US2300956A - Vending machine - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 3, 1942. G. P. MERGENs VENDING MACHINE Filed April 2:5, 19,40

4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. g2-ae se P, Afines/vs NITORAIEY.l

Nv. 3, 1942.` G, p MERGENS I `2,300,956

VENDING MACHINE Filed April 23. 1940 4 'Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

` 520126.52 /l/keews ATTORNEY.

G. P. MERGENS I VENDING' MACHINE Filed April 25,

Nov. 3, 1942.

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Q1-*oase l. Aff/965m; f

ATTORNEY.

NOV- 3, 1942-I G.' P. M-:RGENS VENDING MACHINE Filedl April 23. 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. kofef P. /Vfe @5A/s ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 3, 1942 VENDING MACHINE George P. Morgens, Hollis, N. Y., assigner to Arthur H. Du Grenier, Ina, a corporation of Massachusetts Application April 23, 1940, Serial No. 331,145

ze claims. (c1. :n2-e5) This invention relates to improvements in vendlng ma'chines and has for an object the provision of a :coin or check controlled apparatus sufciently sturdy to 4protect the merchandise therein against theft, yet simple in construction, economical to manufacture, and reliable in operation.

Another obj-ect of the invention is the provision, in a vending machine, of means for individually supporting the merchandise units to be vended, Without imposing the weight orf any unit upon any other unit, and for successively delivering said units as the machine is operated.

A further object of the invention is the provision, in a Vending machine, of a plurality of article receiving compartments or magazines ar-v ranged successively one above the other and adapted to successively discharge theA article in each compartment into a common chutefor delivery to the operator.

Another object of the invention is the provision, in a vending machine, of inclined supporting members, a plurality of superimposed article cells retained in position thereon by means which, when operated, successively releases the articles from said cells and permits the released articles under the urge of gravity, to enter a delivery chute.

Another object` of the invention is the provision, in a vending machine, of a plurality of magazines, each having article releasing means, and an actuator common to all of said releasing means, whereby the operator may selectively a'ctuate the article releasing mean-s of any desired magazine.

A further object of the invention is the provision, in vending apparatus, of a plurality of magazines, each having an article releasing means associated` therewith; each releasing means adapted to be advanced in steps, whereby the articles in said magazines are successively released as the apparatus is operated.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision, in vending apparatus, of a plurality of inclined supports, and article cells .carried on said supports; ea'ch cell or lblock containing a plurality of articles,r each separated from the other by a locked gate. These gates normally depend in vertical positions and are adapted to be successively released and swung into position for releasing the articles angularly.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

VIn the accompanying drawings, which are merely given as an example of one form of apparatus embodying" the invention:

fifi

Figure 1 is a sectional right side elevation of the apparatus illustrating the invention;

4Figure 2 is a left side elevation of the apparatus in Figure 1 with portions broken away and certain parts omitted, for the sake of clarity;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus with portions sho-wn in section;

'Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sketch of the gate mechanism with `the actuating pawl for releasing the gate shown in the position for actuating the lowest gate;

Figure 5 is a view of the gate mechanism with the parts in their advanced positions;

Figure 6 is an elevation similar to FigureV 4 showing how the gate is reset;

Figure 7 is a similar elevation with the parts in other positions;

Figure 8 is an enlarged section taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is an enlarged section vtaken along the line 9 9 of Figure 3;

, Figure 10 is an enlarged section taken along the line Ill-#l0 of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is an enlarged section taken along the line l l-| l of Figure 3;

Figure 12 is a detail, partly in section of a modified form of mechanism for resetting the gate releasing means;

Figure 13 is a detail, partly in section, of the modified mechanism shown in Figure 12 with some of the parts in other positions; and

Figure 14 is a detail, partly in section, taken along the line lil- I4 of Figure 3.

A framework generally designated by the numeral ii! and carrying the various parts and mechanisms lis housed ina casing H, and may be bodily removed therefrom. A plurality of supporting members I2 are secured to the vertical front and rear members I3 and I4 of the framework it in parallel spaced relation to each other. The members I2 are arranged one above the other and slant downwardly towards the rear (Figure 2). Each member t2 has a vertical wall por-tion I5 formed with an inwardly directed p0rtion I6 along the upper edge thereof having downwardly extending lugs Il spaced apart from the wall portion I5 as shown in detail in Figure 8.

