Patent ID: 7588136
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: G07D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A coin-operated actuation mechanism of a vending machine, comprising: (a) a coin carrier wheel mounted to undergo rotation about an axis in a given direction during a dispensing cycle of the vending machine, said coin carrier wheel having a peripheral edge and front and rear sides and at least one coin receiving recess defined in said rear side so as to extend to and open at said peripheral edge thereof and be spaced from said axis such that said coin receiving recess is adapted to receive a coin when said coin carrier wheel is disposed in an initial coin receiving position in the dispensing cycle; (b) a coin retainer plate having front and rear sides and being mounted in a stationary position relative to said coin carrier wheel with said front side of said coin retainer plate disposed adjacent to said rear side of said coin carrier wheel such that said coin retainer plate retains the coin in said coin receiving recess of said coin carrier wheel as said coin carrier wheel is rotated about said axis in said given direction relative to said coin retainer plate from said initial position toward a coin discharging position; (c) a structure mounted to undergo rotation with said coin carrier wheel and having a front surface spaced from and facing toward said rear side of said coin retainer plate as said structure rotates with said coin carrier wheel relative to said coin retainer plate from said initial position toward said coin discharge position, said structure also including means for preventing rotation of said coin carrier wheel and said structure therewith in a direction the reverse of said given direction once said coin carrier wheel has rotated through a predetermined angular displacement in said given direction from said initial position toward said coin discharge position; and (d) an anti-vandalism device including