Patent GB-190928734-A (GB)
Title: Automatic Distributing Device for use in the Sale and Hire of Books.
Inventor: POTTIN HENRY
IPC: G07F11/02
Filed: 1909-12-08
Granted: 1910-07-07
Abstract: 28,734. Pottin, H. Dec. 8. Delivery of books. - Books are contained singly in compartments C, each of which is provided with a spring door 20, which can be freed after the insertion of two coins, one of low value to cover the cost of hiring, and the other equal to the value of the book which is returned when the volume is replaced. A separate coin mechanism is arranged beneath each compartment, but all these mechanisms are operated from a common shaft 41. A book having been selected, the necessary coins are inserted in the corresponding shoots and the shaft 41 is rotated, whereupon cams 40, Fig. 3, on the shaft (one beneath each compartment) raise levers 37<a> on a spindle 36 and through links 35, 34, 33 rotate a spindle 32 and swing down the coin carriers 31. The presence of coins in any pair of carriers causes the corresponding lever 6 to be turned on its pivot 6<a>, a pin 14 on the arm 13 of the lever rocking a lever 15 against the action of a spring 24 and withdrawing the arm 17 from engagement with an arm 18 on the spindle 19 of the corresponding door 20, which is then thrown open by a spring (not shown). Simultaneously a lever 52<a>, which is connected to the arm 17 by an adjustable slotted link 52, is raised, permitting a spring controlled lever 49 to push the book forward from the casing, a roller 49b on the second lever 49<a> loose on the spindle 50 of the lever 49 passing under the curved end 62<c> of the lever 52<a>, and an arm 23 of the lever 15 engaging a cam 22 on the door spindle. When the book is returned, the lever 49 is forced back, permitting the borrower to close the door and return the lever 15. The relative position of the levers 49, 49<a> can be adjusted by means of screws 60, 61 to adapt the compartment to take' books of varying dimensions. The levers 37<a>, Fig. 3, consist of two members 37, 37<a> having a pin-and-slot connexion 37<e>, 37<f>, the member 37<a> being loose on the spindle 36, so that, if any compartment is out of order, this member swings idly on the spindle. Coin action, thrust and multiple-coin.-The two coins inserted in two parallel shoots 4 are supported in two carriers 31 against diametricallyopposite projections 10 on a disk 8 mounted on the lever 6, and, during the downward motion of the carriers, turn the lever about its pivot 6<a>. Returning coin.-The security coin falls into a shoot 30, where it is retained by a pin 15<d> carried by a bell-crank 15<c> connected by an adjustable link 15<b> to one arm of the lever 15. When the door is closed, the movement of the lever 15 withdraws the pin 15<d>, permitting the security coin to pass to the borrower. Fraud, preventing.-A bar 62 may be moved laterally by a key in the possession of an attendant to close the shoots 30 by means of arms 64. Projections 31<a> close the shoots 4 when the carriers are depressed. If it be attempted to work the apparatus after the insertion of a single coin, the disk 8 turns idly on its pivot, and the coin passes to the money-box or is returned to the operator. The security coin can only be obtained by returning the correct book, as too small a volume fails to return the lever 49 completely, and if the volume be too large the door cannot be closed.