Member-s i3 hav-ing transversely extending magazine forming wall portions I9, ISa are secured at one side by vertical flanges 20 to the lugs i1, The magazine walls 19, y19a are arranged in vertically spaced parallel relation and extend downwardly toward the rear at an angle steeper than the angle of repose to allow articles thereon, when released, to readily slide therefrom for delivery to the operator. The several walls I9, I 9a provide therebetween a vertical series of inclined magazines 2|, in which the lower wall portions I9 form the oors or supports upon which the merchandise units to be dispensed are retained. The walls I9, lea are supported at their upper ends by a vertical frame member 22.

The front wall of the casing II has windows IIa formed therein in alignment with the several magazines ZI so that the uppermost articles therein (which are the nal ones to be dispensed) are exposed to view.

Division of eacliv magasine inzio a plurality of cells The merchandise units to be dispensed are retained within each magazine 2| upon the inclined walls I9 thereof in spaced successive positions by a series of gates 23 pivoted at their upper edges 24 to the upper wall I9, Ita of the magazine. The gates 23 are normally under the vurge of spring means 24 to swing upwardly in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 5 to release the articles. However the gates are retained and locked in vertical positions by members 25 retained in slidable engagement with the corresponding member l2 by the pin and slot connections 25. Thus it will be seen that the magazines 2 I are each divided into a plurality of merchandise or article cells by said gates, and each time the machine is operated a gate is opened and only one article from a magazine is released; leaving all of the other articles in the other cells in said magazine and the articles in the cells in the other magazines undisturbed. The member 25 forms a part of an actuating device 2l which is advanced in steps for successively releasing or unlocking the gates 23 beginning with the lowermost one at the rear for permitting the article retained thereby to slide into the chute 28, which is common to the several compartments ZI, for the delivery of articles to the operator.

The cell forming gates 23 are retained locked in vertically depending positions against the urge of the spring means 24 by the engagement of the rear fingers 29 on the gates with the underside of an overhanging ange 30 extending longitudinally on the slide 25 from the upper edge thereof. The flange 30 has equally spaced openings 3I formed therein which in the forward or normal position of the slide 25 are positioned at progressively increasing distances from the points of engagement of the upper edges 32 of the laterally directed angular portions 29a of the lingers 29 with the flange 30.

The actuating device 2l may have a ratchet mechanism including a ratchet member 33 secured to the slide 25 in spaced relation thereto by the pins 34 with supporting member I2 therebetween. A recess 35 (Figure '7) provides clearance for the pins 34 when the members are actuated. A number of teeth 36 (corresponding with the number of gates to be actuated or released) is formed in the upper surface of the ratchet member 33. See Figure 1.

Successive release of the cell gates Each member is actuated by the successive engagement of a pawl 3l with .the teeth 3S. The pawl 3l is pivotally connected at 38 to one arm of a bell-crank 39 pivotally connected to the member I2 by pivot stud 43. The other arm of the bell-crank carries a stud 4I adapted to be engagedin cooperative relationship by a common actuator means 42 as will presently be described. A spring 43 has one end connected to the pawl 37 and the other end connected to the bell crank 39 to normally urge the pawl 3l in a clockwise direction thereby maintaining it disengaged from the teeth 35 and to maintain the lever 39 in engagement with a :stop lll/l carried on the member I2. The pawl 3l in the disengaged position rests upon the pin 55. A camming portion 36 formed cn the pawl cooperates with said pin 65 for effectively guiding the end dl of the pawl into engagement with successive teeth 3'3 as the pawl is successively actuated.

The upper end of the member 33 has an elevatcd portion 553, the upper surface of which forms the ledge 19 which supports the end il of the pawl 3l when it returns after the actuation of the member 33 as :shown in the upper portion of Figure 1. As the pawl 3l is returning the camming surface 56 engages the incline 5l between the surface 69 and the teeth 36 and is guided thereover and onto the ledge surface 4S disengaged from the pin 45.

When the pawl 3l is at rest upon the ledge t9 cooperating with a stop 52 disposed in the path thereof it prevents full movement of the actuator 42 if the latter is connected to the pawl 2l' of an empty or exhausted magazine ZI. This prevents a coin or coins lodged in the coin controlled mechanism E3 from being accepted. The ,stop 52 may be a member pivotally supported at 54 on the member I2 adjacent to the member 33, and has its lower surface overlying and normally clearing the teeth 3S. The forward end of the member 52 has a recess 55 formed therein to provide clearance for the pawl 3l as the latter (when actuated successively) moves member 33 in steps.

