againstthe tension of the spring 39, which normally operates to hold the pawl in engagement with the ratchet teeth. A releasing cam 4.0 is carried by the plunger frame .22 and is so arranged that it will engage the catch 3T when the plunger is near the end of its return stroke and thereby release the catch 37 as shown in Fig. 11, whereby the spring 39 returns the pawl into cooperative relatitn with the ratchet teeth 32 in order that the pawl will be ready to act when the plunger is again pushed inwardlyl to discharge the article.

On the inner` portion of the plunger trame E22 is a horizontally disposed coin-engaging element or ejector L t1 which is horizontally disposed and has a limited sliding movement in bearings '-12 and 43, and interposed between the hearing #13 and. a collar lei on the coin ejector L11 is a` helical spring 45 which surrounds the ejector. This ejector is disposed in line with the, coin-receiving or holding device ll and when the plunger mechanism is pressed inw rdly the extremity 4G of the element 41 engages the coin and ultimately dislodges it Jfrom the holder at about the time an article is ejected trom the magazine. Then the coin ejector lirst engages the coin as shown in Figs. 1 and 14, the ejector is arrested, while the plunger frame continues to move. This relative movement of the ejector and frame is utilized to unlock the plunger so that it can make its full stroke. The lock for the plunger comprises a vertically movable member 4T slidable in bearings 4S and t9 on the plunger frame This member-or lrck bolt #17 is provided at its upper end with a linger 50, Fig. 11, which is adapted to engage a fixed stop 51 on the bracket 35, the under side of which is inclined at 51". Fig. 1T, to permit the finger 50 to ride under and past the same from the-'full to the dotted line poplunger reaches the end ot its return stroke.

A spring is arranged on the locking bolt L1T and has one end bearing on a collar 58 andthe lower end resting on the bearing 48, whereby the spring urges the bolt upwardly so that the linger 50 will be in line with the stop 51. This is the normal position ot' the parts, so that the plunger cannot be operated, except for a fraction of an inch. unless a coin is placed in the machine, when the locking bolt will be automatically withdrawn and allow the plunger to move its full stroke. This withdrawing of the bolt is effected by a spring-actuated boltthrowing red 5st slidable in bearings and 56, Figs. 2 and 3, on the plunger trame Q2.

One end ot this rod M has a cam 57 located adjacent the locking bolt so as to engage the upper end ot' thel latter and cause the bolt to be depressed for throwing the linger 5() of the locking bolt below the stop :31. The unlocking movement ot' the rod 54 is etlected by a helical spring 58 arranged thereon with one end of the spring engaging the bearing 56 and the other end engaging an abutment 59 carried by the rod 54:. This bolt-throwing rod 54: is held in set position by a spring-pressed deg or pawl 60 pivote-d on the plunger trame and so arranged as to engage in a notch 51 in the rod 54:, and when the pawl is engaged in this notch, as shown in Fig. 2, the spring 58 will be under sul'licient tension to cause the rod 54- to move to the left, Fig. 2, when the dog (3() is released, and consequently the bolt 17 will be thrown to unlccked position, so that the plunger can be operated. The releasing of the dog G0 is etl'ected by the coin ejector l11, which has on its end 41 a dog-engaging member 62 that extends over the drg and under the rod 54, the action being such that, when a coin is placed in the machine and the plunger is operated, the coin ejector 41 will first engage the coin and be arrested thereby, while the plunger frame and the parts carried thereby will continue to more toward the left, Fig. Q, and as the part (i2 is relatively stationary with the coin ejector, the dog (l0 will be released and allow the lwlt-throwing rod 54 to shift from the position shown in Fig. E2 to that shown in Fig. 1. thereby releasing the plunger and permitting it-to move its lull stroke for dispensing an article from the magazine.

