Remotely controlled vending apparatus

Oct. 29, 1957 r. l. timms etal 2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS

Filed Sept. 12, 1952 ⁶ Sheets-Sheet 1

<img file="US2811583A_D0001.tif" />

--- attorneys:

Oct. 29, 1957 r. l. timms et al 2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 12, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 2

<img file="US2811583A_D0002.tif" />

/=·/&lt;£ eh

Oct. 29, 1957 r. l. timms et al 2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS

Sheets-Sheet 3

Filed Sept. 12, 1952

<img file="US2811583A_D0003.tif" />

Oct. 29, 1957

R. L. TIMMS ET AL

2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS

Filed Sept. 12, 1952

Sheets-Sheet 4

<img file="US2811583A_D0004.tif" />

Oct. 29, 1957

R. L. TIMMS ET AL

2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS

Filed Sept. 12, 1952

Sheets-Sheet 5

<img file="US2811583A_D0005.tif" />

Oct. 29, 1957 r. l. timms et al 2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 12, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 6

<img file="US2811583A_D0006.tif" />

2,811,583

Patented Oct. 29, 1957

United States Patent Office

2,811,583

REMOTELY CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS

Ross L. Timms, Akron, Ohio, and Arthur T. Sigd, Chicago, I!!.; said Sigo assignor, by mesne assignments, to Serv-Kraft, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York

Application September 12, 1952, Serial No. 309,164

Claims. (Cl. 179—2)

This invention relates to machines for vending articles, services and the like and more particularly to a vending machine controllable from a position remote from the dispensing operation. In prior Patent 2,557,161, issued June 19, 1951, there is shown an apparatus for dispensing articles and services from a plurality Of lockers under the control of a remote central station. The present invention is related to, and may be said to be an improvement, in certain aspects, over said patent.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of an improved type for dispensing a plurality of articles or services under the control of a remotely positioned operator. Another object of the present invention is that of increasing the flexibility of such a vending apparatus for example by providing change making apparatus. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide apparatus for indicating at the remotely positioned· operator’s station, the amount of money paid by the customer at the dispensing point. It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus for controlling the dispensing of articles and the like at a remote location which requires but a single pair of wires interconnecting the two locations. It is a still further object to provide a vending apparatus which is of improved and simplified construction with greater reliability and flexibility than heretofore available and which is easy to manufacture. These and other and further objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out as the specification proceeds.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, showing a group of lockers and the remote central control equipment for said lockers;

Figures 2a and 2b are the schematic diagram of the central control station apparatus 14;

Figures 3 a and 3 b and 4 are the schematic diagram of the apparatus of control panel 12 associated with each locker location.

In Figure 1 there is shown a group 10 of twenty-four lockers with a single operating panel 12 mounted at one end thereof. Electrically connected to this panel 12 is a remote central control station apparatus 14, which is adapted to operate this and other units, such as similar locker groups, gasoline dispensing stations, laundry units and the like under the control of one or more operators. The central control station apparatus 14 has a power pack 16 provided therefor, which furnishes the necessary control voltages for the various circuits in the system. Illustratively, this may be a conventional rectifier system for converting 110 volts A. C. to 48 volts D. C. A similar power pack is provided in the operating panel T2.

Also connected to the locker operating panel 12 is a telephone switchboard 18 Which may be Of the conventional automatic ringing type, and which may be placed adjacent to the central control station apparatus to indicate when the telephone 20 at the operating panel has been removed from its hook. In this manner, the opera- tor at the central control station may talk to the customer at the locker panel, and at the same time, connect the central control station apparatus 14 to the particular locker location concerned, and control the operation thereof as 5 desired.

Ppsitioried at the operating panel of the locker group in addition to the telephone 20, is a light 22 to indicate by its-illumination when the apparatus is in condition for operation and use by the customer, a money receiving Αεί 0 vice 24 having a money returning lever 26 for freeing coins jammed in the receiving device, and a money return chute 28 for receiving change and any money returned by the operator, the chute being arranged to permit the customer to reach in and withdraw his money. In addi15 tion, there may be provided a shelf or compartment 30 to receive any bundles the customer may have in order to free his hands for operation of the machine.

The central, control station apparatus 14 includes selector switches 32 by which the central operator selects the 20 particular locker group that is being used at the given time, a conventional telephone type dial 34 uniformly arranged t° actuate contacts for generating spaced D. C. pulses to control the various functions of the apparatus, a panel 36 containing a series of numbers having lights 25 associated therewith for indicating the amount of money deposited at the locker group by the customer, and a switch operating lever 38 for conditioning the central control station apparatus either to operate the lockers, or to indicate the amount of money deposited by the customer. 30 Illustratively, this invention is shown and described as embodied in apparatus-for vending dry cleaning service, but it should be understood that the invention is equally well adapted for dispensing any of a number of other goods or services.

Briefly speaking, in order to operate the apparatus, a customer desiring dry cleaning service, removes the phone 20 from its hook which results in illumination of the light on the switchboard 18 corresponding to the local vending station. The operator then plugs in on that line in the 40 usual manner and asks the customer what service is desired. If the customer wishes to leave an article such as a suit to be cleaned, the operator will actuate the selector switch 32 corresponding to this vending station, and on the dial 34, dial the number of an empty locker to open ⁴⁵ the locker door in question. The customer then, after having given his name and address and a description of the goods to the operator, inserts his goods in the opened locker .and closes the door, which automatically relocks.

