Selection console and locking mechanism for vending machine
OwnerJames A. Moeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The selection console of the present invention affords a plurality of finger-actuated push buttons which move a short distance to actuate the item-selecting mechanism of a vending machine. The console utilizes a single solenoid to unlock the selector mechanism in response to the energization of the coin accumulator and price mechanism and actuation of a selection price switch. Further, the machine permits the items in the vending machine to be priced at different values without the necessity of separate mechanisms, except for a switch to be actuated by each price bar. Once a price has been selected, the locking mechanism of the console of this invention prohibits one from changing to a different item.
Claims11
In a selection console for a vending machine, the combination of
- a plurality of pins reciprocatably movable independently in parallel paths,
- a slide bar extending across and normal to said paths, said slide bar having a plurality of slots each receiving one of said pins, said slots having a surface to be engaged by a said pin to cause movement of said slide bar upon movement of a pin in a said path,
- means defining a plurality of detents spaced along said slide bar in the direction of movement thereof,
- an actuating member,
- a pair of pawls pivoted on an axis,
- means for biasing one of said pawls into engagement with said slide bar and the other of said pawls into engagement with said actuating member,
- said actuating member being movably supported relative to said pawls to pivot said one pawl to permit movement of said slide bar in only one direction during movement of a said pin in one direction and restrict movement of said slide bar in the other, and to shift said pawls to restrict movement of said slide bar in said one direction upon the return movement of said pin and slide bar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.