Patent GB-572710-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in coin operated device
IPC: G07F5/02
Filed: 1943-07-13
Abstract: 572,710. Coin-freed apparatus. DEHN, F. B. (Pitney-Bowes Postage Meter Co.). July 13, 1943, No. 11368. [Class 27] In coin-operated apparatus such as a vending machine, wherein direct operation of the device is effected by the inserted coin by means of a movable member 13 engaged by the coin and moved a predetermined distance by the manual force applied to the coin while it is being inserted; means to prevent fraudulent manipulation of the movable member include (1) a spring-loaded obstruction member 24 mormally locking the movable member ; (2) a previously-inserted coin C supported between the movable member and the obstruction member to maintain the latter in locking position and in readiness for engagement by a succeeding coin, the insertion of which releases the movable member and moves it through the prescribed distance; and (3) means 19, 34 to lock the movable member against further release when manipulation of the movable and obstruction members is attempted by means other than a coin. In the construction shown, the shaft 10 of the apparatus to be controlled has secured thereto a disc 13, a ratchet wheel 14, and a star wheel 15, the latter being engaged by a projection 22 on a spring-loaded lever 19 so as to keep the shaft in set positions, one of which is shown in Fig. 1. In this Figure, a coin C is interposed between pins 16 on the disc 13 and a pin 29 on the spring-loaded obstruction member or lever 24 and holds the latter in a position in which a. claw 27 thereon would engage the ratchet wheel 14 if an attempt is made to rotate the shaft 10 otherwise than by inserting another coin. When a second coin C is inserted, as shown in Fig. 3, it rests on two pins 16 on the disc 13 and engages a lip 28 on the lever 24, thus rocking the latter sufficiently for the claw 27 to clear the ratchet wheel 14, but not sufficiently for a second claw 26 on the lever to engage the opposite-side of the ratchet wheel so that the wheel and the shaft 10 are free. As the coin is pushed in it rotates the disc 13 and shaft 10 and the setting lever 19 engages another tooth of the star wheel 15, the second coin now being in the position of the coin shown in Fig. 1, the first coin being released and discharged by the rotation of the shaft. If an attempt is made at fraudulent manipulation, the lever 24, not being kept in position by a coin, is rocked by its spring 31 and its spring end clears a pivoted spring-loaded catch 34 so that the tail 37 of the latter engages behind a projection 39 on the lever 19 and locks the star wheel 15 and shaft 10, so that no manipulation of the lever 24 can free the shaft. A further locking lever 41 may be provided, pivoted on the same shaft 20 as the lever 24, this .lever 41 having claws 43, 44 respectively adapted to engage the ratchet wheel 14 and openings 18 in the hub of the ratchet wheel. An inserted coin C engages a rounded part of the lever 41 as shown in Fig. 6 and holds it in the position in which neither of the claws 43, 44 is operative. Thus, for fraudulent manipulation, the levers 24, 41 have separately to be kept in certain positions and the shaft turned by some implement.