The plunger' frame when moving inwardly imparts motion to the gear carriage J, and although this carriage and the plungerl are separate. the operating connection is effected by the plunger locking bolt 47. llVhen this bolt is depressed or unlocked its lower end 47 engages the front end of a horizontallyextending member G3 which extends Jfrom the right end of the carriage J, and consequently, as the plunger' moves to the left, the carriage travels with it, and in so doing the rack bar 17 turns the pinion 1G and causes the article-ejecting mechanism to operate. During the latter part of the articleejecting movement of the carriage a detent Gt comes into play, and the hook or catch (35 thereof drops behind the right end ot' tb@ member (i3. as shown in Fig. 3, so that the carriage will be locked in its extreme left position. Before the plunger reaches the end of its stroke to the left the bolt-throwing rodv oel encounters an abutment or stop 66 which arrests the said rod while the plunger frame continues to move, and consequently the locking bolt 4L? is moved 'from engagement with the cam 57 of the rod 54, but by reason of its being pressed against shown in Fig. 3.

rested by the abutment 66 the iii) the end of the member 63 there is sufficient friction existent to keep the locking bolt down, and it is only when pressure is removed from the push button or plunger and the latter starts rearwardly that the locking bolt springs upwardly to the position When the rod 54 is arcatch or dog 60 engages in the notch G1 so that the caln 57 will be held out of engagement with the locking bolt 47 as the plunger returns to its normal position. The carriage J remains in its left position until the plunger has almost completed its return or backward stroke, when a detent-releasing member 67 moves under the lower end of the detent G1 and raises its catch G5 out of engagement with the member 63. so that the carriage 'J will return to the position shown in Fig. 9., by the expansion of the springs 19. The detent 61 is pivoted adjacent one end so that .the arm that carries the catch will be heavier than the other arm. To insure positive action the spring 68 is connected with 'the' shorter arm to cause a constant pressure on the catch-carrying arm to urge the latter downwardly.

The coin chute I is of any desired constructionl and embodies a tube so proportioned as to receive a coin of a given denomi-I nation, and adjacent the bottom of the chute is a transverse vopening 69 through which a knife 70 carried by the plunger is adapted to pass at the beginning of the operation of the machine. so that if any device instead of a coin is inserted in the machine the knife will eithercut or engage such device and prevent the same from functioning as a coin to render the machine operative.

The coin-holding element H comprises a vertically-disposed pla-te 71 which is located directly under the chute and, as shown in Figs. 6, 7, 12 to 15, this plate has a vertical passage 72 open at its top and bottom and open on its rear side, and the side edges are formed with shoulders -73 which serve to arrest the coin delivered from the chute I provided the coin is of the proper denomination. A smaller coin would pass through the lower end of the passage l72 without rendering the machine operative. The `upper edge of the plate 71 has a notch or recess 74 to permit the coin ejector v-l1 to enter and disengage the coin from the shoulders 72 as shown in Figs. 13 and 15. The open rear side of the coin holder 71 is initially closed by a sliding keeper 75 which is a recessed plate parallel with the plate 71. This keeper 75 is slidable on a pair of bars or equivalent means 76 rigidly supported with respect to the coin-holding plate 71. hen the keeper is in the position shown in Figs. 6 and 12 the pressure of the coin ejector l1 holds the coin against the keeper, and during the operation of the plunger mechanism and the movement of the carriage J', the keeper slides to the position shown in Figs. 7 and 13, thereby freeing a coin and allowing it to be thrown out of the coin passage 72 and thence drop into a hopper K located under the carriage J. This movement of the keeper is produced by a pinion 77 meshing with a rack bar 78 on the bottom of the keeper 75, this pinion being fastened to a shaft 79 suitably supported in the carriage J and being connected by bevel gears S() with a vertical shaft 81 which is valso mounted in the carriage J, and on the lower end of this shaft 81 is a pinion which meshes with a horizontal stationary rack bar 83, so that, as the carriage moves, the coin keeper will reciprocate from the position shown in Fig. 12 to that shown in Fig. 13, and vice versa.

