US3262539A

US3262539A - Mechanism for collecting percentage of vending machine receipts for rental or purchase payments

Info

Publication number: US3262539A
Application number: US451408A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert J Neubacher; Kit E Pennell
Original assignee: Vendo Co
Current assignee: SandenVendo America Inc
Priority date: 1965-04-28
Filing date: 1965-04-28
Publication date: 1966-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 1983-07-26

Description

Jly 26, 1955 R. J. NEUBACHER ETAL 3,262,539

MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCENTAGE OF VENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FOR RENTAL OR PURCHASE PAYMENTS 2 Sheets-Sheet l F1102? April 2S, 1965 0R PURCHASE PAYMENTS R. J. NEUBACHER ETAL MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCEN VENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FOR July 26, 1966 Filed April 28. 1965 fo 7M/yer /Wnp INVENTORS. Robe/hl Nez/bache# /f E Pew/7e# BY MY@ Arrow/5V United States Patent O 3,262,539 MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING PERCENTAGE OF VENDING MACHINE RECEIPTS FOR RENTAL OR PURCHASE PAYMENTS Robert J. Neubaclner, @veriand Park, Kans., and Kit E. Pennelli, independence, Mo., assignors to The Vendo Company, Kansas City, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Filed Apr. 28, 1965, Ser. No. 451,408 11.4 Claims. (Cl. 194-2) This invention relates to vending machines and, more particularly, t-o apparatus for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales from said vending machines.

Many vending machines are not actually owned by the proprietor of the premises in which such machines are situated. Typically, the machines may be installed in customenaccessible vending locations under an agreement between the machine owner and the location management lwhereby the owner of the machine is to receive a percentage of the money deposited into the machine by customers who purchase goods from the machine. In some situations the machines 'are leased to operators who arrange for installing and servicing the machines in various locations.

In either of the foregoing situations, and under other similar arrangements common in the coin-operated vending machine industry, difliculties have been encountered where the money deposited into the vending machines is collected into .a common cash box for ultimate distribution in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the parties having an interest in the proceeds of the sales from the machine. One of the parties may permitthe key to the common collection boX to fall into the hands of irresponsible persons wherein money may be taken from the box without accounting to the other party under the terms of the agreement.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for apparatus to cause the agreed upon portion of the proceeds of the sales from the machine to be automatically separated and collected in a box accessible only to the party to whom such portion belongs.

One of the important objects of this invention is to provide a unitary device having its own selfecontained motor operable from the vend circuit of `a coin changer for causing the latter to deposit coins into a separate, locked container so that substantially no alteration is necessary to the existing coin changer.

Another very important object of this invention is to provide mechanism whereby that portion of the sales proceeds to be collected and set aside may be preselected by quick and easy adjustment without the necessity for special tools.

A further important object of the instant invention is to provide sales receipts collecting mechanism which can be securely locked to prevent disconnection of the mechanism from the coin changer circuitry of the vending machine to thereby preclude wrongful operation of the vending machine without provision for collection and reservation of a portion of the sales proceeds.

It is .still another object of this invention to provide mechanism having components for causing automatic rejection and return to the customer of any coins deposited into the vending machine while the changer is functioning to set aside money into the rental collection box to preclude mutual interference between either the vending or rental collecting functions of the vending machine.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of removable protective covers for the components of the mechanism to which access is occasionally desirable, which covers are provided with novel locking structure to preclude wrongful removal or tampering with the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide mechanism 3,252,539 Patented July 26, 1966 ICC which causes a discharge of coins directly from the change storage structure of the coin changer into the rental collection box to facilitate collection of a definite portion of the proceeds of the sales from the machine, rather than attempting to separate a portion of the coins while they are gravitating through the coin-testing and change-making components of the machine. This insures uniformity of collection and obviates structural alterations to the coinhandling devices, las well as permitting flexibility in installation of the collecting mechanism as an accessory to changers adjusted for various sales prices.