A relatively light spring 55 may be employed to augment the force of gravity in maintaining the stop member 52 in engagement with the ratchet member 33. The stop member 52 is therefore free to yield when engaged by the pawl 3l as it is reciprocated to advance the ratchet member 33 and will therefore not interfere with the operation of the pawl while the latter is disposed in position to act as a stop if an attempt be made to advance the pawl when the associated compartment becomes exhausted after the member 33 attains its rearmost position.

A series of recesses 5l is formed on the upper edge of the lower end of the member 33. A pivoted dog 58 has a nose 59 retained in engagement with one of the recesses 5'! under the urge of a spring S0 for centering and holding the member 33 in the successive positions effected by the action of the pawl 3l against the teeth 35.

Method of supporting 'the actuator device The actuator device 42 includes a portion GI reciprocally movable on the vertical Web 52 of a member 'I9 of L cross section secured to the vertical frame member I3, as may be seen in Figures 1 and 3. The web E2 forms a guide rail for the portion 6I, while the latter also includes an intermediate portion 63 engaging the rear face of the web 62. A flange strip 64 which is a continuation of the portion 63, extends rearwardly to a point adjacent to the bell-crank 39. The opposite face of the web 62 is engaged by a strip 65 which is a continuation of the portion SI. The member EI carries a pin 66a which eX- tends through a slot 65 formed in the web 62, and which not only retains 6I, 63, 65 in engagement with the web E2, but also defines the limits of the movement thereof.

the corresponding latch 6,1.

Selectively connecting actuator with ratchet mechanisms of the magazines The actuator device may be selectively connected in operative relation to the ratchet mechnisms 21 of any of the magazines 2| by means of latches 61 pivotally carried by the flange strip 64 contiguous to the bell-cranks 39, there being one latch for each bell-crank. The latches 61 are supported on pivots 68 carried by the flange strip B4 and normally hang downwardly from said pivots in the positions shown in Figure 1. Hooks 69 at the lower ends of the latches are thereby positioned to engage the corresponding studs 4| of the levers 39 when any one of said latches is swung rearwardly as shown in dot-dash lines in the third group down in Figure 1.

A plurality of plungers 18 have their ends eX- tending through the front wall of the casing I |,l

each plunger is preferably positioned in line with the magazine it controls, so that when it is desired to obtain an article from a given compartment the operator can see which selector to operate.

The plungers form a free working fit with holes formed in the flange or strip |3a and at the rear thereof are supported by the iixed guide member 62, provision being made to allow reciprocation of the actuator device 42 relative to said plungers in either of the positions thereof. Each plunger 18 carries a pin or lug 1| co-acting with Each latch has formed therein a V shaped opening 15, the widest portion of the V being in the upper portions near the pivots 88, and the pins normally extend into the V shaped openings at said widest portion, thereby permitting the latches to reciprocate relative to the plungers 10 in both the normal andprojected positions of said latches, as the actuattor device is moved. When any plunger 10 is depressed the corresponding latch 61 is swung rearwardly, as shown in dot-dash lines in Figure 1, to engage the stud 4| on the lever 39. The pin 1| of the depressed plunger by this action engages the right edge 13 of the V opening ing the said reciprocation and to retain said last latches in inoperative positions and prevent them from being accidently projected.

The plungers 19 carry with rearwardly extending nose portions 16 the angular faces of which may cooperate with the beveled ends 11 and 11a of the blocks 18, 18a which are retained in sliding engagement with member 19 by the guide clips 88. The lowermost block 18a is positively secured to the ange 19 and forms an abutment for the block 18 adjacent thereto. The beveled ends of the blocks 18, 18a terminate in horizontal surfaces 8| which on adjacent ends of said blocks are adapted to normally abut each other when the plungers are in projected positions. The bevels on the ends of the blocks are at approximately 45 angles with respect to the axes of the blocks, so that the ends 11 and 11a of adjacent members 18, 18a form a recess 82 therebetween of substantially ninety degrees. The angular edges 83 of each of the cooperating nose portions 1B are formed on corresponding faces to provide a right angular nose having the edges 83 thereof disposed in parallel relation to and adapted to cooperate with the adjacent faces 11 and 11a. The upper edges 83 as seen in Figures 1 and 14,