On returning for the goods, the customer again lifts 50 the telephone at the locker, identifies himself, and asks for his goods. The operator will then again connect the central control station apparatus to the particular vending .station through the selector switch 32, set the switch operating lever 38 to the collect position, inform the 55 customer of the cost of the services rendered, and ask the customer to insert the required amount of money into the receiving device 24. As the money is inserted by the customer, the amount of money inserted is indicated on the light panel 36 at the central control station. When ⁶⁰ the customer, has deposited at least the amount of money requested, the operator will return any change due the customer by dialing a code number with the dial 34, and then will open the locker which contains the customer’s goods by dialing the appropriate number. The customer 65 may then reach in and remove his goods, which will have been cleaned and pressed in the interim.

The circuits for accomplishing the above operations are shown in Figures 2 through 4 and will be described substantially in this order. At the outset it should be 70 noted that the relay contacts are shown in the deenergized position, that the symbols SR .and SO stand for “slow release” and “slow operating,” respectively, and

2,811,583 that the open arrow heads indicate normally open contacts while solid arrow heads indicate normally closed contacts.

Reference will first be made to Figures 2α and 2b which show the circuit of the central control station 14. The operator having been apprised that a customer at, for instance, station number four desires to have a suit cleaned, actuates push button 40 of the selector switch 32, which connects the central control station across a pair of wires leading to locker station number four. This is accomplished through the actuation of a stepping ratchet relay I (Figure 2α) having four banks of contacts I-A to I-D in the following manner: The selector switch 32 comprises a series of push button switches, such as 40, having a pair of normally closed contacts 40α and a pair of normally open contacts 40b. One of each of the normally closed pairs of contacts such as 40α is connected to one contact of each of the pairs of contacts 42α and 42b of the three-position “collect-dial” switch 42 which is actuated by the operating lever 38 (Figure 1). The other contacts of the pairs of contacts 42α and 42b are connected to the positive terminal of a source of D. C. voltage and the switch 42 is so arranged that in either its “collect” or its “dial” position, one of the pairs of contacts 42α or 42b is closed. The other contacts of the pairs of normally open contacts 40α are respectively connected through a cable 39 to the corresponding fixed contacts in bank I-B of ratchet relay I (Figure 2α). The armature or wiper arm for this bank of the ratchet relay I is connected through the normally closed contacts 44α of the ratchet relay to one terminal of the actuating solenoid 44 of the ratchet relay. This terminal of the relay solenoid 44 is thus connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source when the “collect-dial” switch 42 is actuated, while its other terminal is connected directly to the negative terminal of the source so that the solenoid 44 is energized. The energization of the solenoid opens its normally closed contacts 44α and deenergizes solenoid 44. The solenoid is thus alternately energized and de-energized to cause the ratchet relay to step from one position to the next. The ratchet relay will step sequentially through its various positions until it reaches its fourth position, at which point the operation of the. relay stops because the actuation of the push button 40 has opened the normally closed contacts 40α in the circuit from the voltage source to the solenoid 44 through the fourth contact in the bank I-B of ratchet relay I.

The respective pairs of contacts in banks I—C and I-D of ratchet relay I are connected to a plurality of pairs of wires, each leading to one of the different locker stations. Thus when the relay I is stepped to its fourth position, it connects the control mechanism of the central control station apparatus 14 across the line 45 (Figure 2b) leading to the fourth locker location, as will be described in more detail herein.

The ratchet relay bank I-A and the normally open contacts such as 40b on the selector switch 32 are provided to actuate conventional busy lamps on the telephone switchboard unit 18 in accordance with the location being worked by the operator all in a well known manner.

Since at this stage the operator merely wants to open a locker to receive the goods of the customer, the threeposition switch 42 is positioned in the “dial” position. This causes the ratchet relay I to step to the fourth position, as described above, which connects the winding of relay 50 (Figure 2α) through leads 41 and .43, contacts 34α of the dial mechanism 34 (Figure 2b), contacts 42c and 42d of the three-position switch 42, wires 35 and 37 and the normally closed contacts 48α and 48b of relay 48 (Figure 2α) across the line 45 leading to locker location four.

The positioning of switch 42 either in the “dial” or “collect” position energizes relay 57 (Figure 2α), one terminal of the winding of which is connected directly to the negative terminal of the voltage source, by connecting the other side to the positive terminal of the voltage source through lead 47 and contacts 42α or 42b of switch 42. The energization of relay 57 opens its normally closed contacts and breaks the circuit from a “ready” light 102 (Figure 2b) through lead 49 to ground, extinguishing the ready light to indicate that the apparatus is in condition for the particular operation selected. Relay 57 is of the slow release type and is adjusted so that the ready light 102 will not be reilluminated upon the return of switch 42 to the neutral position from either the “dial” or “collect” position until the apparatus has cleared itself from the previous_: operating condition, the illumination of the ready light thus indicating to the operator when it is proper to proceed with the next step in the sequence of operations.

The winding of relay 50, when connected across the line leading to the locker location in question, as above described, is connected in series with the winding of an associated relay 58 (see Figure 3b). This circuit may be traced from the postive terminal of power supply at relay 58 through one winding of relay 58, lead 55, contact 86—21 of plug 86, through mating contact 86'—21 of plug 86', through one side of the line 45 (Figure 4) connecting the central control station to the locker location through the contacts at position four of the bank I-D of relay I (Figure 2α) through the relay 50 described above, back through the contacts at position four of Bank I-C, and line 45, to contacts 86—20 and 86'—20 of plugs 86 and 86', through contacts 62α of relay 62 to the other winding of relay 58 and through said winding to the negative terminal of the power supply.