These and other important objects of the instant invention will be further explained hereinafter or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following specification and claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of an electrical coin changer showing `an apparatus embodying the principles of this invention incorporated therewith, parts being broken away for clarity;

FIG. 2 is ia fragmentary, side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevational View of the apparatus shown in FIG. l with the collection boxes and cover plate removed, parts being broken away and shown in cross section to reveal details of construction;

FIG. 4 is a detailed, cross-sectional view taken along line 4 4 of FIG. 3, with the cover plate shown in place on the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, detailed, cross-sectional view taken along line 5 5 of FIG. l;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 6 6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, cross-sectional view through the apparatus control lbox with the motor, cam `assembly and switches appearing in elevation;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. l0 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10- 10 of FIG. 7;

FIG. ll is a cross-sectional view 11 of FIG., 7;

FIG. l2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the switches by the 'cams through one complete revolution of the actuator cam assembly; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the electrical circuit of the apparatus of this invention.

5 taken along line taken along line 8 8 taken along line 9 9 taken along line 11 Apparatus embodying the principles of this invention I broadly designated 20, includes a frame 22 for mounting apparatus 20- on a vending machine. Frame 22 includes a generally horizontal plate 24 having an integral, vertically extending ange 26 provided with elongated slots 28 for mounting apparatus 20 on the vending machine beneath the coin changer 30 of the vending ma- I coins totaling more than the sale price of the item selected -for vending by the machine. The normal operation and functioning of changer 30 is well known to those skilled in the art, forms no part of the instant invention, and will, therefore, not be described in detail.

Apparatus incl-udes diverter means broadly designated 44 between plate 24 and coin pay-out mechanism 40. Diverter means 44 includes a plate 46 having integral side flanges 48 to define a chute therebetween. Plate 46 is pivoted on a horizontally extending shaft 50 passing through

walls

32 and 34 for movement from a position inclined diagonally toward an opening 52 adjacent one end of plate 24 to an alternate position with plate 46 rotated approximately 60 in a clockwise direction as Viewed in FIG. 3. Thus, plate 46, in the alternate position, is inclined diagonally toward an opening 54 situated generally midway between the ends of plate 24. When plate 46 is in the position thereof illustrated in FIG. 3, all of the coins discharged from the pay-out mechanism 40 of changer 30 are caused to gravitate through opening 52 for return to the customer by way of coin-return means (not shown).

Means for moving plate 46 'between the two positions thereof includes a solenoid 56 having its movable armature 58 operably coupled by link 59 to arm 60 which extends laterally through wall 34 lfrom a depending lug 62 integral with plate 46 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

A diagonal, tubular conduit 64 communicates with the coin chute (not shown) of changer and an opening 66 proximal one end of plate 24. Thus, any coins which pass through changer 30 Iand are not diverted into coin storage tubes 42 are conducted directly from the coin chute of changer 30 through conduit 64 to opening 66 as will be hereinafter explained.

A helical spring 68 extending between link 59 and conduit 64 `biases arm 60 in a direction for normally maintaining plate 46 in the position thereof illustrated in FIG. 3. Manifestly, when solenoid 56 is energized to retract armature 58, plate 46 is swung about shaft 50 to cause all of the coins subsequently discharged from mechanism to be diverted toward opening 54.

A generally transversely U-shaped mounting bracket 70, having oppose-d, outermost, longitudinal edges bent downwardly and outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 3, is rigidly secured to the lowermost surface of plate 24 to provide means for removably mounting a collection box 72 beneath plate 24.

Opening 66 in plate 24 communicates with box 72 when the latter is in place on bracket 70, where-by all of the coins passing through conduit 64 may be collected in box 72. Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that box 72 is provided with a pair of inturned flanges 74 which are received over the outer longitudinal edges of bracket 70. Another coin receiver 76 which may be substantially identical to box 72, is mounted on a similar bracket 78 adjacent bracket 70 with receiver 76 underlying opening 54, whereby all of the coins discharged from mechanism 40, when solenoid 56 is energized, are collected in receiver 76.

