Multiple column vending machine malfunction lockout circuit
AssigneeDixie-Narco, Inc.
InventorPaul F. Burton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electrically operated control circuit for a multiple selection vending machine with lockout circuits to isolate mal-functioning sections, thereby enabling continued vending machine operations via the remaining functional sections. The lockout circuitry is particularly directed toward sensing and compensating for jammed conditions in the product dispensing mechanisms using a minimal amount of additional circuit elements over non-protected counterpart machines. The malfunction lockout circuitry includes a motor-cam driven embodiment, and a unique thermally sensitive motor thermostat actuated embodiment.
Claims10
A control circuit for a multiple-selection, independent column vending machine, said control circuit comprising:
- a. coin operable credit establishing means having a first condition corresponding to the establishment of credit upon deposit of proper coinage, and a second condition corresponding to the cancellation of credit;
- b. a plurality of customer operable product selection means, one selection means corresponding to each column, and each of said selection means having a momentary operable state;
- c. a plurality of individual product dispensing means, each of said dispensing means operatively connected to one of said independent columns for dispensing a product;
- d. a plurality of individual actuating circuits corresponding to each column, each of said actuating circuits operatively connected for actuating a corresponding product means;
- e. each of said actuating circuits comprising:
- i. drive motor means operable, in response to the momentary operable state of a corresponding product selection means for momentary energizing said drive motor means, by a first energizing path;
- ii. cam means driven by said drive motor means;
- iii. first cam actuated means having a first condition for maintaining said credit establishing means in said first condition for a first portion of a complete product dispensing cycle, and having a second condition for maintaining said credit establishing means in said second condition for a second portion of said dispensing cycle;
- iv. second cam actuated means, having an initial condition and actuatable to a second condition by said momentary motor energization, for establishing a second motor energizing path to maintain energization of said motor means during said first portion of said dispensing cycle;
- v. said first cam actuated means further providing a third motor energizing path for energizing said motor means during said second portion of said dispensing cycle;
- and
- vi. lockout switching means, operable directly by said cam means such that during a malfunction condition of said product dispensing means during said second portion of said dispensing cycle, said lockout switching means provides an alternate circuit path comprising a portion of said third motor energizing path for maintaining said credit establishing means in said first condition during a first portion of a subsequently ordered dispensing cycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.