The energization of the circuit just described also energizes relay 88 (Figure 3α) and relay 72 (Figure 3b) to complete the conditioning of the locker station for the receipt of a coded series of locker door opening pulses from the central control station. This is accomplished by the closing of contacts 58b upon the energization of relay 58 which applies a positive voltage through lead 59 to one terminal of the winding of relay 88, the other terminal being connected to the negative power source. This in turn applies a positive voltage through contacts 88d, lead 61, contacts 90α of relay 90, and contacts 66b of relay 66 to one terminal of the winding of relay 72, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage supply.

Relay 50, in addition to completing the circuit through relay 58, energizes “dial” light 100 (Figure 2b) through lead 51 and contacts 50α to indicate to the operator of the central control station that the apparatus is ready for dialing.

The operator now dials a number, for instance 24, on the dial mechanism 34, in the usual manner. This opens the contacts 34α at spaced intervals in accordance with the number dialed in the well known manner. The opening of contacts 34α breaks the circuit between relays 50 and 58, described above, which interruption is utilized to actuate stepping ratchet relays V and VI, Figure 3a.

The deenergization of relay 58 causes the operating coil of ratchet relay V to be energized and to step the ratchet relay V one space. As relay 58 is deenergized, its contacts 58α connect the positive terminal of the voltage source to one terminal of the actuating solenoid for the ratchet relay V (Figure 3α) through the normally closed contacts 60α of relay 60, Figure 3b (which is maintained in the energized position by a slow release characteristic), lead 63, contacts 88b of relay 88 through lead 65, contacts 64c of relay 64, the winding of relay 90, and lead 67 to one side of the actuating solenoid 104 of ratchet relay V, the other side of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. This pauses the ratchet relay V to step to its first position where it will remain until relay 58 is again deenergized. When the number 24 is dailed, as above mentioned, the dialing of the first digit 2 would cause two pulses to be transmitted to the actuating coil 104 to step the ratchet relay V to its second position. As may be seen in Figure 4,

2,81 , 5 the fixed contact at second position of bank V-D of ratchet relay V is connected to the wiper arm for bank VI-E of ratchet relay VI.

The energization of relay 90 energizes relay 64, which has a holding circuit which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 88 (Figure 3α) through contacts 88/, lead 61, and contacts 64α, of relay 64, and the winding of relay 64 to the negative voltage source. Moreover, relay 90 is of the slow release type so that it is not deenergized between individual pulses in a number group and consequently an energizing circuit for coil 104 is provided through contacts 90c and 646 rather than through contacts 64c, as described.

Thus after the first number group of pulses is received, relay 90 is deenergized and, since relay 64 remains energized, relay 90 is not re-energized by the next group of pulses and ratchet relay V is not actuated by groups of pulses subsequent to the first.

The next set of pulses from the central control station, for example, those for the second digit 4, of the locker number 24, energizes the actuating solenoid 108 of ratchet relay VI to step ratchet relay VI to the fourth position to complete the circuit for opening the door of locker 24. The first pulse of the second group, as previously, described, will deenergize relay 58 and connect the positive terminal of the voltage source through contacts 58α of relay 58, contacts 60α of relay 60, lead 63, contacts 886 of relay 88 (which is still energized), lead 65, contacts 646 of relay 64 (now energized), contacts 906 of relay 90 (now deenergized) through the winding of relay 66 through contacts 74α of relay 74 through lead 75 and thus to one terminal of the actuating solenoid 108, the other side of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. The ratchet relay VI is thus stepped one position for each pulse of this group until it rests at position 4, completing the circuit to the latch operating solenoid at locker 24. The locker door solenoid circuit may be traced from the positive voltage source at relay 70 (Figure 3α) through contacts 70c of relay 70 (now energized), lead 73 to contact 86—4 of the plug 86 and the corresponding contact 86'—4 of the mating plug 86' (Figure 4) through contacts 110α of leaf spring switch 110, through the mating contacts 86'—5 and 86—5 of plugs 86' and 86 respectively, through lead 77 and the wiper arm of bank VI—F, now positioned at the fourth position of ratchet relay VI, through the fixed contact in this fourth position, through the solenoid 112 and the wiper arm of bank VI-E of ratchet relay VI now at its fourth position through the wiper arm of bank V-D now at the second position of ratchet relay V, through lead 79, contacts 726 of relay 72 (now energized), contacts 68c of relay 68 (now energized) and resistor 106 to the negative terminal of the voltage supply. The energization of the latch operating solenoid 11 will unlatch the door of locker 24 and allow it to be opened, either manually or by a suitable spring. For details of a suitable solenoid operated latch 112, reference is hereby made to copending application S. N. 309,166, filed September 12, 1952, now Patent No. 2,754,144.

In addition to the opening of the locker door, the positioning of ratchet relays V and VI at any given locker number energizes the “collect” solenoid 114α (Figure 4) of the coin hopper 114 to actuate the door 1146 thereof and cause any coins that may have been deposited therein to drop into a collecting tray within the apparatus, this being particularly applicable where the customer is picking up goods and has paid for services rendered thereon. This circuit may be traced from the negative terminal of the voltage source, through the “collect” solenoid 114α, contacts 86'—6 and 86—6 of the plugs 86' and 86 respectively, through lead 81, the fixed contact at second position of bank V-B of ratchet relay V and the wiper arm therefor, through contacts 706 of relay 70 (now energized) to the positive terminal of the voltage source.

