Patent GB-611407-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to drink dispensing machines
IPC: G07F13/06
Filed: 1945-05-16
Abstract: 611,407. Drink-dispensing apparatus. TRIGGS, W. W. (WURLITZER CO., R.). May 16, 1945, No. 12349. [Classes 27 and 116] In a drink-dispensing apparatus, control of the amount of drink admitted to a measuring-out chamber for delivery to the operator is by the rise in pressure in the chamber above an initial pre-loading pressure, a valve controlling the admission being responsive to thel pressure in the chamber and closing when a predetermined pressure is attained. In the apparatus shown, a measuring chamber 46 is supplied from a pair of series-connected tanks 44 by compressed air from a reservoir 63 maintained by a compressor. The measuring chamber has a discharge spout 56 in a compartment accessible through a shutter 58, and drinking cups are positioned under the spout by a reciprocating carriage 128. The various operations are controlled in timed sequence by contacts operated by cams on a main control shaft 96 which is turned through one revolution at each operation by a motor-driven shaft 120, the circuit of the motor being initially closed by an inserted coin. Coins inserted whilst the apparatus is functioning, or if the shutter 58 is held open, are returned. Whilst the apparatus is functioning, the shutter 58 is locked and lamps 205, illuminating instructions to the operator, are extinguished. Delivery of liquids. - Normally the measuring chamber 46 is charged and, upon insertion of a coin, the cam shaft 96 closes contacts to open solenoid-operated delivery and vent valves 71, 75 so discharging the contents through the spout 56. Recharging of the measuring chamber from the tanks 44 which immediately follows is by a connection 53 having a solenoid opened valve 69 controlled by a pressure diaphragm 79. A direct connection 67 from the air reservoir 63 includes a solenoid - opened valve 73 controlled by a second pressure diaphragm 78 set to a lower pressure than 79. The main cam shaft first closes contacts to open valve 73 to build up a predetermined pressure, lower than that of the reservoir,' when diaphragm 78 lifts and opens contacts 88 to reclose valve 73. The main cam shaft then opens valve 69, so that drink is supplied to the measuring chamber under the pressure of the air reservoir and against the lower pressure in the chamber. When a predetermined quantity has entered the chamber, the rising pressure therein lifts diaphragm 79 to break the circuit of the solenoid 69 at 88a so reclosing the valve. The quantity can be varied by adjustment of the spring 82 loading the diaphragm 79. Drinking-cups, delivering. - The cups are stacked in two magazines 55 at either side of the delivery spout 56, and from which they are alternately released for conveyance by the reciprocating carriage 128 to the delivery spout. Cup release arms on the two magazines are rocked in one direction, and then held by catches 114, by a slide bar 106 reciprocated by a cam 110 on the main shaft 96. As the carriage reaches either end position, it operates contacts 156 to energize one or other of two solenoids 118 associated with the catches 114, so releasing the appropriate arm 103 for return by a spring 116 to discharge a cup into the carriage ready for the next operation. Reciprocation of the carriage is effected by a shaft 125 driven from the main shaft 120. Twin reverse helical grooves on the shaft 125 move the carriage in its two directions, a collar 137 connected to the carriage passing from engagement with one groove to the other at the limit of travel determined by limit switches 148. Refrigerating.- The drink tanks 44 and measuring chamber 46 are housed in an inner, heatinsulated compartment 41, in which are evaporator sections 49, 50 of a refrigerator 48, evaporator section 49 being in contact with the measuring chamber 46, and section 50 enclosing a chilling chamber 51 for the drink and having a thermostat control 54.