Patent GB-1229301-A (GB)
IPC: G07F5/22
Filed: 1968-04-08
Abstract: 1,229,301. Multiple-price vending machines. VENDO CO. 8 April 1968 [20 Dec., 1967], No. 16769/68. Heading G4V. In a vending machine actuated by coins of different denominations to dispense articles at different prices, price terminals 46, Fig. 1, are connected to over-price terminals 58 via totalizer elements 52a in a manner dependent on the total coinage deposited and such that a payout signal, when change is due, is delivered to a payout module 60 via the appropriate price terminal 46 and over-price terminal 58, the signal in the payout module 60 effecting a change of state of one or more bi-stable devices 110, 110a, 110b, Fig. 3, by passage over associated gating transformers, to energize payout solenoids 68, 70. In the embodiment shown, vend solenoids 10, 12, 14, Fig. 1, represent articles for sale at 5, 10 and 25 cents respectively, and are actuated by respective push buttons 16, 18, 20. Totalizer elements 52a are situated, prior to coin entry, with the right hand element at the zero price terminal and are arranged to move one price terminal to the right for each 5 cents deposited; the position shown is that for a deposit of 25 cents. In this position, selection of a 5 cent article puts in circuit via a track 54 and overprice connection 56 a 20 cent over-price terminal 58 and selection of a 10 cents article similarly puts in circuit a 15 cents terminal 58. Selection of a 25 cents article, however, puts in circuit a track 54 connected to correct-price lead 62, payout module 60 being by-passed. In module 60, Fig. 3, the 20 cents over-price terminal is connected to the sole primary winding 126 of the gating transformer associated with silicon controlled rectifier 110. The transformers associated with rectifiers 110a, 110b, however, both have double primary windings 126a, 136 and 126b, 138 respectively, windings 136, 138 being series connected to the 15 cents over-price terminal, winding 126a with the 10 cents and winding 126b with the 5 cents over-price terminal. With this arrangement a signal to the 15 cents over-price terminal puts in conduction both rectifier 110a and 110b and hence both solenoid 68 and 70 are energized. The payout mechanism 65, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, comprises a 5 and a 10 cents storage tube, each having a coin slide therebeneath. The slides are held by latches respectively operated by solenoids 68, 70 and the slides are moved by a motor 66. Further, this motor cam operates control switches 64, 72, 74 during one revolution of its shaft, see Fig. 2 (not reproduced), and may also reset totalizer elements 52a. The deposited coins may engage feelers which, sensing the weight of the falling coins, permit rotation of a rotor under gravity a distance proportional to the value of the coins. 1,229,321. Road traffic signals. N. HEERING. 12 Dec., 1968 [1 Jan., 1968], No. 191/68. Heading G4Q. [Also in Division B7] In a traffic information system for communicating information to vehicles within predetermined sections along roads or railway lines, a video transmitter 5, 6 is arranged near a section for the transmission of picture information corresponding to road or traffic signals and a video receiver for the information is mounted in a vehicle with a viewing screen within the driver's field of vision. Road signs or traffic signals 4, such as indicating speed limits bends, and intersections, are positioned along the roadway 1 and are viewed by a television camera 5 and video signals are then transmitted via antenna 7 to be received by antenna 10 on the vehicle for display on a colour television screen (8) within the vehicle (Fig. 3, not shown). When viewing a traffic signal the combinations of lamps or positions of its semaphores will be seen. The camera 5 may be replaced by a monoscope 6 which generates video signals corresponding to a fixed traffic sign or signal (13, Fig. 2, not shown). The television transmitters 5, 6 may be controlled by replaceable video and sound tapes mounted in the transmitter. The receiver includes a loud-speaker (9) and the transmitter 5, 6 includes a sound channel so as to give audible messages confirming the television picture and for giving information on diversions, traffic jams, ice covered road, slogans and broadcasts advertising exhibitions and local festival arrangements. The receiver may be operated on starting of the vehicle and may emit acoustic cutting in and cutting out signals directly before and after receiving the information signals. The television transmitter 5, 6 may be directed by antenna 7 to transmit over a fixed limited area in the direct vicinity of a traffic sign or signal. This area may cover a number of parallel lanes 14, 15. The television transmitter 5, 6 may be started from a circuit 16, 17 of photo-cells which detect the passage of a vehicle. The circuits 16 and 17 may include a delaying circuit so that if a slowly passing road user such as a cyclist or pedestrian passes the circuit is excluded from operating. The receiver may operate so as to retain the image between the cutting in and out signals. Also the transmitters 5, 6 for the sound channels in a number of sections may be periodically coupled so as to give the same acoustic message. The Specification states that it is known to transmit signals to a receiver so as to operate red or green lamps mounted on the instrument panel with a bell or sound signal directing the driver's attention to these lamps.