The control circuit for relay VI, in addition to stepping

1,683 it to the fourth position as described above, conditions the latch operating, circuit which will be traced below. Thus a pulse from the second group, in energizing relay 66, energizes relay 68 by connecting the positive terminal of 5 the voltage source through contacts 88/ of relay 88 (still energized) lead 61 and contacts 66c to one terminal of the winding of relay 68, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

The energization of relay 68 is maintained through its 10 holding contacts 68α as long as relay 88 is energized, and also provides, an energization circuit for relay 70 (Figure 3α). This circuit may be traced from the winding of relay 70 through lead 71, contacts 686 of relay 68, and' contacts 66α of relay 66 when the latter relay is 15 deenergized.

In addition, relay 72, the winding of which has one terminal connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source, is energized through contacts 666 of relay 66 (when deenergized), lead 61 and'contacts 88/ of relay 88 20 (still energized).

There are thus provided circuits by which the operator may open an appropriate locker door to permit the customer to place' the goods therein. The locker door may then be shut either manually by the customer or by a self25 closing spring: arrangement, such as shown in the above copending application, S. N. 309,166.

Upon the return of the customer to pick up. the: goods left for cleaning, the operator, after properly identifying the customer, actuates the push button 40 corresponding 30 to the: appropriate locker station, for example, station number four, as referred to above. The operator then positions the three-position switch 42 (Figure 26) in the “collect” position, which causes the ratchet relay I. (Figure 2α) to step to the fourth position in a manner similar 35 to that described above in connection with the “dial” position, except that the positive voltage source is applied through contacts 426 of switch 42 instead of through contacts 42α. Also, in the “collect” position, instead of connecting the winding of relay 50 across the line 45 leading 40 to the particular locker station, the winding of relay 46 is connected across this line through leads 91 and 92, contacts 42e and 42/ of switch 42, leads 35' and 37, contacts 48α and 486 of relay 48 and the fourth contacts in banks I-C and I-D of ratchet relay I. As before, the 45 “ready” light' 102 is extinguished by relay 57 and the “collect” light 116, one side of which is connected to. the negative terminal of the voltage source, is energized through lead 117, contacts 526 of relay 52 to the positive terminal of the voltage source. Also the “zero” lights 51' of the tens and hundreds digits of the numbers on light panel 36 are lighted by the positioning of switch 42 in the “collect” position by a circuit which may be traced from the positive voltage source terminal at relay 52, through contacts 526, through the wiper arms of relay ⁵⁵ banks Π-B and III-B, through the respective lights, through resistor 130 to the negative terminal of the power supply. Similarly, the units zero light is illuminated through a circuit from relay 52 through contacts 526, through contacts 54/, through lead 119 through the light ⁶⁰ and through resistor 130 to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

This, then, completes a circuit with relay 58 as described above, which conditions the apparatus for the recording of the amount of money deposited by the customer at the locker location, on light panel 36 at the central control station apparatus 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, as a coin, for example, a five-cent piece or nickel is dropped into the coin receiving device 24, it passes through a slug rejector (not shown) ⁷⁰ of any standard type and, if genuine, is accepted and passed to switch 118, the actuation of which applies a positive voltage from the power supply through switch 118, contact 86'—14 of plug 86', contact 86—14 of plug 86, through lead 83 and the wiper arm of bank IV-A of ⁷⁵ ratchet relay IV (now in its zero position, as shown),

2,811,583 through contacts Ί6α of relay 76 to the actuating solenoid 120 of ratchet relay IV, the other side of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Ratchet relay IV is thus energized and stepped to its first position. The energizing of solenoid 120 energizes relay 78 (Figure 3 b) one terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source, by connecting its other terminal to the positive terminal of the voltage source through lead 87, contacts 120α of relay 120 (in the energized position) through bank IV-A to bank IV-D of ratchet relay IV. The energization of relay 78 closes its contact 78α which energizes relay 76 (Figure 3α) and opens its contacts 76α to deenergize solenoid 120, allowing the ratchet mechanism to reset. Relay 76 is of the slow operating type and relay 78 is of the slow release type, so that they allow sufficient time for the ratchet relay IV to move to its first position before opening of the contacts 76α. The solenoid 120 in turn deenergizes the relay 78 which, after an appropriate delay, opens its contacts 78α. This deenergizes relay 76, and in turn allows its contacts 76α to close. The closing of contacts 76α, with the ratchet relay IV in its first position, closes an energizing circuit through solenoid 120 of ratchet relay IV which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at bank IV-D through bank IV-A, the wiper arm for bank IV-A, and contacts 76α of relay 76 to the solenoid 120, causing the sequence of operation of relays 76 and 78 to be repeated. This entire cycle of operation is then repeated until the ratchet relay IV is stepped eleven complete steps, at which position bank IV-A is not connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source and relay IV is ready for a complete new sequence of operation. It may be noted that two complete cycles of operation are obtained for each revolution of the ratchet relay IV as well as with certain others of the ratchet relays as will be described.

