Patent GB-792666-A (GB)
Title: A machine for dispensing liquids mixed together in pre-determined quantities
Inventor: MCCARTHY FREDERICK WILLIAM
IPC: G07F13/06
Filed: 1954-08-18
Abstract: 792,666. Coin-freed liquid dispensing apparatus. SUPREME AUTOMATIC VENDING CO., Ltd. Nov. 18, 1955 [Aug. 18, 1954; Oct. 22, 1954], Nos. 18007/54 and 30565/54. Class 27 A coin-freed machine for dispensing mixed beverages comprises a water reservoir 5, at least one reservoir 6 for liquid concentrate, a mixing chamber 8 for the water and concentrate, stacks 17 of cups carried in compartments 16 supported by a rotatable spindle 15 and helical guide rails 20 for separating off the lowermost cup for delivery to a pivoted platform 3 which is depressed by the weight of the empty cup to close a master switch 63 so that the circuit of a reversible driving motor 22 is prepared for operation when insertion of the required coinage completes the circuit. A door 2 covers and uncovers the dispensing platform 3 and is operated by a rack 26 and a gear 25 on a shaft 24 which is driven by the motor 22 through a lost-motion dog coupling 23. The shaft rotates the cup spindle 15 during closing of the door through a one-way pawl drive 30, chain 32 and gearing 35 so that the cycle of the machine ends with an empty cup deposited on the platform. The water reservoir is either cooled by refrigerating elements 10 or heated by an immersion heater and a carbonator unit 11 connected to a carbon dioxide container 12 is also provided. The water from the reservoir is supplied 'to the carbonator unit by a pump 13 controlled in accordance with the pressure in the unit and aerated water may be drawn off as required by opening a solenoid-operated measuring valve, the aerated water passing through a coil 101 in the reservoir 5 to ensure that it is at the required temperature. Alternatively, a pump may be provided on the outlet side to draw off aerated water as required. Float-operated switches in the reservoirs may control a warning lamp and a relay that prevents the insertion of coins. Preferably more than one liquid concentrate reservoir is provided, each with its control valve, means then being provided so that the purchaser can select a desired liquid concentrate by means such as a switch which will allow only the valve of the selected reservoir to be opened. The empty cup 51 on the dispensing platform 3 closes the two-way switch 63 and completes a circuit to energize the relay that normally prevents the insertion of coins. The inserted coinage can then close a relay to operate switches for the motor 22 and for the liquid concentrate valve 7 and water valve. As the water and concentrate are being delivered, the motor 22 rotates through nearly one complete revolution before the lost motion of the coupling 23 is taken up and the shaft 24 then begins to rotate and, through the pinion 25 and rack 26, raises the door 2 thereby operating switches 45 and 46 which switch off the liquid concentrate and water valves .and also the coin relay circuit so that any further coinage inserted will automatically be rejected. As the door begins to rise it also closes a switch 44 which prepares a circuit to run the motor 22 in the reverse direction. When the door reaches its top or open position a lug 41 closes a switch 42 which opens the switches for liquid concentrate and water delivery and closes a further switch to prepare the motor circuit for reverse running. The filled cup pivots the platfom 3 to hold open a switch 71 but, when the cup is removed, this switch closes to complete the reverse running circuit for the motor. The motor, running in the reverse direction takes up the lost motion in the coupling 23, allowing sufficient time for the cup to be removed by a purchaser, and then begins to close the door 2. If closing of the door is obstructed, the pinion 25 is moved axially along the shaft 24 against the force of a spring 27 by means of a cam on a sleeve surrounding the shaft 24 and this movement of the pinion 25 opens a switch 59 in the motor circuit so that the door remains stationary until the obstruction is removed. As the shaft 24 rotates, it also rotates the spindle 15 so that another cup is separated from one of the stacks 17. Positive separation of a cup is ensured by discs 50 and 56 which are depressed by a rod 47 connected to the rack 26 and the separated cup falls through a hole 19 in a support plate 18 to rest on the platform 3. As the door reaches its fully closed position, it opens the switch 44 thereby switching off the motor 22, and closes switches 45 and 46, thereby preparing the liquid concentrate and water circuits and the motor circuit to run the motor to open the door. The first Provisional Specification also describes cams and cam followers replacing the dog coupling 23 for controlling the sequence of operations of the machine, an overflow tank below the dispensing station and, for giving access to the cup, a door which is manually opened, or closed, or both, in accordance with instructions illuminated at appropriate times.