Patent GB-1432269-A (GB)
Title: Control means including a disable selection lock-out for a vending machine
IPC: G07F5/22
Filed: 1973-12-21
Abstract: 1432269 Dispensing machines VENDO CO 21 Dec 1973 [13 Sept 1973] 59438/73 Heading G4V The machine is adapted to selectively dispense any of a plurality of different types of products from separate supplies thereof stored in the machine and provided with separate releasing means for each product type for dispensing a single product of the corresponding type from the supply thereof whenever a releasing means is operated through a normal dispensing cycle thereof having a predetermined period of time duration. Operation.-The Figures show the circuit in a non-activated state with all the switches in a standby condition. Application of power to poles 22, 24 causes energization of CREM 40 to open member 42 in the credit sensing unit 10. This energization is caused by connection to the high side power lead 26 via inter alia sold out/ lockout switches 74. When a coin passes along shoot 30 switch 44 is momentarily closed allowing energization of element 48 of credit relay 46 in the credit registering unit 12. This shuts switches 52, 50 which allows for continued energization of the element 48 and deactivation of CREM 40 to close member 42 to further coins. Switch 52 also connects the high side energy to product selection switches 60, 60<SP>1</SP> via start switches 64. Numerals 16, 18 and 20 denote selection, dispensing and lockout means, (SDLM). On actuation of a product selection switch 60 or 60<SP>1</SP>, say 60 of SDLM 20, vend motor 62 is activated and time delayed relay unit 54, of time delay control unit 14, is energized. Actuation of the motor operates switch 64 to cut off the circuit path to selection switches 60, 60<SP>1</SP> to prevent a further selection. Also switch 66 is activated which interrupts the holding circuit for the credit relay 46 which is therefor de-energized. Switches 50 and 52 return to their standby positions. Switch 66 also complates a circuit for motor 62 that can only be de-energized prior to the end of the dispensing cycle by actuation of sold out, lockout switch 76. At the end of a dispensing cycle the motor returns switch 66 to a standby position so that the machine and circuit automatically return to a standby condition. Sold out.-Sold out lockout switches 74, 76 are actuated by product depletion sensing means 70 or sold out solenoid 72. Actuation of switch 74 activates warning lamp 80 and interrupts the path which energizes CREM 40. This has no effect upon energization of the CREM 40 by other selection switches. Actuation of switch 76 interrupts the selection and energizing circuits for the motor 62 and the initiating circuit for assembly 56 of the time delayed relay 54. Also if carrier switch 66 is not deactivated when motor 62 stops then switch 76 forms a by-passing function to permit normal operation of other SDLMs. If the circuit is adapted to an old machine then an auxiliary sold out switch 68 is utilized. Switch 74 operates as before but it is switch 68 rather than switch 76 that is actuated and latched. Jamming.-If the releasing mechanism 63 jaws then after a set time assembly 56 will close time delayed switch 58 which activates solenoid 72 to operate sold out, lockout switches 74, 76 as in the sold out function above. Jamming prior to operation of carrier switch 66 means motor 62 will be de-energized and start switch 64 returned to its normal condition thereby allowing a customer to make another selection. "Jackpotting".-This occurs if switch 66 fails to return to a standby condition. If this happens assembly 56 closes switch 58 to actuate solenoid 72 and switches 74 and 76 as before. In a modification there is a separate timer start relay to initiate the time delayed relay unit. Thus in the standby state a timer start relay as well as the CREM 40 is energized. Also it precludes high side energization of any solenoid 72 of a functional selection at the same time that a low side connection to such solenoid 72 could be provided by the time delayed relay switch 58.