The ratchet relay IV is stepped through this elevenstep cycle of operation for each coin deposited, regardless of the denomination. The denomination of the particular coin deposited is indicated by a number of pulses transmitted from the locker station to the central control station. These pulses are generated by energization of relay 62 under control of the wiper arm of bank IV-C as it passes through its cycle of operation. The circuit for the nickel may be traced from the positive voltage supply at relay 62 through one winding of relay 62, and lead 63, to the wiper arm of bank IV-C in the third position of relay IV through lead 65 to the other winding of relay 62, which in turn is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Thus, every time the ratchet relay IV steps through one cycle of operation relay 62 is energized at least once. The energization of relay 62 opens its contacts 62α, which breaks the circuit by which relays 58 and 46 are energized, thus transmitting a pulse from the locker location to the central control station.

In a somewhat similar manner dimes and quarters deposited in the coin receiving device 24 cause the relay 62 to be energized two and five times respectively. Deposit of a dime connects the positive terminal of the voltage source through the dime switch 122, contact 86'—14 of plug 86', contact 86—16 of plug 16 to one terminal of relay 80, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of voltage source. This energizes relay 80 and closes its contacts 806 to apply a positive voltage to the ratchet relay coil 120 through lead 83 in a manner similar to that described above. The energization of relay 80 also closes its contacts 80c to provide an additional circuit for energizing relay 62 through the first position of bank IV-C of ratchet relay IV. This circuit may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 62 through one winding of relay 62 and lead 63, to the wiper arm of bank IV-C of ratchet relay IV (now in its first position), through lead 67, contacts 80c of relay 80 to one terminal ⁸ of the other winding of the relay 62 the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

Similarly, the deposit of a quarter connects the positive terminal of the voltage source through the quarter switch 124, through contact 86'—15 of plug 86', contact 86—15 of plug 86 to one terminal of the winding of the relay 82, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. This energizes relay 82 and, through its contacts 826 and lead 83, connects the positive terminal of the voltage source to the solenoid 120 in a manner similar to that described above. Relay 82 closes contacts 82c and 82rf, which , provide three additional pulses for energizing relay 62.

This circuit may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 62 through one winding thereof, through lead 63, the wiper arm of bank IV-C of ratchet relay IV, in positions 5, 7 and 9 of ratchet relay IV through lead 69, contacts 82d and 82c of relay 82 to the other winding of relay 62 and hence to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

The relays 80 and 82 are provided with holding circuits so that once they are energized they are held energized until the ratchet relay IV completes the last step of its cycle, at which time the holding circuits are broken. These circuits may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 84 through contacts 84α of relay 84 to contacts 80α and 82α of relays 80 and 82, respectively. When these two relays are in the actuated position, positive terminal of the voltage source is thus connected to the respective relays to maintain their energization. At position ten of bank IV-B there is provided a connection to the positive voltage terminal on bank IV-D through bank IV-A. This in turn is connected through the wiper arm of bank IV-B through lead 89 to one terminal of relay 84, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. This energizes relay 84, opening its contacts 84α, and breaking the holding circuit for relays 80 and 82, deenergizing them and opening their respective contacts 80α and 82α.

As described above, when relay 62 is energized, relays 46 and 58 are deenergized. The deenergization of relay 46 initiates a cycle of operation which actuates the numeral indicating circuit of light panel 36, as will now be described with reference to Figure 2α.

The first pulse received at the central control station, whether the single pulse generated by a nickel or the first pulse from a series generated by a quarter or a dime, as described above, deenergizes relay 46 which breaks its contacts 466 and closes its contacts 46α momentarily to connect the positive terminal of the voltage source to one terminal of the windings of relays 54 and 56 through contacts 52c of relay 52 (which are closed despite the de-energization of relay 46 by virtue of the slow release characteristic of relay 52), contact 546 and lead 128 to one terminal of one of the windings of relay 54, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source and also through lead 126 to one terminal of one of the windings or relay 56, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Simultaneously, connection is also made through contacts 52c and contacts 56α to one terminal of the other winding of relay 56, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage supply.

It should be noted at this point that relays 54 and 56 are of the so-called differential type, i. e. they comprise two windings of equal inductance connected in opposing relationship, so that when both windings are energized the relay contacts remain in or return to the normal deenergized position. Relay 54 is thus immediately energized and relay 56 unaffected by the pulses. Relay 54, however, is maintained in energized condition through a holding circuit which may be traced from lead 128

2,811,583 to indicate ad added increment of 5 cents on the light panel 36. The fourth pulse will then deenergize relays 54 and 56 and actuate the stepping ratchet relay to its second position which would then cause a total of 20 cents to be shown on the hght panel 36. This sequence is continued until a total of 95 cents as indicated on the light panel 36, at which point the next pulse will actuate the stepping ratchet relay II to cause a total of $1.00 to be indicated. The solenoid 142 for the ratchet relay II is energized through a circuit which may be traced from the negative terminal of the voltage source at solenoid 142, through solenoid 142, contacts 140b of solenoid 140, as it is energized by the twentieth pulse through the wiper arm of bank III-B of ratchet relay III, now positioned at the ninth position, through contacts 52b of relay 52 (still energized) to the positive terminal of the voltage source. The coil 142 is in effect energized simultaneously with the coil 140 once per cycle of ten steps of the ratchet relay III. This moves the ratchet relay II to its first position which illuminates the numeral one of the hundreds digit series of lights on panel 36, This illuminating circuit may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 52 (now energized) through contacts 52b, the wiper arm of bank II-B of ratchet relay II, and the fixed contact at the first position of ratchet relay II to the light one of the hundreds digit series and through the resistor 130 to the- negative terminal of the voltage source.