An elongated, upright, generally tubular housing 86 is mounted on plate 24 in overlying relationship with box 72. Housing 86 contains control means 88 for apparatus 20. Control means 88 includes a rotatable actuator Vbroadly designated 90, and an electric motor 92 operably coupled with actuator for rotating the latter. As best seen in FIG. 7, actuator 90 includes a cam shaft 94 having

cams

96, 98, and 102 integrally mounted thereon yfor rotation with shaft 94 as the latter is turned by motor 92. Cams 96-102 are each `associated with

electric switches

104, 106, 108 and 110 respectively. Each switch 104-110 is provided with an operating arm 112 for operating the switches by the cams when a corresponding cam is rotated into engagement with its associated switch arm.

Cam 102, adjacent one end of shaft 94, is comprised of a first disc portion 114 having a plurality of regularly spaced teeth 116 separated by depressions or notches 118.

Teeth 116 extend only partially around the circumference of disc 114, the latter being freely movable on shaft 94.

Portion 120 of cam 102 extends outwardly substantially equidistant with the outer surfaces of teeth 116 through a segment of the periphery of portion 120. An upstanding lug 122 on portion 120 is disposed for engagement in any selected one of the notches 118 of portion 114 for locking portions 114 .and 120 together. A helical spring 124 on shaft 94 between portion 114 and a retainer 125 fixed to shaft 94 adjacent a mounting bracket 126, serves to releasably maintain portion 114 engaged with `lug 122 but lto permit manual lifting of portion 114 from lug 122 to adjust the relative rotational positions of the

portions

114 and 120. Thus, disc portion 114 rnay be disposed with any selected number of tee-th 116 blocked by the outermost surface of portion 120 whereby operating arm 112 of switch 110 is precluded from entering the corresponding notches 118 between the blocked teeth 116.

Switch 110 is a 2-position, single-pole switch, while

switches

104, 166 and 108 are normally open, single-pole switches.

Housing 86 is provided with a passage 128 adjacent actuator 90 .to permit manual adjustment of the

portions

114 and 120 of cam 102. A port 130 is provided `adjacent plate 24 as shown best in FIG. 3. An irregularlyshaped, one-piece cover plate 132 (FIGS. 1 and 4) comprises a rst portion 134 adapted to cover passage 128 and port in housing 86.

A tiange 136 embraces a corner of housing 86. Tab means, broadly designated 138,- integral with portion 134 proximal the lowermost edge of the latter, extends inwardly through port 130, then downwardly through a slot 140 in plate 24 overlying collection box 72. A lip 142 integral with tab 138 is configured to engage the lower surface of plate 24 to maintain cover plate 132 in position. I-t will be noted in FIG. 6 that box 72 is provided with lock means broadly designated 144 having a movable locking lug 146 configured to be rotated into position extending through slot 140 and in front oftab means 138 to prevent cover plate 132 from being removed from its covering

position overlying windows

128 and 130 when collection box 72 is locked in place on bracket 70.

Another portion 148 of cover plate 132 and integral with portion 134, is configured to cover an inventory switch 150 forming an integral part of changer 30. Inventory switch 130 is conventionally provided for actuating the coin -changer motor to operate the pay-out mechanism. This permits counting of the money contained in coin tubes 42 when an inventory or accounting is made of the amount of money deposited into the vending machine.

It will be noted that portion 148 of cover plate 132 includes an inwardly and downwardly extending flange 152 configured to embrace the mounting structure 154 provided on changer 30 for mounting switch 150. An integral, downwardly and inwardly extending lip 156 on portion 148 at the lowermost margin of the latter is adapted to extend through a slot 158 in plate 24 overlying coin receiver 76 when the latter is in place on bracket 78. It will be noted, particularly in FIG. 4, that slot 158 is sufficiently wide to permit the locking lug of a lock 160 forming a part of coin receiver 76 to be inserted between portion 148 and the front edge of slot 158 so that cover plate 132 cannot be removed while receiver 76 is locked in position on bracket 78.

