Differentiator for vending machine and the like

A differentiator for a vending machine includes a drive motor which drives a threaded shaft. A carrier with a port adapted to receive the threaded shaft defines the base of the differentiator with the head of the differentiator pivotally mounted on the base. A biasing spring between the base and the head urges the head into an angular orientation. A surface which supports a stack of items marketed by the vending machine provides an environment in which the differentiator works. The differentiator is mounted under the support surface. The support surface includes a slot therein. The differentiator is mounted so that differentiator head, on the differentiator base is positioned in the slot of the support surface. One end of the angularly oriented head extends above the support surface, through the slot and, when carried forward by the base, separates an item from the stack of items supported on the support surface. When carried backward by the base, the angular orientation of the head is overcome by items in the stack, which overcome the bias and flatten the position of the head. Escape, by the head, from the influence of the stack, urges the head to an angular orientation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to differentiating devices and systems for differentiating singular units from a stack of a plurality of units, useful for separating and dispensing single units, one at a time from a stack of a plurality of such units in vending machines and the like.

2. Prior Art

Devices and systems for differentiating single units from a stack of a plurality of units is well known. In the apparel manufacturing industry, automated assembly of apparel is made practical because of the use of differentiating devices. Such devices separate single units of pre-cut patterns from a stack of a plurality of units of similar pre-cut patterns of material. Vending machines, which dispense merchandise in single units or packages, use a differentiating system for separating a single item or package, from a plurality of similar items or packages, for dispensing the differentiated item to a purchaser using the vending machine to make such purchase.

The character of the packaging of the merchandise presented for sale in a vending machine influences the structure of the differentiating device. Differentiating a single unit from a plurality of units, such as in a vending machine, must be accomplished without defacing or damaging the package retaining the goods and the goods must be presented to the purchaser undamaged. Endless belts, supporting spaced pushers, have been used to separate a single unit from a plurality of units but the belt surface between the spaced pushers must be slippery to the surface of the packaging in order to avoid separating more than one package at a time from the stack of packages. Further, the spacing of the spaced pushers attached to the endless belt must be precisely measured, relative to the size of the package to be differentiated and strongly secured to the endless belt. The number of pushers secured to the endless belt is controlled by the space between pushers and the length of the belt. The length of the belt is limited by the width of the vending machine. These factors limit greatly the size of the package that may be handled by the differentiator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved differentiator and differentiating system particularly useful in differentiating a single package or unit from a stack of packages or units, such as in a vending machine or the like. In differentiating a single package or unit from a stack of packages or units, a differentiator is provided that selects a single unit from a stack of units, contacts the selected unit and differentiates or separates the selected unit from the stack of units and dispenses the selected unit, as desired.

The improved differentiator provides a dolly or carrier defining a differentiator base. A differentiator head is pivotally mounted on the base. The differentiator base is driven forward and backward beneath a stack of units, supported on a surface, from which stack one unit is to be separated or differentiated. As the base travels its forward and reverse paths, the differentiator passes under a stack of units supported on the surface above the base. The support surface is provided with an open track or slot which extends beneath the stack of units. The differentiator head is mounted on the base by a mount which permits the differentiator head to ride in the open track, on essentially the same plane as the plane of the support surface or at an angular orientation in the open track so that the differentiator head cuts the plane of the support surface. A bias means between the differentiator base and the differentiator head urges the head to an angular orientation with respect to the plane of the support surface in absence of an opposing pressure on the differentiator head. With an opposing pressure applied to the differentiator head, the angular orientation of the differentiator head changes. During the separating and dispensing stages of the differentiating cycle, the differentiator head is angularly oriented on its mount, with the leading edge of the differentiator head extending angularly above the support surface and the trailing edge of the differentiator head extending angularly below the support surface. When the differentiator retreats back to its “start” position, from its extreme forward drive position, the angular orientation of the head of the differentiator is unchanged with respect to the plane of the support surface, however, during the return travel of the differentiator head, in the differentiating cycle, the trailing edge of the differentiator head, which extends under the plane of the support surface, approaches the stack of items from below the plane of the support surface. As the advancing end of the trailing edge of the differentiator head passes under the bottom of the lower most item in the stack, the upper surface of the differentiator head progressively rises, with respect to the plane of the support surface and the bottom of the lower most item in the stack, making contact with the near edge of the bottom most unit in the stack.

