Patent GB-332585-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to coin-freed mechanism
IPC: G07F5/02
Filed: 1929-04-16
Abstract: 332,585. Caldwell, T. F. April 16, 1929. Testing coins; returning coin. -In coin-freed machines, coinselecting mechanism is provided which is so constructed and arranged that, unless the coin has an annulus between the rim and the embossed portion and is of correct weight, diameter, and thickness at the rim and the annulus within permitted limits, said mechanism will not operate to allow the machine being used. A coin inserted through a slot 48, Fig. 5, passes down a shoot 50 to an upper balance device 56 having a movable side wall 57 counterbalanced by an adjustable weight 68. Too light a coin fails to move the pivoted side and runs straight through to a discharge shoot 112. A coin of correct weight moves the side 57 outwardly and is guided by a tongue 64 projecting through a slot 58 in the side and by an up-turned lower edge of the side to a coin-holder 67 of a lower balance device. The holder 67 is carried by a lever 73 provided with a counterbalance weight 79, and comprises two walls 71, 72, Fig. 8, the wall 71 having fixed thereto a spring 81 carrying a fixed contact point 82 which projects through a recess 83 into the space between the walls and can be adjusted towards and away from the central plane of the coin holder by a screw 200. The wall 72 carries a fixed feeler 98 and two pivoted feelers, each having a ramp 94 held in contact by a counterweight 91 with a portion 92 of a bracket 51 carrying the selector mechanism. One pivoted feeler has a curved lower end 89 and carries a contact point 86, Fig. 6, arranged directly opposite the point 82. The other pivoted feeler has a forked end 95, 96 and a contact point 97. 'The points 82, 86 engage a coin at its annulus and gauge its thickness there, while the point 97, engaging the rim at a diametrically opposite point, tests the diameter of the coin and its thickness at the rim When the holder 67 moves downwardly, the gauging points 86, 97 engage the coin and, if this is of correct diameter and thickness, the ends of the feeler pass into a recess 105 of a pivoted feeler trip 102. If the coin is incorrect, the feelers do not occupy the proper relative position and contact is made with the face of the feeler trip so that it prevents further downward movement of the holder bv engaging the end of the fixed feeler 98. A wall 111 of the trip 102 engages the ends of the feeler devices to release the incorrect coin which runs off into the shoot 112. A correct coin is carried downwards until the counterweights 91 engaging a portion 119 of the bracket 51, the feelers being thereby moved to release the coin, which runs down a shoot 115 behind a stop 114. The rejected coins pass from the shoot 112 to a tray 118. A wire 101 on the movable side 57 of the upper balance is engaged by a groove 100 in the counterweight 79, when this is moved upwardly, to prevent a second coin from passing to the holder 67 before the first is discharged. The mechanism is described as applied for locking the delivery drawer of a vending machine in which there are two selector mechanisms receiving a shilling and a sixpence respectively. Empty machines, locking.-When the last packet is delivered, pins 144 projecting from a transverse bar on a lever 140 engage the wires 101 to ensure that further coins inserted will be returned to the tray 118. The lever 140 is pivoted to outside of the casing and has an inturned part 141 engaged by a part on the goods carriage of the machine. Delivery of articles stored in piles.-The Provisional Specification describes also the goods delivering mechanism. The packets are fed upwardly by a spring-driven carriage and the top packet is delivered by a drawer having a depending portion which is blocked by the counterweights 79 of the lower balance devices. The drawer is provided with a full stroke mechanism and is returned by a coiled spring, a pneumatic dashpot being provided to act as a cushion. The coin-slits also are closed when the machine is empty.