One of the features of this invention contributing to the securement against tampering afforded by apparatus 20 is the provision of a chamber 162 in the upper portion of housing 86 and adapted to receive the plug 164 of the power supply cable and plug assembly 166 of changer 30. Chamber 162 is normally closed by a top wall 168. The cable of assembly 166 extends from chamber 162 into electrical coupling with changer 30, but plug 164 is securely locked in chamber 162 so that the electrical components of apparatus 20 must remain operably coupled with assembly 166 before changer 30 may be operated.

Manifestly, this prevents unauthorized removal of plug 164 from apparatus 20 so that changer 30 cannot be operated without the concurrent operation of apparatus to insure that the proper portion of the proceeds of the sales from the Vending machine are set aside.

Referring to FIG. 13 wherein the electrical components of apparatus 20 are schematically illustrated, it may be seen that a pair of

power lines

170 and 172 are adapted-to be coupled with a .source of electrical energy. It is pointed out that

lines

170 and 172 may actually be connected Iwith the vending machine itself through assembly 166, and

lines

170 and 172 will thus ultimately is caused to ride upon the outer surface of portion 120 until the trailing shoulder 236 is reached. -Manifestly,v

derive their power through the Vending machine power supply cable. Line 170 is connected by line 171 to one side of a vend switch 174 which comprises a component of changer 30.

Switch 174 is adapted to be operated upon the deposit of proper coinage into the vending mach-ine t-o actuate the machine, causing delivery of a product to a customer. Switch 174 is normally open and contact 176 is connected to a normally closed contact 178 of a switch 180 by a line 182. Switch 180 and a switch 184 cornprise parts of electro-responsive switching structure 186, such as a relay or the like. Relay 186 is operably coupled to the movable polepieces of switches 180 and 184 which are of the make-before-break type. Thus, switches 180 and 184 make contact with their normally open contacts 188 and 190 respectively before Contact is broken with normally closed

contacts

178 and 192 respectively.

A line 194 connects the pole piece `of switch 184 with line 170, while a line 196 connects one side of the relay coil 186 to line 172, and a lead 198 connects the other side of the relay coil.186 to the pole of switch 180. The normally closed Contact 200 of switch 110 is connected to contact 188 by a line 202, while the pole of switch 110 is connected to line 170 by a'lead 204. The normally open contact 206 of switch 110 is coupled to one side of motor 92 by line 208 and the latter is connected by line 210 with contact 190.

The normally open contact 212 of switch 108 is connected through lead 214 to 'electro-responsive structure 216 such as electromagnets which are conventionally provided with the coin-testing components of the vending machine. tromagnets 216 are operated iby the latter for extending into the coin paths of the coin-handling apparatus for diverting coins inserted into the vending machine into the coin return channel so that the coins are thereby returned to the customer. When the electromagnet 216 is energized, the `blocking structure is withdrawn from the coin paths to permit the coins to gravitate through the cointesting and changing components. A line 218 electrically couples structure 216 with line .172. AThe pole piece of switch 108 is connected to contact 192 by a line 220.

The normally open contact 222 of switch 106 is connected to solenoid 56 by a line 224 and solenoid 56 is coupled to line 170 by a lead 226. A lead 228 connects the pole pieces of switch 106 and '104 with line 172. A line 230 connects the pole piece of switch 104 with motor 92. The normally open contact 232 of switch 104 is coupled by a line 234 to the motorV (not shown) of changer 30. Reference may be had to U.S. Patent No. 3,175,670 for a full and complete description of the electric circuitry of a changer such as changer 30. It should be pointed` out, however, that the changer motor is provided with a holding circuit for maintaining the motor energized through one complete operation of the coin pay-out mechanism 40.