When the upper surface of the head of the differentiator comes in contact with the near edge of the bottom of the lower most unit in the stack of units, the weight or pressure of the stack of units is applied to the upper surface of the differentiator head, overcoming the bias applied the differentiator head. The differentiator head pivots, on its mounting axis, toward an angular orientation that approaches a parallel relationship with the plane in which the support surface lies. The differentiator head passes under the items in the stack in an orientation that is substantially parallel with the support surface When the differentiator fully passes under the bottom unit in the stack, the leading edge of the head of the differentiator will escape the pressure or weight opposing the urging pressure of the biasing means. The bias means, between the head and the base, will urge the differentiator head to an angularly oriented position, with leading edge of the differentiator head above the plane of the support surface, the level of the differentiator head progressively decreasing along its length, with respect to the plane of the support surface, and the trailing edge of the differentiator head below the plane of the support surface.

A drive means is provided for driving or moving the differentiator base, and therefore the differentiator head mounted on the base, in reciprocal travel, passing, back and forth, under the stack of items. The drive means may be an electric motor, a pneumatic motor or an hydraulic motor. The motor may be rotary or linear. Preferably, the drive means provided for driving the differentiator base and differentiator head mounted on the base is defined by an unidirectional, rotary electric motor. A shaft is connected to the electric motor for rotating the shaft on the major axis of the shaft. A section of the length of the shaft is cut with dual or bidirectional threads, with turn-around threads at both ends of the section of bidirectional threads. The differentiator base is provided with a port adapted to receive the shaft. A thread follower means or rider is coupled to the base, preferably at the port, for example, for riding in the threads cut in the surface of the shaft for moving the base along the shaft in response to rotation of the shaft in the port. When the shaft is rotated by the motor, the thread follower or rider, riding in one thread of the dual threads cut in the shaft, urges the base along the shaft, in a first linear direction, to an end of the section of threads. At the end of the section of threads, the rider is directed to the second of the dual threads, by a turn-around, and the thread follower, riding in the second thread of the dual threads urges the base along the shaft, in a second linear direction. The distance of travel of the base, along the shaft is a function of the length of the section of threads cut in the shaft.

Alternatively, the drive means may be a bidirectional motor with a shaft connected to the motor for rotating the shaft on a major axis of the shaft. Single or unidirectional thread is cut in the surface of the shaft. The differentiator base includes a port adapted to receive the shaft. The surface of the port is cut with threads that adapted to cooperate with the threads cut in the surface of the shaft. The base moves linearly along the shaft in response to rotation of the shaft, by the bidirectional motor. When the motor drives clockwise, for example, the shaft rotates in a first rotational direction and the base moves along the shaft in a first linear direction. When the motor drives counterclockwise, for example, the shaft rotates in a second rotational direction and the base moves along the shaft in a second linear direction. In both of the above structure, the base is restrained from rotating with the shaft.

In an alternative structure of the invention, the drive means may be a linear drive motor, either electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. A linear drive motor, a solenoid, for example, may be connected to the differentiator base and move the differentiator base linearly, on a forward and reverse course.

The differentiator base, on which the differentiator head is mounted, provides an adjustable stop for adjusting the angular limits of the angular orientation or attitude of the differentiator head. A remote switch, operated by a presence detector, which detects the presence and/or absence of items or packages in the stack of items or packages, functions as an override switch, permitting the finish of a working cycle, but preventing the initiation of a new cycle of operation when the stack becomes empty of items.