normally engage the adjacent edges 11 of the block 18 in camming relation and the lower edges 83 are in spaced relation to the edges 11a. Each nose 18 is of reduced area compared to the area of the corresponding axis of the corresponding recess 82. Upon-actuation of any plunger 10, the blocks 18 above said plunger are moved upwardly to elect the displacement of a pivoted latch 84 normally disposed in thelpath of the actuator device 42 to prevent its actuation when none of the plungers 18 is depressed. The latch 84 also limits the upward movement of the blocks 18.

When any plunger 10 is depressed, the adjacent edges 11 and 83 cooperate to exert a camming action which elevates those blocks 18 above the plunger depressed, and cause the corresponding edges 11a thereof to engage the lower edges 83 of the noses 18 of such upper members 18. The nose portion 16 on the depressed plunger 10 enters its corresponding recess 82 to engage both edges 11 and 11a of the adjacent blocks 18, 18a. The clearance provided between the successive members 18, 18a is suflicient to allow the depression of any plunger into position as above described before such clearance is taken up by the wedging action of the depressed nose 16. In the construction as above described if a plunger 19 above the one depressed is also depressed, the block 18 engaging the upper nose edge of the second depressed plunger will be forced downwardly to exert a camming action on the plunger first depressed and force the same into projected position.

If a plunger 18 below the depressed plunger also be depressed, the member 18 engaging the lower nose edge 83 of the plunger first depressed will be forced upwardly to exert a camming action on said first plunger and likewise force the same into projected action.

Each plunger 10 has depressions 85 and 86. A spring detent 81 carried on the flange |3a cooperates with their 'depressions to respectively define the outermost and innermost positions of the plunger and to retain the same in either position, one detent 81 being provided for each plunger.

Each plunger 18 has formed therein slots 88 and 89 cooperating with the edge 90 of the for- Y ward flange 85 to prevent actuation of the plungers when the actuator device 42 is being actuated.

The edge 98 has semi-circular recesses 9| formed therein `and normally registering with the plungers "Eil to allow the depression of any one thereof. When the actuator device is moved, the edge thereof enters the slots 88 of the plungers which vhave not been depressed, and enters the slot 89 of the depressed plunger to prevent the actuation thereof.

The release of the common actuator device by coins The common actuator device 42 is released and operated by the coin controlled mechanism 53 mounted at one side of the machine upon a panel 92. The mechanism 53 includes a support 93 upon which a coin carrier 9d slides. The carrier Slihas a coin pocket into which a coin is deposited through chute 98. The slide carrier is operated by a plunger 91 also extending through the front wall of the casing li. A detent 98 is pivoted at 99 to the panel 82 and extends rearwardly above the carrier 94. A projection |88 on the detent is normally held in the path of a shoulder |82 on the carrier 94 by the spring |0|, to limit the movement of the latter when the vforward movement of the slide 94 when the manual member 9i' is pulled out causes the coin to exert a camming action against the nose |93 of the detent 93, raising the same thereby moving the projector |96 out of the path of the shoulder |92, and allowing the carrier 94 to move forward and the actuating device 42 to operate. As the carrier moves forward the coin is also carried forward and drops through the slot |94 to be retained.

A link E95 is pivotally connected at one end |95a to a lug |99 on the actuator device 42. The other end |9519 of link |95 is pivotally connected to the coin carrier 99. lThe plate 92 has a slot 92a formed therein in which the pivot Ib rides.

By pushing the plunger Sl inwardly, any coin inserted may be returned before the mechanism is actuated. Vhen the plunger 9T is pushed in, the coin is moved rearwardly until it reaches the slot |91, where it falls out into the delivery chamber at the bottom of the machine and may be recovered by the operator.

