US1942166A - Dispensing machine - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 2, 1934. 1 GISSR 1,942,166v

DI SPENSING MACHINE Filed Dep. 10. V19151 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 nvenlor lqllomcy Jan. 2, 1934- l. l. GlssER 1,942,166

DI SPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 10. 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Ig; gygy@ Jan. 2, 1934.

l. I. GISSER DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 1o, 1931V 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan. 2, 1934 4DISPENSING MACHINE Isidor I. Gisser, New York, N. Y.

Application December 10, 1931 serial No.l 580,194

`s claims. (criss- 18) This invention relates to improvements in dispensing machines and has particular reference to a machine for selectively dispensing various predetermined quantities of granular or pulver--l ized commodities.

A feature of the invention is to provide a dispensing machine whichis coin controlled so as to render the same suitable for installation in stores of the self service system. l

Another feature resides in a coin controlled vending machine especially constructed for the dispensing of coffee, wherein predetermined amounts o f coee beans may be released into a grinder and ground or pulverized coee discharged into a bag or container. The releasing and grinding operation being automatically performed after the depositing of a coin into the coin mechanism and the subsequent manual operation of a knob to set the various mechanisms for operation.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision of aV coin controlled vending machine which may be installed in grocery. and delicatessen stores for dispensing various kinds of granular -or pulverized commodities without requiring the services of a clerk, whereby the customer may operate the machine and expedite the service rendered by the establishment.

With these and-other objects in view, the invention resides inthe certain novel construction, combination and arrangementof parts, the essential features of which are hereinafter fully described, are particularly pointed out in the appended claims, and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view ci.' proved vending machine.

Figure 2 is a'vertical sectional view therethrough. l

Figure 3 is a view similar to forwardly of the same. l

' Figure 4 is-a vertical transverse sectional v-iew on the line 4 4 of Figure 1. ,A

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

my im- Figure 2, but taken Figure 6 is a detail 'vertical sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 5. l

Figure 7 is a detail perspectiveview of the solenoid circuit controlling switch.

Figure 8 is a detail front elevational viewsof the manual control switch.

Figure9 is a detail horizontal sectional view on the line 9-9 of Figure 5.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view-of the electric circuits which control the actuation-of various mechanisms.V

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, the numeral 10 designates a housing or casing which is designed to resemblea house or building, the top of which is provided with a peaked roof, one side of the roof constituting a door or ycover 1-1 hinged' to one of the side walls of the casing as at 12. Y Suitable catch means 13` is provided for securing the cover 11 in closed 65 position.' By opening the door or cover 11, access may be had to the inside of the casing when it is necessary to adjust or repairl any of the working parts contained therein.

Mounted within` the casing 10 adjacent the YI0 top thereof is a hopper 14, the same being provided with a plurality ofl outlets 15 in the bottom thereof, and the said bottom is formed of such shape as to cause the contents of the hopper 1 -to gravitate toward the respective outlet open- 76 ings 15.- The hopper 14 communicates )with a filling spout 16 which is in the shape of -a chim ney extending from the roof of the` casing, and the top of the spout is normally closed by a door or hinged cover 17. It is through the'spout 16 80 that the hopper 14 may be filled with the commodity to be dispensed, and in this instance we shall assume that the hopper contains coffee beans 18.v

Mounted in sleeve bearings 19 disposed directly 85 beneath the respective outlets 'l5 are cylindrical measuring members 20, the diameters of which vary to permit of the dispensing of predeter- -mined quantities of the contents of the hopper 14. For instance, the central cylinder 20 may be 90 of a size to receive one pound of coffee beans, While the next smaller cylinder may receive and dispense one half pound, and the third cylinder Ireceive and dispense one quarter pound. Each of the cylinders 20 is provided with an elongated 95. slot 21 in the peripheral wall thereof for normally registering with the respective outlets' 15 of the hopper, and ati-which time the cylindrical member may be set in filling lor receiving 'position;A Leading from the bottoms of the respective rbearing sleeves 19 are branch chutes 22 which communicate with a common outlet chute or tube 23, 'and the lower end of this tube enters the inlet 24 of an electric coffee grinder 25 which rests upon the bottom of the casing and includes 105 an electric motor 26. The grinder 25 also includes a discharge spout 27 which extends forwardly toward the front wall 28 of the casing where itconnects with the upper' end of a discharge or outlet chute 29. The top wall of the y i the chute is substantially lled, the door may be` swung to an open position to allow the coffee or other commodity` to be discharged therefrom into a bag or centainer placedbeneath the open end of the chute.