Operation which are to the left of lug 122 is chosen dependent upon Coin-blocking structure associated with elecswitch is held in its operated condition until shoulder 236 is rotated beyond the outermost end of arm 112.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 13, it may be seen that each time the vend switch 174 of changer 30 is operated, an energizing circuit for relay 186 is closed. This circuit may be traced from line through contact 176 of switch 174, line 182, switch'180, lead 198, coil of relay 186 and line 196 to line 172. Since relay 186 is of the make-before-break type, this energizing circuit remains closed until the holding circuit for relay 186 is completed. This circuit may be traced from line 170 through lead 204, switch 110, line 202, contact 188 of switch 180, lead 198 and line 196 to line 172. Thus, relay 186 remains energized through this holding or carrier circuit until the carrier switch 110 is operated. Switch 184 of relay 186 is operated by the latter when relay 186 is energized. This completes an energizing circuit for motor 92 which may be traced from line 170 through line 194, switch 184, the normally open contact 190 thereof, through line 210, to line 208, motor 92, lead 230, and lead 228 to line' 172. When motor 92 is energized, it rotates shaft 94 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 8-11 for moving the cams 96-102 with respect to the operating arms 112 of the associated switches.

Motor 92 remains energized through the circuit previously described until switch 184 returns to its unoperated condition. When cam 102 has rotated through a sufficient increment of its path of travel to bring the leading tooth 116 into engagement with switch arm 112 of switch 110, the latter is shifted from the normally closed contact 200 to the normally open contact 206 by the camming surface of the tooth 116. Thus, the carrying circuit for holding relay 186 energized is broken at switch 110 and the switches and 184 of relay 186 return to their unoperated positions. Motor 92 remains energized, however, through a circuit extending from line 170 through lead 204, contact 206 of switch 110, line 208, motor 92, lead 2,30, and lead 228 to line 172. This continues rotation of shaft 94 while switch 110 is operated until switch arm 112 of the latter enters the succeeding notch 118. At this time, switch 110 returns to its normal position and the energizing circuit for motor 92 is broken at switch 110. This stops further rotation of shaft 94.

Referring to FIG. 12, the operation of apparatus 20 described to this point may be represented by the diagram wherein rotation of shaft 94 has proceeded from zero degrees through an angle represented by the dotted line designated 238.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that each succeeding operation of vend switch 174 of changer 30 completes the circuits previously described through another cycle of operation of the electrical components of apparatus 20 for rotating shaft 94 another increment. The cyclic operation is continued for each successive operation of vend switch 174 until the total rotation of shaft 94 has Vproceeded to a point where switch arm 112 of switch 110 if precluded from entering the succeeding notch 118 following engagement bythe cam surface of the preceding tooth 116. Instead, switch arm 112 rides on the outer surface of cam portion 120 to hold switch 110 in its operated position. Thus, motor 92 remains energized through switch 110 to continue rotation of shaft 94 until the energizing circuit is broken.

The point at which switch arm 112 of switch 110 engages cam portion 120 is diagrammatically represented in FIG. 12 by the dashed line designated 180. Cam 100 is positioned on shaft 94 so that the outer surface of cam 100 disengages' the arm 112 of switch 108 slightly after cam portion 120 engages its associated switch arm 112. This causes switch 108 to open the normally closed energizing circuit for electromagnet means 216 associated with the lcoin-handling structure of the vending machine.

De-energizing of electromagnet means 216 permits the coin-deflecting structure to enter the Icoin paths as previously explained for returning `any money deposited in the vending machine during rotation of shaft 94 to the customer. This precludes interference with the operation of apparatus while shaft 94 is rotating. Continued energization `of motor 92 through carrier switch 110 brings cam 98 into engagement with the arm 112 of switch 106. This point is designated 270 on the diagram of FIG. l2. Switch 106 is thereupon operated by cam 98 to complete an energizing circuit for solenoid 56 which may be traced from line 170, through lead 226, the Coil of solenoid 56, line 224, contact 222, switch 104, lead 228, to line 172. When solenoid 56 is energized, the armature 58 thereof pivots Vplate 46 of diverter means 44 as hereinabove explained.

It should be pointed out at this juncture that plate 46 has remained in the position thereof illustrated in FIG. 3 throughout each successive cyclic operation of apparatus 20 for rotating shaft 94 through increments defined by teeth 116. Manifestly, with plate 46 in the position illustrated, changer would return change from coin storage tubes 42 directly to the customer as determined by the amount `of money deposited into the vending machine. However, when solenoid 56 is operated to move plate 46 to its yaltern-ate position, any money discharged from the coin storage tubes 42 by pay-out mechanism 40, are diverted through opening 54 into receiver 76.