An arm |93 pivoted on the panel 92 at |29 carries on its lower end a roller finger ISSa extending through a slot |9913 to engage the coin carrier 9d. The forward movement of the arm |08 is limited by engagement of the roller with the forward edge ci the slot iddo. A spring |99 has one end connected to the link |95 and the other end connected to the swinging arm |98. When the plunger 97 is pulled out to actuate the mechanism, the link |95 is moved and the spring |99 is tensioned due to the fact that arm |98 is then stationary. On the other hand when the plunger 9T is pushed in to return the coin, the arm |93 is moved rearwardly and the tension |09 is tensioned due to the fact that the link is then stationary, and the pivot |950 is free to ride in a slot 94a provided in coin carrier 94. When the plunger 91 is released after being actuated in either direction the same spring |09 causes the plunger to return to its normal intermediate position.

General description A block i9 secured to the support 93 has serrations |2| formed along its top edge. A pawl |22 is carried on a pivot |23 secured to the coin carrier 95 and has its engaging end extending downwardly to engage the serrations |2| as the carriers are moved to the left (Figure l). A spring |24 is secured to an ear on the pawl |22 and to the carrier 95 so as to normally maintain the pawl vertically.

The ratchet mechanism 2l for successively releasing each series of gates or partitions 23 is automatically reset or returned step-by-step to normal or starting position by resetting means actuated by the several gates when each is manually returned into vertical or article retaining position, preferably at the time that the machine is reloaded with merchandise. For this purpose, the slide member 25 carries at its lower edge a series of upwardly projecting ears l2 .disposed in the return paths of the lower edges 32a of the angularly related portions 29a of the fingers 29 secured to the gates 23 (Figures 6 and 7). These ears are successively arranged slightly in advance of the axes of the openings 3|. When any gate 23 is released by actuation of step-bystep actuating device 21 the angular portion 29 thereof moving along the flange 39 encounters and swings into the contiguous opening 3|. When any such gate 23 is thereafter manually returned to article retaining position the lower end 32a of the portions 29d engages the projection ||2 to move the step actuating device 2l together with the slide 25 in the resetting direction one step as shown in Figures 6 and '7, the extent of the return movement being determined or limited by engagement of the shank portion H3 of the finger 29 with a stop ifi formed in the upper edges of the ilanges 29. When the shank ||3 engages the stop H4 further return movement of the parts is prevented, and upon release of the gate 23 actuated the upped edge 32 moving slightly in the reverse direction engages the flange stop 30 for retaining the gate locked in vertical or article retaining position. In like manner, two or more of the gates may be 'actuated to return the step actuating device 2l through a corresponding number of steps to its initial position.

A modification of the resetting means is shown in Figures l2 and 13 wherein the stop Ida forms an integral angular portion of the linger 29 which also has the angularly related portion 29a adapted, as above described, to engage the ila-nge stop 39 for retaining the gate 23 locked in vertical position and, upon actuation of the step actuating device 2, to release the gate by swinging into the opening 3|. The portions 29a also serving to engage the projection |E2a when the gate is swung down for returning the slide 25 one step. The stop Mila is so disposed upon the iinger 29 in coordinated relation to the portion 29a that, when the extent of return movement of the slide 25, corresponding to one step, is efiected the stop Illia enters the opening 3| and engages the flange edge 39 at the opening 3| to prevent further movement.

Operation of the machine In operating the machine a selection can be made either before or after the coin is inserted, by depressing any plunger 'I9 desired. The corresponding latch 61 is thereby swung into engagement with the stud 4| to operatively connect the common actuating device 2 with the stepby-step actuating device 2 of the magazine selected. At the same time the latch 815, which normally serves as a stop in the path of movement of the sliding actuating device 42 to prevent operation thereof, is swung by the blocks 'i8 out of engagement with the device (l2 to allow the actuation thereof. When none of the plungers l0 is depressed the latch B4 prevents actuation of the .device 42 and coin mechanism 53, whether the proper coin has been inserted into said mechanism or not. This prevents the operation of the coin mechanism 53 resulting in the acceptance of th coin by the machine without delivery of goods to the operator, and indicates to the operator that a selection must be made before the machine will operate. When one plunger 19 is depressed, it is impossible to depress a second plunger without causing the return of the first plunger to projected position. In the presence of the proper coin and after a selection has been made, the plunger 9'! is pulled out to cause the coin to disengage the detent 98 and allow actuation of the actuating device 2, all of the plungers '79 becoming automatically locked thereby.