This entire cycle is repeated for each dollar of money 30 deposited until a maximum of $9.95 is indicated on the light panel 36, following which the deposit of additional money will start the complete cycle again.

When the proper amount of money for the services rendered has been deposited and indicated to the operator 35 on light panel 36, the operator returns the three-way switch 42 to its central position which causes the apparatus to clear itself by deenergizing relay 46, Figure 2a, and relay 58, Figure 3b, and thereby causes the various circuits to return to a starting position. The deenergization of relay 46 opens its contacts 46b, deenergizing relay 52 after a short delay and in turn deenergizing relays 54 and 56 if they are energized and causing the ratchet relays II and III to step to the zero position of their next complete cycle of operation, i. e. move their wiper arms 45 into contact with the first contacts in either the upper or lower group of the relay contacts. This circuit may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 52 (now deenergized) through contacts 52α, the wiper arm of bank ΙΠ-Α of ratchet relay III, through through contacts 54α, and contacts 52b of relay 52- (still energized) to the positive terminal of the voltage source. This also acts after the passing, of the. pulses, as an energizing and holding circuit for relay 56 through the lead 126 described above. The energization of relay 54 opens its contacts 54d, which extinguishes the zero units light which was originally lighted along with the zero light of the tens and hundreds digits upon the positioning of the apparatus in the “collect” position as described above. At the same time the energization of relay 54 closes contacts 54e which illuminates the five units digit light through a circuit which may be traced from the ground connection at relay 52 through contacts 52b, contacts 54e of relay 54, lead 53, through the five units digit light, and the resistance 130 to the negative terminal of the voltage source. The numeral “5” is thus lighted on the light panel 36 to indicate that five cents has been deposited in the coin receiving mechanism 24 at the locker location in question.

Since the pulse transmitted to the central control station is of short duration, the relay 46 is deenergized only momentarily to initiate the above described operation and then returned to the normally energized position. As noted above, the relay 52, due to its slow release characteristic, does not deenergize during the pulse interval but rather remains in the energized position. Thus at the end of the first pulse, the relays 46, 52,. 54, 56 and 57 are energized.

The next pulse, whether it be generated by a second nickel or by the first of a series of pulses generated by a dime or quarter, again deenergizes the relay 46 to initiate the next step in the cycle of operation of the coin recording and counting mechanism. This pulse connects the positive terminal of the voltage at relay 46 through contacts 46α, contacts 52c of relay 52 (still energized), contacts 56b of relay 56 (still energized) through lead 132 to one terminal of the winding of relay 54, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. The energization of the second winding bf the differential relay 54, the first winding of which is still energized, in effect deenergizes the relay 54 so that its contacts return to the normally de-energized position. This breaks the holding circuits for relays 54 and- 56 causing them to return to their deenergized position.

The condenser 134 and series resistance 136, however, form a time delay circuit with the energized winding of relay 56 which delays the deenergization thereof a sufficient length of time to allow the coil 140 of ratchet relay _______________________ .,

III to step the ratchet relay one position. The actuating 50 the fixed contact at any one of positions one through nine in either the upper or lower group of contacts of ratchet relay III, through contacts 140α, solenoid 140 to the negative terminal of the voltage source. This actuates solenoid 140, which advances ratchet relay III one step and opens contacts 140α to permit the resetting of the ratchet mechanism and coil 140. This operation is then repeated to step the ratchet relay III to its next zero position.

When the ratchet relay III reaches its next zero position the ratchet relay II is stepped to its next zero position through a circuit which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 52 (now deenergized) through contacts 52α to the wiper arm of bank III-A, through the contact at the zero position of bank III-A, through the leads 144 and/or 146 to the fixed contacts in bank II-A of ratchet relay II, through the wiper arm of. bank II-A, contacts 142α and through the solenoid 142 to the negative terminal of the voltage source. Since the fixed contacts at all of the positions of bank II-A of ratchet relay II, except its zero positions, are tied together, ratchet relay II will now step sequentially to its next zero position.

_ ____ The apparatus is thus cleared, the lights on light panel the relays 54 and 56 ini the same manner as did the first, 75 36 extinguished and the ready light 102 illuminated to circuit for ratchet relay III may be traced from the negative terminal of the voltage source at coil 140, through coil 140, contacts 56c of relay 56 (still energized) and through the contacts 54c of relay 54 (now deenergized) to the positive terminal of the voltage 55 source. Condenser 164 and series resistor 162 are similarly provided to insure the proper operation of ratchet relay coil 140.

The stepping of the ratchet relay III to its first position lights the numeral one of the tens series of lights by a 60 circuit which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source at relay 52 (now energized) through contacts 52b, the wiper arm of bank III-B of ratchet relay III and the fixed contact at its first position, through the number one light of the tens digit series 65 on panel 36, and through resistor 130 to the negative terminal of the voltage source. The deenergization of relay 54 also extinguishes the five units digit light and illuminates the zero units digit light as previously described. The lights thus illuminated indicate the total 70 which has been deposited at the locker location, i. e. ten cents.

The next pulse, whether generated by a nickel or from the series generated by a dime or quarter, will actuate

2,811,883 indicate to the operator that the apparatus is now ready for further operation.

The operator may now open the door of the locker containing the customers goods by dialing the code number in the same manner as described in connection with the opening of a locker door for the customer to place her goods therein.