The coin-return or refunding mechanism is located between the coin hopper K and `coin receptacle F and it includes a short throat or neck Si, Fig. 10, which forms a vertical passage between the hopper and coin receptacle. In this hopper is mounted a valve 85 which swings from one side of the throat or passage to the other. The normal position. of the valve is shown in 2, and it allows the coins to drop into the receptacle F. IVhen, however, a predetermined number of articles have been dispensed the machine will automatically throw the valve 85 to the position shown in Fi 10, so that the customer will have his coin 'returned to him in addition Ato receiving the article he intends to purchase, for when the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 10. the coin will drop into the chute C and pass downwardly to the bottom, where it can be taken out with the article purchased. rl`his valve swings on a horizontal axis 8G at its bottom and is connected by link means 87 with a lever S8 fulcrumed at 89. The upper end 90 of the lever is ar anged in the path of a projection or cam device 91 which is fastened to a gear 92 on the shaft 93. This gear meshes with a smaller gear 9-'L on the shaft 95, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 1G. such shaft having a larger gear 96 that meshes witha rack bar 97 on the gear carriage J. Avratchet wheel 98 and pawl 99 cause the shaft and gear wheel 9G to move together asa unit in an anti-clockwise direction, but permit the shaft 9.3 to remain stationary while the gear 9G is moved in a clockwise direction 4with the return movemeut of the carriage J'. To insure against reverse rotation of the shaft 95 a star-wheel 100 is fastened to the shaft` and cooperating therewith is a spring pawl 101. lith 'this arrangement it is obvious that with every revolution of the cam-carrying' wheel the cam 91 will strike the lever S8 and cause the valve or gate S5 to shift from its normal position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 10. Clogging is prevented by a baiile 84 in the passage 84.

The coins can be removed from the lcoin receptacle F by a suitably arranged normally locked door 102. A trap may be provided at the bottom of the chute to break the force of the dispensed article, as well as to prev-ent anything from being introduced into the machine in an attempt to steal articles from the magazine. For this purpose the lower portion of the bottom of the chute is formed into a trap 103 that is hinged at 10-'1 and is connected by a suitable flexible element 105 with the member 63 of .the carriage J, such iexible elelnent passing around a guide pulley 106, so that, as the machine is operated, the trap 103 swings upwardly from the position shown in Fig. l to that shown in Fig. 3. The article in passing down the chute will land on the upwardlyswung trap or plate 103 and be arrested by a stop 107 which is vertically slidable in a guide 108on the side of the coin receptacle F, and when the carriage J returns to normal position the swinging element 103 will move downwardly to the position shown in Fig. 1 and thereby allow the article to gently continue its movement to the dispensing opening 1- of the casing.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the advantages of the construction and method of operation will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains, and while I. have described the apparatus which I new consider tov be the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is merely illustrative and that such changes may be made when desired as are Within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, .l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A vending machine comprising a dispensing mechanism, a plunger mechanism for operating the dispensing mechanism and normally having a limited initial movement independent of the latter, a lock for limiting f the initial movement of the plunger mechanismand preventing the complete movement unless a coin is deposited, means for holding a deposited coin, said lock being mounted independently of the coin-holding means, and a device movable into engagement with the coin by the initial movement of the plunger mechanism for releasing the lock for permitting the plunger mechanism to be fully operated.

2. A vending machine comprising a dispensing mechanism, a plunger mechanism for operating the dispensing mechanism and normally having a limited initial movement independent of the plunger, a lock for limiting the initial movement of the plunger v'for effecting an mechanism and preventing the complete movement unless a coin is deposited, means for holding a deposited coin, said lock being mounted independently of the coin-hold- Abolt mounted thereon, a ixed'stop with which the bolt normally engages, a boltthrowing element on the frame and normally tending to actuate the bolt, a device for holding the said element out of vengagement with the bolt, and a coin-engaged means acting during the initial movement of the slideto release the said device to permit the bolt-throwing element to unlock the bolt.

el. In a vending machine, a plunger mechanism including a sliding frame, a locking bolt mounted thereon, a fixed stop with which the bolt normally engages, a boltthrowing element on the frame and normally tending to actuate the bolt, a device for holding the said element out of engagement with the bolt, a coin-engaged means acting during the initial movement ofthe slide to release the said device to permit the bolt-throwing element to unlock the bolt, and a dispensing mechanism. arranged to be operatively connected with the plunger mechanism through the said bolt When it has been thrown by the said element.