Shortly after solenoid 56 is energized and plate 46 is moved to its alternate position, cam 96 engages the arm 112 of switch 104, thereby closing the latter. This connects electrical energy through contact 232 and line 234 to the energizing circuit of the coin changer (not shown). The changer then yoperates through a normal changemaking cycle wherein a predetermined number of coins from tubes 42 are discharged by mechanism 40. These coins gravitate onto plate 46 where they are deectedthrough opening 54 into receiver 76.

The rotation of shaft 94 is continued until all the

cams

96, 98 and 102 are no longer in engagement with their associated switch arms 112 and cam 100 re-engages its corresponding switch arm. This position is illustrated in FIG. 12 by the dashed-line designated 360. It will be noted in FIG. 12 that the outer surface of carn portion 120 remains in engagement with its associated switch arm 112 until

cams

96 and 98 have rotated out of contact with their iassociated switch arms 112. When cam 120 drops switch arm 112, contact 200 of switch 110 is re'- turned to its normal position to de-energize motor 92. No further rotation of shaft 94 occurs until vend switch 174 is again closed to signify a sale from the vending machine.

The amount of rotation of shaft 94 necessary to bring arm 112 of switch 110 into engagement with the initial tooth 116 on the next successive operation, is not critical inasmuch as motor 92 remains energized through relay switch 184 until rotation is stopped through the camming action of disc portion 114. Apparatus 20 is therefore, ready for a succeeding complete cycle of operation after shoulder 236 is rotated out of contact with the `associated switch arm 112. Manifestly, electromagnet means 216 is re-energized when switch 108 is closed by cam 100 and solenoid 56 is de-energized when switch 106 re-opens. This automatically returns plate 46 of diverter 44 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 through the bias of spring It is now apparent that the

respective portions

114 and 120 of cam 102 can be angularly positioned on shaft 94 so that any selected number of teeth 116 may be disposed to the left of lug 122 as viewed in FIG. 8. Further, each tooth to the left of lug 122 permits a corresponding increment of rotation of shaft 94 without operation of the changer motor and diverter 44 to cause the deposit of money into receiver 76. Thus, the teeth 116 which are to the left of lug 122, serve to count the number of sales from the vending machine which yare permitted without corresponding deposit of money into receiver 76. When carrier switch is operated by cam portion 120, however, apparatus 20 causes the change maker pay-'out mechanism to operate and diverter 44 directs the money paid out into receiver 76.

The number of operations of vend switch 174 permitted to occur before money is diverted into receiver 76, determines the percentage of the total sales from the vending machine which are subsequently collected in receiver 76. This number may be quickly and easily adjusted through relative rotation between the portions of cam 102. Obviously, if desired, lug 122 could be engaged in the first notch 11S, whereupon money from pay-out mechanism 40 Would be deposited in receiver 76 upon each actuation of vend switch 174. Normally, however, the percentage so set aside in receiver 76 would be much less and a preselected number of operations of vend switch 174 would occur before a collection was made in receiver 76.

Cover plate 132 remains locked in place so long as either of the

receptacles

72 and 76 are locked. This precludes unauthorized tampering by either of the persons who have access to the receptacles unless both keys to the respective receptacles are available. Accordingly, once the percentage to be collected by apparatus 20 in receiver 76 is adjusted on cam 102, this cam can be maintained until both parties desire that the percentage be readjusted. Since plug 164 is securely maintained within chamber 162 of housing 86, yit is impossible for changer 30 to be operated without corresponding operation of apparatus 20 for setting aside the preselected percentage of the proceeds.