If on the other hand, the customer did not have the proper change but deposited an excessive amount of money, this fact would be indicated to the operator on the light panel 36 and the operator would note the amount of change to be returned to the customer. The operator may then return the necessary change to the customer by positioning the three-way switch 42 in the “dial” position and dialing a code number which actuates a coin dispensing mechanism at the locker location in question.

In this case, the central· control station apparatus is conditioned exactly the same as in the dialing operation previously described. However, the operator instead of dialing the locker number, dials the code number 01 which actuates the nickel slicer solenoid 148, Figure 4. For details of a change dispensing mechanism for use in a machine such as the present, reference is hereby made to the copending application, S. N. 309,683, filed September 15, 1952, now Patent No. 2,782,791.

The operation of the nickel slicer is accomplished in a manner quite similar to the manner of the actuation of a door latch but only the ratchet relay V is utilized. When the operator dials zero on the dial mechanism 34, ratchet relay V is stepped to its second zero position in the manner previously described.

The ratchet relay V, when in this second zero position, actuates an interlocking circuit that prevents the operation of ratchet relay VI upon the receipt of further pulses generated by the dialing of the code number 01. This circuit may be traced from the negative terminal of the voltage source at one terminal of the winding of relay 74, through this winding through the fixed contact at the second zero position of ratchet relay V and the wiper arm of bank V-C, through lead 94, through contacts 72α of relay 72 (which is energized, as described above) to the positive terminal of the voltage source. This energizes relay 74, which has a holding circuit for maintaining it in the energized position; this holding circuit may be traced from the relay 74 (now energized) through contacts 74c, lead 61 to contacts SSd of relay 88 (now energized) and thence to the positive terminal of the voltage source. Relay 74 is thus maintained in an energized position as long as relay 88 is also maintained in an energized position. The energization of relay 74 opens its contacts 74α, which are connected in series in the energizing circuit for the actuating solenoid 108 for ratchet relay VI. Thus ratchet relay VI may not be energized by subsequent pulses from the central control station.

The pulse transmitted to the ratchet relay V by the dialing of the numeral 1 of the code number 01 steps ratchet relay V one position to its first position of its second cycle. Relay 74, in addition to preventing the operation of ratchet relay VI upon the receipt of the single pulse generated by dialing the numeral 1 of the code number 01, conditions the ratchet relay V for actuation by this pulse. This pulse results in energization of relay 58, as described above, which connects the positive terminal of the voltage source associated therewith through contacts 58a, contacts 60α of relay 60 (now deenergized), lead 63, contacts 88/? of relay 88 (now energized), lead 65, contacts 64b of relay 64 (now energized), contacts 90δ of relay 90 (now deenergized), through the winding of relay 66, contacts 746 of relay 74 (now energized) and lead 67 to one terminal of the solenoid 104 of ratchet relay V, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

Ratchet relay V is thus stepped from its second zero position to the first position of its second cycle.

This completes an energizing circuit to the nickel dispensing solenoid 148, Figure 4, which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source associated with relay 72 (now energized) through contacts 72α and lead 94, through the wiper arm for bank V-C of ratchet relay V and the fixed contact at the first position of the second cycle of ratchet relay V, through lead 95, contact 86—3 of plug 86 and contact 86'—3 of plug 86' to one terminal of the solenoid 148, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. The nickel dispenser is thus energized to dispense a nickel therefrom into the coin receiving chute 28, for example in the manner shown and described in the above-identified copending application, to return five cents in change to the customer. After dialing of the code numbers 01, and thereby delivering one nickel, the operator may dial the number 1 a maximum of three additional times, similarly ejecting a nickel each time, allowing a maximum of twenty cents change to be delivered to the customer. It should be noted that this is sufficient change for the largest denomination of coil which the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus will handle. If a machine capable of handling larger coins is desired, the apparatus could readily be adapted to give any desired amount of change.

Another feature of the present invention is that all coins deposited by the customer may be returned at any time prior to the opening of the locker door. Thus if a customer should find after depositing a portion of the price that he had insufficient change, the central operator could return the money already deposited, allowing tile customer to leave the machine and get proper change without danger of loss of his money and without preventing the use of the machine by others. This may be accomplished by the central operator actuating the threeway switch to the “dial” position and dialing the code number 08. As with the change-making pulses, the pulses generated by dialing the 0 of the code number move the ratchet relay V to its second zero position which inactivates ratchet relay VI and conditions ratchet relay V for further operation. Ratchet relay V upon receipt of the pulses generated by dialing of the numeral 8, is stepped to the eighth position of its second cycle. This completes a circuit to the coin return solenoid 152 which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source associated with relay 72 (now energized) through contacts 72α and lead 94, through the wiper arm of bank V-C and the fixed contact at the eighth position thereof, through lead 96, contact 86—1 of plug 86, contact 86'—1 of plug 86', to one terminal of the coin hopper return solenoid 114c, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source. This actuates the coin hopper door 114ti to allow any money therein to drop into the coin return chute 28, from which the customer may retrieve the coins, as described in detail in the above-mentioned copending application.

As shown in Figures 3α through 4, there is provided a counter device 154 (Figure 3α) for indicating the number of times the apparatus is used. The counter 154 is energized through a circuit which may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source associated with relay 70 (now energized) through contacts 70c, lead 73, contact 86—4 of plug 86 and contact 86'—4 of plug 86', through leaf spring switch contacts 110α and 110ά, contact 86—8 and contact 86'—8 and lead 97 to one terminal of the counter 154, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

Similarly, there is provided at the central control station apparatus 14 (Figure 2α) a counter 156 for registering the dollar volume recorded on the light panel 36.