In a vending machine, a plunger including a slide, a dispensing mechanism including an actuator, a lock carried by the slide and adapted when in unlocking position to engage the actuator for transmitting motion thereto from the plunger mechanism, a spring-actuated lock-throwing element mounted on the slide, a dog for holding the said element in set position disengaged from the lock, a yieldingly mounted member on the slide for releasing the said dog,vmeans adapted to hold a coin with which the member engages during the first part of the movement of the slide to cause the said dog to be released and to permit the said element to throw the said lock to unlocking position, and means with which the said element Vengages during the latter part of the operative movement of the slide automatic resetting of the element and permitting the lock to disengage from the actuator of the dispensing mechanism and return to locking position.

6. In a vending machine, a dispensing mechanism. a plunger' mechanism including a slide, a fixed stop, alocking bolt mounted on the slide and normally engageable with the stop to permit only a limited initial movement of the slide, coin-controlled means normally tending to unlock the bolt and adapted to be released and unlock the bolt by the initial movement of the slide after a coin is inserted in the machine, and a member engageable with the inserted coin during the lirst part of the movement oi' the slide, causing said means to operate to unlock the bolt to permit the slide to complete its movement.

7. In a vending machine. a plunger mechanism including a slide, a fixed stop, a locking bolt mounted on the slide and normally lengageable with the stop to permit only a limited initial movement of the slide, coincontrolled means under spring tension tending normally to unlock the bolt and adapted to be released and unlock the bolt by the initial movement of the slide after a coin is inserted in the machine, a member movably mounted on the slide and movable therewith during the rst part of its movement to engage the inserted ,coin and thereby throw the said means into action for releasing the bolt and permitting the slide to fully operate, and a dispensing mechanism vautomatically operatively connected with the slide when the bolt is in unlocking position.

8. In a vending machine, a dispensing mechanism, a plunger mechanism including a' slide, a fixed stop, a locking bolt mounted on the slide and normally engageable with the stop tov perm-it only a limited initial movement of the slide, coin-controlled means movable into engagement with and actuating the bolt to unlock the same by the initial movement of the slide after a coin is inserted in the machine, a member movably mounted on the slide and movable therewith during the first part of its movement to engage the inserted coin and thereby throw the said means into action for releasing the bolt and permitting the slide to fully operate, and means for preventing return movement of the slide after the bolt has been unlocked, ex-

cept by moving the slide throughout its full forward stroke.

9. In a vending machine, a dispensing mechanism, a plunger mechanism for operating the same and including a reciprocatory frame, a coin holder toward and from which the frame moves, a lock spaced from and mounted independently of the coin holder for normally preventing a movement of the frame sufficient to operate the dispensing mechanism, a device movable on and carried by the said frame and arranged to engage a coin in the said holder during the initial movement of the frame for releasing the lock to permit full movement of the frame, ratchet teeth on the frame, and a pawl arranged to engage the said teeth for preventing return movement of the frame, until after the latter has moved its complete stroke. l

10. Ina vending machine, a plunger mechanism including a reciprocatory body, a locking bolt carried thereby, a fixed abutment with which the bolt is adapted to engage to permit normally only a. limited movement of the said body, a spring actuated means for throwing the bolt to unlocking position when the said body is initially moved, a catch normally holding said means against movement, a device adapted to engage a deposited coin when the said body is initially moved to release the said device, a set of ratchet teeth on the body, a spring-pressed pawl engaging the teeth to prevent return movement ot' the said body until it has reached the end of its operative stroke, and means .tor automatically releasing the pawl to permit the return movement of the body and adapted to automatically disengage the pawl to permit the same to reengage the ratchet teeth after the body has reached the end of its return stroke.