It should now be apparent that apparatus 20 can be used with any kind of electrical changer having conventional coin `outlets and that substantially no alteration to the existing changer structure is necessary. If desired, counter mechanism 240 may be operably associated with apparatus 20 for recording the total number of operations of vend switch 174. This provides a ready means of quickly ascertaining the total sales from the vending machine so that the amount of money collected in receiver 76 can be compared with such sales.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. In a vending machine having an electrical power source and an electrical coin changer provided with coin pay-out mechanism and a vend switch, apparatus in combination therewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising:

a coin receiver; an electrically operable diverter adjacent said mechanism for diverting coins discharged from said mechanism into the receiver when the diverter is operated;

first circuit means and including a first switch, for electrically coupling the diverter to said power source for operating the diverter when the tirst switch is closed;

second circuit means and including a second switch for electrically coupling the pay-out mechanism to said power source for operating the pay-out mechanism when the second switch is closed;

a rotatable switch actuator;

motor means coupled to said actuator for rotating the latter;

third circuit means for coupling the motor means to said power source and including said vend switch,

means controlled by said vend switch for actuating the motor means upon closing of the vend switch,

and a third switch for maintaining the motor means actuated upon closing of the third switch until the latter is reopened; and

first, second and third cam means on said actuator and operable to effect closing of the rst, second and third switches respectively, said rst and second cam means being operable to actuate the diverter and then the pay-out mechanism in sequence only `after a preselected number of operations of the vend switch and thereby the motor means.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third cam means includes adjustment means for selectively varying the numberv of operations of said vend switch which must occur before the first and second cam means are operable to actuate the diverter and said pay-out mechanism by said rst and second switch means.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said adjustrnent means includes a lirst 'cam portion having a plurality of spaced peripheral cam surfaces, there being a depression between each of said surfaces, a second cam portion disposed in juxtaposed relationship with said iirst portion and manually rotatable relative thereto, said second portion having an elongated cam surface for blocking and rendering ineffective any selected number of said depressions depending on the relative position of said rst portion with respect to the second portion, and means on one cam portion and engageable with the other camv portion for releasably maintaining a selected relative position therebetween.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diverter means includes a plate pivotally mounted beneath said payout mechanism, said plate being movable between a rst position for deflecting coins away from said receiver, and a second position thereof with the plate disposed to deflect coins into the receiver, and a solenoid in said first circuit means and controlled by closing of said rst switch for moving the plate to said second position when the first switch is operated.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes means removably mounting the receiver beneath said mechanism, and lock means for locking the receiver on said mounting means.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein is included a coin receptacle, means removably mounting the receptacle beneath the coin changer adjacent said coin receiver, a coin chute for conducting at least certain coins deposited in the changer directly to the receptacle, and lock means for locking the receptacle on the receptacle mounting means, the receiver lock means being different from the receptacle lock means whereby separate keys are required for removing the receiver and receptacle from their respective mounting means.

7. In a vending machine havingan electrical coin changer provided with coin pay-out mechanism and a vend switch, apparatus in combination therewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising:

a frame;

a coin receiver for collecting said portion of sales;

means on the frame for releasably mounting the -receiver on the frame;

lock means for selectively preventing removal of the receiver from the mounting means;

`diverter means in the frame adjacent the mechanism and operable for selectively diverting coins discharged from the pay-out mechanism into the receiver;

collection control means comprising a rotatable actuator having a series of switch cams thereon, a corresponding number of switches each operably associated with a respective cam and an electric motor for rotating the actuator, and wherein a first one of said switches is operable to control said diverter means, a second one of said switches is operable to effect activation of said coin pay-out mechanism and a third one of said switches is operable to terminate motorene-rgization after a predetermined number of degrees of rotation of the actuator; and