The differentiator base is mounted under a support surface. The support surface supports a chamber or other means for holding a stack of items or packages from which units or packages, one at a time, for example, are differentiated or separated. The support surface is provided with an elongated opening or slot which passes under the chamber and extends beyond opposite edges thereof. The chamber is provided with a front opening and a back opening at the level of the support surface, each opening extending over the slot. The differentiator base is mounted on the shaft so that the base moves along a path that is under the support surface and substantially parallel to the slot in the support surface. The differentiator head is pivotally mounted on the differentiator base so that the differentiator head rides substantially in the open slot in the support surface, A bias means, between the base and the differentiator head, urges the head into an angular orientation, with respect to the plane of the support surface. With pressure applied on the upper portion of the pivotally mounted differentiator head, the urge pressure of the bias means is overcome and the angular orientation of the head is changed, driving the differentiator head toward an angular orientation which is substantially parallel to the plane of the support surface and in alignment with the slot.

The improved differentiating system for a vending machine or the like provides a partly open chamber for holding a stack of items or packages, such as packages of candy or cigarettes, for example. The chamber is preferably mounted so that the stack of items held in the chamber is supported on the upper surface of a support surface. The support surface has an elongated opening or slot therein which extends under the chamber and beyond the front and rear edges of the chamber. The chamber has a front opening and a rear opening at the level of the support surface, with each opening over the slot in the support surface. The front opening serves as a port for an item in the stack of items, and an exit and entrance port for the moving differentiator head. The rear opening serves as an entrance and exit port for a differentiator head.

The differentiator head rides in the slot in the support surface. The differentiator head is pivotally mounted on a differentiator base which is mounted under the support surface, in alignment with the slot in the support surface. The differentiator base is mounted on a drive assembly that positions the differentiator base under the support surface and aligned with the slot so that the differentiator head, mounted on the base rides in the slot. The drive assembly provides the drive means for moving the differentiator base along the slot in the support surface. The differentiator base rides back and forth on a threaded shaft, as the shaft rotates. The drive assembly includes a rotary motor and a threaded shaft connected thereto. The differentiator head, mounted on the base, rides in the slot.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a unidirectional motor is provided with a connecting shaft mounted under the support surface. A section of the shaft is cut with dual or bidirectional threads, with turnaround threads cut at each end of the section. The threaded shaft extends substantially parallel to the slot in the support surface. The differentiator base is provided with a port adapted to receive the dual threaded shaft. A thread follower or rider, associated with the port and coupled to the base, rides in a thread of the dual threads on the shaft. When the dual threaded shaft is in the port of the base and the shaft rotates, the rider moves along a thread of the dual threads of the shaft, urging the differentiator base along the shaft. As the base moves along the shaft, the differentiator head, mounted on the base, rides in the slot in the support surface. The differentiator base is stabilized from rotating with the threaded shaft.

The length of travel of the base along the dual threaded shaft is a function of the length of the section of the dual threads between the turn around threads. The motor is programmed to drive the shaft rotationally so that the differentiator base moves along the shaft, from a start position, through a cycle of differentiation and return. From the start position, the differentiator head is moved through the slot in the support surface toward the chamber which holds the stack of items. The item in the stack, adjacent the support surface is differentiated or separated from the stack and dispensed therefrom. The differentiator reverses its direction of travel and moves toward the chamber, under the stack, back to the start position and stops. The cycle of differentiation is completed.

In order to avoid cycling the differentiator when the chamber is empty, a presence detector is provided which interrupts initiation of the cycle of differentiation. The presence detector is responsive to the weight or presence of at least one item in the stack of items in the chamber holding the stack of items. A finger, extending through the support surface from below the support surface, is depressed through the support surface and rotates or partially rotates a lever which operates a remote switch means which permits the cycle of differentiation to finish but interrupts the initiation of the next cycle and provides indication that the chamber is empty of items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention is represented, in partial exploded view, inFIG. 1. The invention is preferably mounted in a vending machine under a support surface associated with a structure that supports a stack of packages or items, which are to be dispensed by the vending machine. The purpose of the invention is to reliably differentiate, or separate, without damage thereto, packages or items, one at a time, from a stack of packages or items and deliver the differentiated package or item to a delivery or dispensing area or drop.FIG. 6represents a structure which defines an open chamber for supporting a stack of packages or items, with a support surface for the chamber and stack retained therein. The invention is mounted under the support surface, which is slotted. The slotted support surface and the differentiator cooperate in the function of the invention. With reference toFIG. 1, a differentiator base11includes a port12adapted to receive a shaft13. The shaft13has a section of its surface cut with dual threads17with a turn-around 17′ at each end of the threaded section. The shaft13is connected to a drive means, such as rotary motor14. The motor may be unidirectional. A thread follower or thread rider18is coupled to differentiator base11and positioned for riding in a thread of the dual threads17. The panel15, with a switch16, represents a control assembly for controlling activation of the motor for initiation of a cycle of differentiation. The control assembly may include means, not shown, at an end of the slot in the support surface, for stopping the motor. This technology is well known. A differentiator head20is mounted on the base with axel21and22. The mounting shoulders23and24each include adjustable bumpers25and26which are used to adjust the angle to which the differentiator head may be urged by the bias spring28. The panel30represents an override switch represented inFIGS. 7,8a,8b,9aand9b. The differentiator base11has a V bottom31, which rides in a V channel of the vending machine to prevent the base from rotating. This feature is shown in broken line form.