The movement of the actuating device 42 causes the projected latch 61 carried thereby to engage the stud 4| and cause the lever 39 to swingand advance the pawl 31 into engagement with one of the teeth 36, thus causing the member 25 to advance one step. Upon successive ac tuations of the device 21, the gates 23, beginning with the lower one, are successively released to effect the delivery of the articles from the cells. After gate 23 of the last cell of any magazinell has been actuated, the actuation of the device 42 when connected to the step actuating device 21 of such compartment is prevented by engagement of the pawl 31 with the stop 52. This prevents actuation of the coin mechanism 53 which would result in the acceptance of the coin without the delivery of merchandise. The windows Ila enable one to notice whether or not any magazine 2l is empty.` If, after inserting a coin, the operator changes his mind the plunger 91 is pushed inwardly from its normal position. The gates 23 of each cell are relocked in article retaining position by manually swinging the same downwardly. The gates 23 cooperate with the slide 25 to cause each step actuating device 21 to be reset or returned step-by-step to@ its initial position.

From the above description it will be seen that I have provided a machine with a plurality of inclined partitions forming magazines. In order to provide a machine with a large capacity, I `divide each magazine up into a plurality of cells, which are formed between a series of gates mounted in each magazine. The releasing means for releasing the gates is progressive. In other words, when the magazine is full, the rst time the releasing means is actuated the first gate in the series is released thereby permitting the article in the first cell to pass out of the magazine without disturbing the articlesin the other cells in the magazine. The second time the releasing means is actuated, the second gate in the series is released, permitting the article in the second cell to pass out of the magazine--and so forth until the last gate'is actuated to release the article in the last cell whereupon the magazine is empty. The last article is the one which the public sees through the window, so that when it passes out of the magazine, it will be readily noted that the magazine is empty and the customer will select some other magazinel In respect to the actuator, it will be understood that my actuator device spans all of the magazines (which are arranged in a Vertical co1- umn) and moves a short distance along a Well defined path denedby the pin 66 and slot 66a. The actuator has as many engaging members 61 as there are magazines, each of which is controlled by a push button 10. There is a push button alongside of or adjacent `to the window of each magazine. The actuator device may be released by any desired type of coin mechanism.

By the above arrangement is provided a vending machine of large capacity, having simple and fool proof mechanism and having controls so positioned that the operation of the machine is immediately obvious to the public.

Although I have herein illustrated and described one embodiment of the invention, by way of example, it must be understood that many changes made in the embodiment shown without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In vending apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine dividing the same into a plurality of individual cells for containing merchandise units, said gates being individually locked, progressive releasing mechanism for releasing one of said gates each time said mechanism is actuated, thereby permitting the merchandise unit in one cell in one of said magazines to discharge by gravity without disturbing the other merchandise units in said last mentioned magazine, and means for actuating `said releasing mechanism.

2. In vending apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine dividing the same into a plurality of individual cells for containing articles of merchandise, said gates being individually and successively locked as the cells are loaded with said articles, progressive releasing means adapted each time the same is actuated to release one of said gates, thereby permitting only the article in the cell bounded by the released gate to discharge by gravity, and means for actuating said releasing means.

3. In Vending apparatus, a plurality cf inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine dividing the same into a plurality cf individual cells for containing articles of merchandise, said gates being individually and successively locked as the cells are loaded with said articles, progressive releasing means adapted each time the same is actuated to release one of said gates, thereby permitting only the article in the cell bounded by the released gate to discharge by gravity, means for selecting the releasing means associated with any one of said magazines for actuation, and means for actuating the selected releasing means.

4. In vending apparatus, a casing, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a Vertical co1- umn therein, mechanism for releasing articles from any of said magazines, an actuator device movable in said casing along a defined path in said apparatus and including a plurality of actuating members common with saidmechanism associated with said magazines, selective means for operatively connecting any one of said actuating members with tlie releasing mechanism with which it is common, and means for controlling the movement of said actuator device along said dened path.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said inclined magazines each include means for retaining therein a plurality of articles, and in which said mechanism for retaining articles from the magazines operates in steps and effects the release of only a single article from a selected magazine for each operation.