electrical circuit means operably coupling the motor with said vend switch for energizing the motor upon each operation of the vend switch, that one of said cams operably associated with said third one of said switches having structure adjustable for a variable selected number of successive unproductive operations of said motor before an operation thereof wherein said rst and second switch means are acted upon by their respective cams to operate said diverter means and activate said pay-out mechanism for collecting the predetermined portion of saidsales in said coin receiver.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said adjustable cam structure includes a first disc on the actuator and provided with a plurality of spaced teeth in the periphery thereof presenting a series of projecting cam surfaces with depressions therebetween, said third switch having an operating arm engageable with the periphery of said disc, and said third switch being operable by the arm to maintain the motor actuated when the arm is on said projecting surfaces of said teeth and operable to permit said third switch to open to deactivate the motor when in engagement with the disc within a respective depression therein.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said adjustable cam structure includes a second disc on the actuator in juxtaposition with the rst disc, said second disc having a portion of its peripheral surface extending outwardly in substantially coextensve relationship to the projecting surfaces of said teethin disposition for preventing said switch arm from entering said depressions and having the balance of its peripheral surface coextensive with the depressions of said rst disc periphery, said first disc being selectively manually positionable with respect to thesecond disc, and latch means for releasably interlocking the discs whereby said operating arm of the third switch may be prevented from engaging any selected number of said depressions.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included electrically responsive switching structure operably coupled with the vend switch for initially energizing said motor while the operating arm thereof is in engagement with a depressed portion of the periphery of said adjustable cam, said third switch being operable to maintain said motor energized independently of said switching structure when said operating .arm engages a projecting portion of the periphery of said adjustable cam and said third switch further being operable to effect deenergization of said motor when said operating arm reengages a depressed portion of said adjustable cam periphery.

11. In a vending machine having an electrical coin changer provided with coin pay-out mechanism, a vend switch and an electrical cable and plug assembly, apparatus in combination therewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising: i

a housing releasably locked to said vending machine and having a passage therethrough;

-receptacle means in the housing adapted to receive the plug therein for electrical coupling of said apparatus with the changer, said passage being of a size to only receive the cable therethrough and thereby preclude removal of the plug from the housing;

.a coin receiver;

diverter means adjacent said pay-out mechanism operable for diverting coins from said mechanism into the coin receiver;

a rotable actuator; switch means associated with said actuator for operating said diverter and energizing said pay-out mechanism; and

motor means operably coupled with the vend switch through said cable and plug assembly and with said actuator for rotating the latter upon each operation of the vend switch, said actuator including cam means for operating said switch means to activate the pay-out mechanism and diverter means only after a preselected number of operations of said vend switch.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein an opening is provided in the housing adjacent the actuator for access thereto from the exterior of the housing, and cover means normally `disposed in covering relationship with the opening to preclude access to the actuator, said cover means including lockable structure for preventing unauthorized removal thereof.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12, the cam means of said actuator being adjustable through said opening for varying the number of operations of said vend switch between successive operations of the said switch means to activate the coin pay-out mechanism and diverter means.

14. In a vending machine having an electrical power source and an electrical coin changer provided With coin pay-out mechanism and a vend switch, apparatus in com- 12 bination therewith for collecting a portion of the proceeds of the sales from said vending machine comprising:

a com receiver; diverter means adjacent said pay-out mechanism operable for diverting coins from said mechanism into the coin receiver; a rotatable actuator; switch means associated with said actuator for operating said diverter and energizing said pay-out mechanism; and l motor means operably coupled with the vend switch and said actuator for rotating the latter upon each operation of the vend switch, said actuator including cam means for operating said switch means to activate the pay-out mechanism and diverter means only after a preselected number of operations of said vend switch.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 25 LOUIS J. DEMBO, Primary Eicamner.

S. H. TOLLBERG, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

14. IN A VENDING MACHINE HAVING AN ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE AND AN ELECTRICAL COIN CHANGER PROVIDED WITH COIN PAY-OUT MECHANISM AND A VEND SWITCH, APPARATUS COMBINATION THEREWITH FOR COLLECTING A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE SCALES FROM SAID VENDING MACHINE COMPRISING: A COIN RECEIVER; DIVERTER MEANS ADJACENT SAID PAY-OUT MECHANISM OPERABLE FOR DIVERTING COINS FROM SAID MECHANISM INTO THE COIN RECEIVER; A ROTATABLE ACTUATOR; SWITCH MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ACTUATOR FOR OPERATING SAID DIVERTER AND ENERGIZING SAID PAY-OUT MECHANISM; AND