Each of the cylindrical measuring members 20 is mounted in the same manner, and is contrblled by identical and individual mechanisms,

so that a description of one will lsuiilce for the other. Extending axially from opposite ends of each ocylinder are hubs 32 and extendingl forwardly from the front hub is a stub shaft 33 in which the hub is keyed by .a set screw or the like'.

Extending frointhe other'hub 32 rearwardly of the cylinder is a stub shaft 34 keyed to that particular hub by a set screw or other suitable element. The hubs 32 are journaled in opposite walls of the hopper as best seen in Figure 5 of the drawings.

Fixed to the forward end ofthe stub shaft 33 is a coin receiver 35, which is rotatably mounted in a ring-like casing 36 mounted in a vertically j crank is bent at right angles into a vnger 47 which enters the outlet slot 44 in the ring like 'of' the chutes37 of the various individual coin `controlled mechanisms lead to the common coin box 39 as will be seen by reference to Figure 3 of the drawings.

The body of theA coin receiver 35 is provided with a slot 42 adapted to be brought into registration with the coin chute 37 on opposite 4sides .of the ring like casing 36, the said casing being provided with a coin inlet 43 and a coin outlet 44. Pivotally'mounted between the walls ofthe slot 42 vis a bell crank lever 45, the vertical arm,

of which is engaged by a pivoted dog 46 which .-is normally disposed in the path'of the coin as it enters. the slot 42` from the upper branch of the coin chute 37. The horizontal arm of the bell casing 3.6 when the coin mechanismis set for the reception of a coin to operate the saine. Plv'- oted to the vertical arm of the bell crank lever isa key or latch arm 48, the free'end ot which is provided with a -fiat head 49 slidable into a bore 50 provided `in the front end of the body `of the coin receiver 35 when the latch arm is 4extended but which headl 49' is retracted. from its position within thebc're 50 upon movement of the bell crank lever to -the dotted position which action occurs when the c'oin inserted into the coin slot is received in'the receiver `35. It will also be noted thatwhen the lcoin strikes the dos 46 toactuate the bell 'crank lever, the finger 47 -will be moved to a plane` within the inner walls in axial V kunstmest with enen cylindrical messuringmeinberisga manually operated switch (51 'which iitjiront elevation resembles a radio dial.

The switch comprises a casing 52 mounted inv the front wall '28; a dial plate 53 containing indicia to indicate when the switch is turned on and off, and a rotatable shaft 54 whichis disposed in axial alinement with the bore 50 ofv the coin receiver'35. \Th e,inner'end`of theshaft carries a collar 55 which is provided with a slot or bifurcation 56 into which the flat head-4Q of the key lever extends forl the purpose of preventing rotation of the shaft until a coin has vbeen deposited into the chute 37'and is received in the coin receiver 35. The outer end o1' the shaft 54 of the switch carries a manipulating other quarter turn will effect the turning ofi lof l the same. Thev key or latch lever 48 tends to normally lock the switch against operation, but

upon actuation of the latch mechanism by the` coin,.the knob is free to be turned in order to turn the switch to on` and oif" positions.

Journaled in a panel 60 of insulating material mounted rearwardly of the battery of measuring cylinders is a stub shaft61 disposed -in axial alinement with the stub shaft 34, the forward end of the stub shaft 61 being provided with a socket 62 for receiving the rearwardly extending end of the stub shaft 34 while a set screw 63 xedly secures the .stub shaft 61 to the `stub shaft 34. Fixedly mounted on the stub shaft 61 is a ratchet wheel 64 having two diametrically opposed notches 65 in the peripheral edge lthereof. Freely mounted on theshaft 61 and disposed against the ratchet wheel is a disc 65 which is of a diameter larger than the diameter of the ratchet wheel and which carries a pivoted -pawl 66 which is urged in the direction of the periphery ofthe wheel by a flat spring 67 so as to cause the pawl to enter the notches as the disc, 65' rotates inthe manner hereinafter to be explained. Fixed tothe disc 65' and also freely engaged by a vertically sliding rack bar 69 which constitutes the sliding core of anelectric solelnoid 70.l The energizing of the solenoidl 70 causes the downward movement of the rack bar 69 which in turn rotates theloose gear 68' and mounted on the shaft 61 is a gear 68 which is imparts rotation to the stub shaft 61 through by a spacer. nut 75 which is threaded to the rear end of the stub shaft 61 lwhile a similar nut 75 spaces the disc 71 from the `gear 58. The nut 'ze is threaded on .the stub slim 61 and bears against the disc 72, while .fixed to the extreme. rear end of the stub shaft 61 is a sprocket wheel 77. A sprocket chain 78 passes around the sprocket wheel 77 and alsoaround a' larger sprocket wheel 79 carried by the' outer `end of the rotatable shafto" of the mechanically op-` erated switch 81 which-switch'isj mounted on the 'panel 60 below. the solenoid 70..