6. In vending apparatus, a plurality o inclined magazines each including means for releasably retaining a number of articles or packages therein in series relation to be successively dispensed, means for controlling each of said retaining means to effect the release of the articles successively upon repeated actuations of said controlling means, an actuating device common to all of said several controlling means, and` means selectively operable for operatively connecting said actuating device to any of said zine and operable in steps for releasing said members and effecting successively the release of articles therefrom, actuating means common to all said releasing means, and means for selectively connecting any ci said releasing meansin cooperative relation with said actuating means,

8. In vending apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines, a plurality of spaced article retaining members hingedly retained in each magazine, said mem ers being individually locked, slidable releasing means in each magazine and operable in steps fer releasing said members and effecting successively the release of articles therefrom, said releasing means each including an engageable member and said last mer. bers being in alignment with each other, actuating means commonly adjacent to all said engageable members, and means controlled an operator for selectively connecting any one of said engageable members operative relation with said actuating means.

9. Vending apparatus, including in combination a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column and each having a floor, means for retaining a number of articles in series relation upon each of said floors, several means for successively actuating said last means to successively release said articles singly and allow delivery thereof, an actuator device inciuding actuating members common to said several means, selective means for operatively connecting one of said actuating members with any one of said several means, and means for moving said actuator device.

10. Vending apparatus, including in combination, a plurality of superimposed magazines including downwardly inclined supports, a series of gates in each magazine for releasably retaining articles or packages thereon on each support in series relation, means for individually and successively releasing the gates of each series to release the articles to be dispensed, an actuating device common to said last means, and means selectable by an operator for cooperatively associating said actuating device operative with any of said means for releasing said gates.

11. In vending apparatus, a plurality or" magazines each having means for dispensing articles or packages therefrom, an actuating device including actuating members adjacent to said several dispensing means, selective means for operatively connecting any of said actuating members to its adjacent dispensing means, means under control of said selective means for preventing the operation of said actuating device until a selection is made, and means associated with each of said dispensing means, and rendered effective when an associated magazine becomes exhausted, to prevent operation of said actuating device as long as the latter remains in operative relation to the dispensing means of said exhausted magazine and until a new selection is made.

12. Vending apparatus according to claim 8 in which said means for selectively connecting any of said engageable members is comprised of a plurality of individual members, each of which is adapted to connect a different engageable member to said actuating means, and in which disconnecting means is provided for disconnecting a previously connected engageable member from said actuating means as a succeeding engageable member is connected thereto.

13. Vending apparatus according to claim 15, in which said means for advancing said movable holding means in steps includes ratchet means for defining said steps.

14. In vending apparatus, a magazine, a plurality of depending gates therein, each gate being pivoted at the top thereof, a slidable member spanning all said gates and having a series of differentially spaced apertures formed therein, an engaging member on each gate normally contacting said slidable member in the solid portions between said apertures, and means for engaging and sliding said member along in steps to successively cause the engaging members on said gates to ride off said solid portions and into said apertures, thereby successively releasing said gates.

15. In vending apparatus, an inclined magazine having a door, a series of gates above said floor dividing said magazine into a plurality of cells for containing merchandise, movable means for holding said gates in merchandise retaining positions, means for advancing said movable holding means in steps, thereby successively releasing said gates, and means on said movable holding means disposed in the paths of said gates to be engaged thereby when said gates are manually set to operative positions for imparting a step-by-step resetting movement to said movbale holding means.

16. In vending apparatus, a plurality of magai. es having inclined oors and arranged in a vertical column, a series of pivoted gates in each magazine forming cells for retaining articles to be vended therein whereby each article is partly supported by a gate and partly supported by the floor of its magazine, means for holding said gates in article retaining positions, means for releasing said gates successively as said holding means is moved, means including pawls and ratchets for advancing said holding means, pivoted members d connected to said pawls for actuating the same to move the associated ratchet and holding means thereof, an actuating device, latches carried thereby, members associated with said latches for selectively swinging any one of the latches into engagement with a corresponding pivoted member, and thereby operatively connecting said actuating device to the pawl selected, and means to reciprocate said actuating device.

17. In vending apparatus, a plurality of magazines for merchandise, each having its own individual dispensing mechanism and a selective control for said mechanisms including a plurality of aligned members having their ends beveled, said members being capable of limited movement or end play relative to each other, the ends of some of said members being adjacent to and adapted to engage each other, selector members extending between the adjacent ends of others of said aligned members, and triangular nose pieces on said selector members adapted to engage the beveled ends of the aligned members and carri the latter apart thereby taking up the play therebetween when any one of said selector members is actuated, therelation of the angular surfaces on said nose pieces and that of the cooperating beveled ends of said aligned members being such that they form camming surfaces adapted to effect the return of one selector member when another selector member is actuated.