FIG. 2represents a differentiator base11aon a dual thread shaft13with a preferred embodiment of differentiator head20pivotally mounted on the base. The face32is at an acute angle on the head, so that the face is substantially at normal when the head is angularly oriented by the bias spring28. The vertical face makes contact with the bottom-most item33in a stack of items held in a chamber defined by wall34. In its angular orientation the head20cuts the plane35′ in which the support surface35lies. The slot53in the support surface35is more clearly shown inFIG. 6. Although the preferred embodiment of the differentiator head is a generally straight structure with a substantially planar upper surface and a facial end cut at a reverse angle with respect to its upper surface, other shapes of differentiator head may be used, if desired.FIG. 3represents alternate embodiment of the invention in which the elongated differentiator head38is angular. The shaft13ahas a single thread17acut in its surface. The port (not shown inFIG. 3) in the base11ais a threaded port and adapted to receive the threads17aof the shaft13a. The drive means, for rotating the shaft13ais a bidirectional drive means. This alternate embodiment will also include control means for reversing the bidirectional drive means which is well known technology. Another alternate embodiment of the invention may provide a differentiator head in an elongated curve, with face defined by an end surface in reverse angle. Throughout these Figures, similar elements are identified with identical call-out numbers.

FIG. 4represents another embodiment of the invention, seen in a cross-section end view. The differentiator base40includes a threaded port41adapted to receive a threaded shaft, not shown, on which the base rides. Stabilizing planes42and43extend from the base over the shoulders44and45, for preventing rotation of the base40when the threaded shaft in the threaded port rotates. The bottom of the base at49is flat. The broken line extension of the base40at31a, represents a V structure, as seen at31inFIG. 1. The V shaped bottom of the base at31arides in a V shaped channel50, also shown in broken line form, which stabilizes the base and prevents rotation of the base when the threaded shaft in the threaded port is rotated. Either the V shaped bottom in the V shaped channel or the horizontal stabilizers and shoulders (42/44and43/45) may be used for stabilizing the base. Other stabilizing means may be used, if desired. Mounting and pivot means for the differentiator head46on the differentiator base40are defined by sets of extension pins36and37and cooperating recesses47and48.

An open chamber formed by walls51holds a stack of items33a,33b. A support surface35ahas a slot53in which the differentiator head46rides. The differentiator head46is held substantially parallel to the supporting surface, as the weight of the stack33a,33bovercomes the urging force of the bias spring54.

A sensor or presence detector head for an over-ride switch, which is represented in more detail inFIGS. 7,8a,8b,9aand9bis represented beneath the support surface35a. A rotatable arm58rides on a shaft59. A contact finger60extends from the arm58. A biasing spring62urges the arm in a direction which drives the finger60into the chamber through a port61in the support surface35a. As represented inFIG. 4, the weight of the stack of items on the finger60overcomes the force of the bias spring62, rotating the arm58on the shaft59, closing the contacts at65, as represented inFIGS. 9aand9b. When the chamber is empty, the bias spring62urges the arm58rotationally, driving the finger60into the chamber, through a port61in the support surface35a. The rotational position of the arm opens and/or closes the switch65. When closed switch65permits an actuating signal to energize the control circuit for starting a cycle of operation of the differentiator. The override switch65is wired into the control circuit in such a way that when the switch becomes open during the differentiating cycle, the cycle will continue to the end thereof but a new cycle of differentiation can not start until the switch65is closed.