The actuating circuit for this counter may be traced from the positive terminal of the voltage source as2.811,583 sociated with solenoid 142 of ratchet relay II through contacts 1426 (when in the energized position) to one terminal of the counter device 156, the other terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source.

To insure that when the apparatus is not in proper operation a customer will not lose coins in the slug rejector and counting mechanism, there is provided an A. C. coin rejector relay 158 (see Figure 4). When this relay 158 is not energized, it disables the slug rejector so that any coins deposited therein pass therethrough and into the coin return chute 24. As may be seen from Figure 4 relay 158 is connected directly to the A. C. power supply so that upon a power failure the relay will be deenergized and the slug rejector disabled.

Also connected across the power supply in conventional manner is a fluorescent lamp 160, starter 166 and ballast 168 therefor, for illuminating operating panel 12.

As an aid to better understanding of the invention, the operation of the apparatus may be summarized as follows: A customer approaches a vending station, for example, number four, and removes the telephone 20 (Figure 1) from its hook which actuates a light at the central control station telephone switch board 18. The operator may then inquire from the customer what is desired. If, for example, the customer wishes to leave a suit for cleaning, the operator will press push button 40 (Figure 26) and throw three-way switch 42 to the “dial” position. This results in stepping the ratchet relay I (Figure 2α) to its fourth position to connect the central control station apparatus across the line 45 leading to locker location 4. The operator then dials the number of an empty locker, for example, locker number 24, which steps ratchet relay V (Figure 3α) to its second position and ratchet relay VI to its fourth position to actuate the latch operating solenoid associated with the door of locker 24, and release the latch to allow the door to open.

Upon the return of the customer to pick up the goods, the operator, after properly identifying the customer, actuates push button 4 and positions switch 42 in its “collect” position to connect the central control station across line 45, substantially as above. The operator will then inform the customer of the cost of the service rendered and instruct the customer to deposit the appropriate amount of money in coin receiving slot 24. The customer may then deposit any combination of nickels,. dimes or quarters which equal or exceed the cost of services. The coins first pass into a slug rejector which, after accepting them, separates them according to denomination and discharges them so as to actuate one of the pulse control switches 118, 122 and 124 (Figure 4) according to their denomination. These switches actuate relays 76 and 78 which control ratchet relay IV which in turn actautes relay 62 to transmit back to the central control station a number of pulses according to the total value of the coins deposited. These pulses actuate ratchet relays II and III (Figure 2α) and cause the illumination of appropriate lights on light panel 36 (Figure 1) to indicate the sum deposited. The actuation of relay 62 energizes relays 58 and 46, which latter initiates the recording operation at the central control station. When relay 46 is deenergized, relays 54 and 56 are momentarily energized, which extinguishes the 0 units digit and illuminates the units 5 digit light. The next pulse which deenergizes relay 46 will again momentarily energize relays 54 and 56 as well as relay 150 to step ratchet relay III one position. Succeeding pulses will repeat this cycle until ratchet relay VI has stepped to indicate a total of $.95, at which point the next pulse will actuate both ratchet relays III and II to indicate a total of $1.00. This complete cycle is then repeated as necessary until a maximum of $9.95 is indicated.

The operator may then note the amount of change, if any, necessary and move the switch 42 to its neutral position until ready light 102 is illuminated. The waiting period is provided to insure that the appartus is cleared of one sequence of operation before a second sequence is attempted. The operator upon the illumination of ready light 102, may position switch 42 in the “dial” position and dial the code number 01. This steps ratchet relay

V to the zero position of its second cycle, at which position the ratchet relay VI is disabled for operation upon the next succeeding pulse and ratchet relay V is conditioned for operation upon the next succeeding pulse, unlike their previous operation for opening the locker door. The pulse for the numeral 1 moves ratchet relay V to the first position of its second cycle which completes a circuit to the nickel slicer, causing it to eject one nickel into the coin return chute. This may be repeated until a maximum of $.20 has been returned to the customer. The 15 operator may then return the switch 42 to its neutral position and, after ready light 102 goes on, position switch 42 in the “dial” position and dial the number of the locker containing the goods of the customer as described above.

If, for some reason, it is desired to return all of the 20 money deposited by the customer, this may be done at any time prior to the opening of the locker door by positioning the switch 42 in the “dial” position and dialing the code number 08. As with the code number 01, the pulses generated by dialing 0 position ratchet relay V 25 in the zero position of its second cycle, which conditions it for further operation and disables ratchet relay VI as described above. The pulses from the numeral “8’ then step ratchet relay V to the eighth position of its cycle which completes a circuit to the return solenoid 114α of 30 the coin hopper 114 and causes any coins therein to fall into the coin return chute.

It is thus, readily apparent that there is shown an extremely flexible, useful device for performing a vending operation in accordance with the foregoing objects.

While there is given above a certain specific example of this invention and its application in practical use, it should be understood that this is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limiting of the invetnion. On the contrary, this illustration and the explanation herein are given in order 40 to acquaint others skilled in the art with this invention and the principles thereof and a suitable manner of its application in practical use, so that others skilled in the art may be enabled to modify the invention and to adapt and apply it in numerous forms, each as may be best 45 suited to the requirements of a particular use.