18. In a vending machine, in combination, a plurality of merchandise magazines arranged in a series, a plurality of depending gates in each magazine, each gate being pivoted at the top thereof and carrying an engaging member, a latching member in each magazine spanning all the gates therein in contact with the engaging members thereon and normally locking said gates against movement, a series of differentially spaced apertures formed in each of said latching members between the points of contact with said engagingmembers, and means for moving any of said latching members along on its column to successively cause the engaging members on said gates to ride ofi the solid portions of said latching member and into said apertures, thereby successively releasing said gates.

19. Vending apparatus according to claim 18, in which said magazines are inclined to the horizontal and are disposed in a vertical column.

20. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions ldividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said articles, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction, through said positions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positions and maintained therein.

2l. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a Vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions dividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said article, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction through said postiions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positionsand maintained therein in the order in Which they Were released, separate releasing means associated with each of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move the'same in said direction step by step to said successive positions, and means for separately actuating said releasing means.

22, In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions dividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said articles, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction through said positions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positions and maintained therein, separate releasing means associated with each of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move said locking means in said one direction step by step to said successive positions, a movable member, a separate actuator adjustably mounted on said member adjacent each of said releasing means for movement to and from a position for operative association with said releasing means, a separate selector associated with each actuator and movable to adjust the position of the latter, and means for moving said member to actuate one of said releasing means.

CII

`23. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted Vfor movement to and from positions dividing the said gates to be returned successively to theirl article retaining positions and maintained therein, separate releasing means associated With each of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move said locking means in said one direction step by step to said successive positions, a movable member, a separate actuator adjustably mounted on said member adjacent each of said releasing means for movement to and from a position for operative association with said releasing means, a separate selector associated witheach actuator and movable to adjust the position of the latter, and means for moving said member to actuate one of said releasing means, and means for locking said moving means.

24. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions dividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said articles, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction through said positions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positions and maintained therein, separate releasing means associated with each of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move said locking means in said one direction step by step to said successive positions,

' a movable member, a separate actuator adjustably mounted on said member adjacent each of said releasing means for movement to and from a position for operative association with said releasing means, a separate selector associated with each actuator and movable to adjust the position of the latter, and means for moving said member to actuate one of said releasing means, means for locking said movable member, and mechanism adapted to be actuated by any selector, When moved to adjust its associated actuator to its operative position, to unlock said movable member.

25. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality of inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions' dividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said articles, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction through said positions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positions and maintained therein, separate releasing means associated with each of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move said locking means in said one direction step by step to said successive positions, a movable member, a separate actuator adjustably mounted on said member adjacent each of said releasing means for movement to and from a position for operative association with said releasing means, a separate selector associated With each actuator and movable to adjust the position of the latter, and means for moving said member to actuate one of said releasing means, and mechanism adapted to be actuated by any selector, when moved to adjust its associated actuator to its operative position, to move any other selector and dislodge its associated actuator from its operative position.

26. In a dispensing apparatus, a plurality ci inclined magazines arranged in a vertical column, a series of gates in each magazine mounted for movement to and from positions dividing the magazine into a plurality of individual cells for retaining articles of merchandise and positions for releasing said articles, separate movable locking means operatively associated with each magazine adapted in one position to retain all of said gates in their article retaining positions and adapted by movement in one direction to successive predetermined positions to release said gates successively and by movement in the opposite direction through said positions to permit said gates to be returned successively to their article retaining positions and maintained therein, separate releasing means associated with each 'of said locking means and adapted to be actuated to move said locking means in said one direction step by step to said successive positions, a movable member, a separate actuator adjustably mounte don said member adjacent each of said releasing means for movement to and from a position for operative association with said releasing means, a separate selector associated with each actuator and movable to adjust the position of the latter, and means for moving said member to actuate one of said releasing means, and coin controlled means for locking said moving means, means for locking said movable member, and mechanism adapted to be actuated by any selector, When moved to adjust its associated actuator to its operative position, to unlock said movable member and move any other selector and dislodge its associated actuator from its operative position.

GEORGE P. MERGENS.

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