11. In a vending machine, a plunger mechanism including a reeiprocatory body adapted to be Vmanually moved on its forward stroke, a spring means for returning the body to initial position, a coin-engaging member mounted on the body, a spring pressing on the member to permit the latter to yield when engaged with the coin, a locking device normally preventing full operative movement of the said body, means carried by the body and tending normally to unlock the said device, and meansactuated by the movement of the said member to release. the second-mentioned means to cause the locking device to unlock.

In a vending machine, the combination of a plunger mechanism, a coin holder into which a coin is deposited and having a movable part adapted to move to release the coin, a plunger locking device, means carried by the plunger and arranged to engage and be released by a coin in the holder for unlocking the said device by the first part of the movement of the plunger mechanism to permit the plunger to operate, a reciprocatory element actuated by the plunger' and movable transversely to the movable part of thel coin holder, a dispensing mechanism operated by the said element, and means for moving the movable part of the said coin holder by said element to permit the coin to be released simultaneously with the movement of the said element.

13. In a lvending machine, the combination of a plunger mechanism, a coin holder into which a coin is deposited and having a movable part adapted to move to release the coin, a plunger locking device, means carried by the plunger and arranged to engage and be released by a coin in the holder for unlocking the said device by the first part of element.

the movement of the plunger mechanism to permit the plunger to operate, a reciprocatory element actuated by the plunger and movable transversely to the movable part of the coin holder, a dispensing mechanism operated by the said element, and a gearing for moving the movable part of the said coin holder by said element to permit the coin to be released simultaneously with the movement of the said element.

14. In a vending machine, a plunger, a lock for the plunger, a releasing device on the plunger for releasing the lock, a coinengaging member mov-ably mounted on the plunger and controlling the releasing device to unlock the said lock during the first part of the movement of the plunger, means for receiving a coin and holding the same in a position to be engaged by the said member, a reciprocatory element actuated by the plunger in one direction, means for moving the element in the opposite direction, and a dispensing mechanism operated by the said 15. In a vending machine, the combination yof a plunger mechanism, a reciprocatory element normally disengaged from the said mechanism, a coin-controlled lock normally locking the plunger mechanism and when released forming a connector between the mechanism to move together, a dispensing mechanism operated by the said element, a detent engaging the said element after the same has reached the end of its operative stroke, means carried by the plunger mechanism for disengaging the detent when the plunger mechanism has reached the endof its return stroke, and means for returning the said element when the detent is disengaged therefrom.

16. In la vending machine, the combination of a reciprocatory plunger, a reciprocatory element, a coin-controlled device carried by the plunger to normally lock the same and adapted when released to engage the said element to move the latter with the plunger, spring means for returning the plunger and element to normal position, a device for automatically engaging the element when it has reached the end of its operative stroke and arrested thereby while the plunger returns, means on the plunger for disengaging the device to permit said element to return to normal position, and a dispensing mechanism operated by the said element.

17. In a vending machine, the-combination of a dispensing mechanism, a coin-controlled operating means therefor, a device for holding a coin in position to control the said operating means, said device comprising a fixed element adapted to receive a coin of a definite denomination, a keeper movable with respect to the said fixed element, means for moving the said movable element to permit a coin to be dislodged from the fixed element, and means carried by the operating means` to dislodge the coin when the movable element is moved away from the'fixed element.

18. Inv a vending machine, the combination of a reciprocatory plunger, a carriage operated thereby, a dispensing mechanism operated by the carriage, a coin chute, a reciprocatory coin holding element, a movable keeper associated with the said element to initially hold a coin in a position to permit the plunger to operate, and a gearing whereby movement of the carriage causes move-l ment of the said keeper to a position to permit the coin topdislodge from the holding element.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

Louis A. vALDETTARo.

Witnesses:

CHATTAN BRADWAY, PHILir D. ROLLHAUS.

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