FIGS. 5a,5b,5c,5dand5erepresent steps in a cycle of operation of the differentiator as the differentiator, starting from a stop/start position, advances toward a stack of items, separates the bottom-most item from the stack and delivers the separated item to a dispensing chute, for example. After delivery of the item to the dispensing chute, the differentiator is driven in reverse direction, returning to the stop/start position. The differentiator is represented by the differentiator head70. The head, which rides in the slot76, is angularly oriented, with respect to the support surface75, that the face70a, of the head, extends above the support surface75and the end70bextends below the support surface75. The differentiator inFIG. 5ais represented at stop/start position with a bias means, arrow77, urging the pivotally mounted81differentiator head upward, at the face70a. Walls73and74represent a structure which defines an open chamber for holding a stack of items or packages71a,71b,71cand71d. The support surface75supports the walls, serves to define one end of the chamber and supports the stack of items in the chamber. The support surface75has a slot76that extends across the end of the chamber defined by the support surface and extends beyond the outer walls thereof, as shown more clearly inFIG. 5a′, a top view along the lines5a′—5a′ inFIG. 5a. The head70is angularly disposed in the slot76. The arrow78represents the direction of forward travel of the differentiator head in the slot. The arrow79represents the direction of reverse travel of the head in the slot. The arrows80in the item or package71binFIG. 5e, represent the weight or pressure applied to the head by the item or items in the stack.

FIG. 5drepresents the differentiator head70in its full forward position. When the base or carriage of the differentiator carries the head to the extreme forward position, by operation of the rotating threaded shaft, the motor driving the shaft is stopped and driven in reverse rotation, reversing the directional drive of the shaft and reversing the direction of the differentiator base and head, as represented by arrow79. The head remains angularly disposed but the leading edge of the differentiator is below the level of the support surface with the trailing edge of the head extending above the level of the support surface. As the differentiator head travels in reverse direction the leading edge of the head advances under the stack in the chamber. When the upper surface of the head comes in contact with the item in the stack, the weight or pressure exerted on the head, drives the head to pivot on the fulcrum mount81toward an orientation that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the support surface lies, such as represented inFIG. 5e. Thus, the differentiator passes under the stack.

As seen inFIG. 5a′, the items in the stack71a, b, c, dare broader or wider than the slot76is wide. This permits the items in the stack to drop angularly, as the bottom-most item is being removed from the stack (FIGS. 5b,5cand5d) without interfering with the progress of the differentiator.

FIG. 6represents the walls51that define an open chamber. The support surface35supports the walls and defines the lower end of the chamber. The support surface includes a slot53in which the differentiator head rides. The chamber has a front opening across the face of the chamber and a back opening partly across the back. The differentiator base and differentiator head, the drive means and the override switch are mounted under the support surface. The presence detection member of the override switch extends into the chamber. The differentiator head rides in a slot in the support surface. The chamber defining walls and the support surface provide a working environment for the differentiator.

FIG. 10represents another alternate embodiment of the invention in providing a linear drive assembly. A solenoid85has a shaft86extending therefrom. A differentiator base87which includes a port (not shown) is mounted on the shaft, for linear movement thereon. A ring or guide means connected to the base87and adapted to receive the shaft, may be substituted for the port, if desired. The differentiator is mounted under a support surface75, represented in broken line form. The arm88of the solenoid drive is connected to the differentiator base87and, when the solenoid is activated the differentiator moves along the shaft. The differentiator base87has mounted thereon a differentiator head89which is positioned and rides in a slot in the support surface75.

In the foregoing description of the invention, referenced to the drawings, certain terms have been used for conciseness, clarity and comprehension. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied from or because of the terms used, beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Furthermore, the description and illustration of the invention are by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown, represented or described.

Having now described a preferred embodiment of the invention, in terms of features, discoveries and principles, along with alternative constructions and suggested changes, other changes that may become apparent to those skilled in the art may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.