spectively bear lagainstv the periphery 'of 'the discs" spseediiexibie spring contacts. szand vas re- 'I1 72 and are arranged in electric circuits presently' to be explained.

By reference to Figure 10 of the drawings it ,each of the hand operated switches 5l. The contact 59 of each switch is connected to one of the spring contacts 82 by a wire 85, while the shaft 61 is connected by a wire 86 to the solenoid 70 of each operating mechanism. A wire 91 leads from the solenoid '70 to the negative side of the source of electric energy whereby one solenoid operating circuit A is provided.' It will be seen that when this circuit is closed by engagement of the switch arm 58 with the contact 59 that the circuit will be closed and the solenoid energized to actuate the rack bar 69 which will in turn impart a one half revolution to the measuring cylinder 20, but only after a coin of the proper denomination has been deposited in the coin slot so as to release the coin lock mechanism to enable the switch 51 to bel operated. This operation of the rack bar in addition to moving the dispensing cylinder from a receiving to an emptying position also turns on the switch 81 through the sprocket 73 and sprocket wheels 77 and '79. The switch 81 includes a rotatable switch arm 88 which when in an on position bridges spaced contacts 89 and 90, and which contacts are arranged in an electric circuit 91 with the electric motor 26 of the coffee grinder 25. From the description of the diagram thus far, the solenoid has been energized to turn the dispensing 'cylinder a one-half revolution to cause the opening 21 to move into registration with the chute 22 so lthat the contents of the cylinder is deposited into the grinder 25, and the grinder circuit 91 nas been closed by movement of the switch arm 88 into contacting engagement with the contacts 89 and 90. Thus it will be seen that the coffee entering the grinder in bean form may be ground, and during the grinding operation, the powdered or pulverized coifee passes into the discharge tial operation of the hand switch is in contact.

with the periphery of the disc 72 and which with the wire 86; solenoid 70, and wire 87 constitutes a second `solenoid circuit B. Thus it will be seen that the solenoid may again be actuated to' move the rack bar 69 downwardly to again impart a one-half revolution tov the measuring cylinder. It mighthere be stated that after the deenergizing of the solenoid 70 which occurs when the notch '73 causes a break between the contact'arm 82 and disc 71, a spring 94 which is connected to.

the topof the rack bar and to a fixed part of the casing serves to return the rack bar to raised position and which action takes place without imparting rotation to the shait 61, due to the A ratchet wheel 64 and spring pressed dog 66.

' When the solenoid circuit l2B is closed, the solenoid Iactuates the mechanism to return the cylinder 20 to normal position and during such movement. the sprocket wheels '17 .and-'79 and sprocket chain '18 turns the switch 81'to an off position. The parts are now in their original position for operation upon the insertion of another coin into the machine.

The above described operation of course occurs after a coin has been deposited, and reaches the coin receiver 35 and during rotation of the cylinder from its receiving to its emptying position.

the coin remains in the receiver, but as soon as.v

the cylinder has turned one half revolution, the said coin will be released through the outlet slot 44 from where it passes to the coin box 39.

.From the foregoing description it will be seen that I have provided a coin controlled dispensing apparatus in which predetermined amounts of granular or powdered commodities may be dispensed, and incases where the commodity is to be ground or pulverized such as in the case of coffee, means is provided for automatically set- -ting the grinder into operation and for automatically rendering the grinder inoperative after the commodity has passed therethrough.

By reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, it

will be seen that I have carried out the idea of a casing resembling a building or house` by providing display windows 94 in the front thereof and behind which a holder 95 is positioned and 100 which holder' is adapted to'contain a quantity of the product to be dispensed. Also by reference to Figures 1 and 4, it will be seen that the front wall 28 adjacent the top has a clock 96 set therein so as to add to the attractive nature of the device.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patl. In a vending machine, a hopper having a discharge outlet. a measuring cylinder rotatably mounted in said discharge outlet and normally in communication with the hopper, electrically operated actuating means for rotating said measuring cylinder, an electric circuit for said actuating means, switch-means normally locked and adapted to be unlocked for operatively controlling the electrically operated actuating means, coin operated means for unlocking said switch means for rendering the same operable, an automatic stop means for disconnecting the actuating means circuit.

v2. In a vending machine, a hopper having a discharge outlet, a measuring cylinder rotatably mounted in said discharge outlet and normally f in communication with the hopper, electrically operated actuating means for rotating said measuring cylinder, said electrically operated actuated means including a magnetically operated rack bar meshing with an idly rotatable pinion, ratchet mechanism connecting said pinion with said cylinder upon actuation oi said rack bar in one direction andfor permitting idle return of said rack bar upon movement oi.' the same in an opposite direction, spring means acting upon said rack bar to hold the same in an inoperative position,anelectriccircuit for said actuating means, switch means normally locked and adapted to be unlocked for operatively controlling the electrically operated actuating means. and automatic 14o stop means for disconnecting the actuating means circuit.

3. In a vending machine, a hopper having a discharge outlet, a measuring cylinder journaled for rotation within .said discharge outlet and having an opening therein normally in communication with saidv hopper. a shaft extending from one end of said measuring cylinder, a pinion gear loosely mounted on said shaft, an electro magnetically operated 'rack bar 'meshing with 150 said pinion gear, said electro magnetically op# Y., erated rack bar including an actuating solenoid,

spring means acting toinormally hold said rack bar against the influence of the solenoid when energized, ratchet means between said shaft and said pinion forimparting rotation to said cylinder upon energizing of said solenoid, and for permitting said pinion to idly rotate during the return movement of said rack' bar upon deenergizing "of said solenoid, an electric circiit in which said solenoid is operatively arranged including a source of electrical energy, a switch-arranged in' said circuit for closing the same upon each actuation thereof, and an automatic stop means for disconnecting said electric circuit.

4. In a vending machine, a hopper having a discharge outlet, `a measuring cylinder journaled for rotation within said discharge outlet and.

having an opening therein normally in icommunication with said hopper, a shaft extending from one end of said measuring cylinder, a pinion gear loosely mounted on said shaft, an electro magnetically operated rack bar meshing with said pinion gear, said electro-magnetically operated rack bar 'including an actuating solenoid,

spring means tending to normally hold said rack bar against the influence of the solenoid whenenergized, ratchet means between said shaft and said pinion gear for imparting rotation to-said cylinder upon energizing of said solenoidand for permitting said pinion gear to idly rotate during the return of said rack bar upon deenergizing of said solenoid, a pair of normally open electric circuits in which said solenoid is arranged including a' source of electrical energy, a double 'acting control switch normally locked and armung position to establish communication be'-` tween said cylinder and said hopper but movable to an emptying position with the opening in reg-V ister with said discharge chute, actuating mechanism normally locked and adapted to be unlockedfor rotating said cylinder from its iilling position to its emptying position, coin operated means i'or unlocking said actuating mechanism for rendering the same operable, manual control means ior rotating said cylinder from an emptying to a i'llling position, an electric grinder arranged within said discharge chute through which any substance passing therethrough is adopted to pass, and automatic means operable upon movement of said cylinder to a discharging position ior operating said electric grinder and ior rendering said grinder inoperative upon movement oi' said cylinder toa filling position.

d. In a vending machine, a casing, a hopper mounted in saidcasing having an outlet, a measuring cylinder rotatably mounted in said casing and having an opening therein normally in registration with said outlet, electrically operated actuating means for rotating said measuring cylinder one-half revolution on each actuation thereof, an electric circuit for said actuating means, manually operated electric switch means normally locked and adapted tobe unlocked for controlling the'actuation of said electrically operated actuating means, coin operated means for unlocking said switch means for permitting the successive turning of said electric switch means to a single on and off'position upon the insertion of a single coin thereinto, an electric gri-nder mounted ,in said casing and having an inlet and a discharge outlet, a chute for receiving the contents of said cylinder when moved to an emptying position after the nrst half revolution thereof, and being connected to said inlet,-

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