US2645416A - Vending system - Google Patents

Description

F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 9, 1944 Zhwentor fim/v/r M J/1 (Ittorneg F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14, 1953 Filed Nov. 9, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 14, 1953 MASSA I 2,645,416

' VENDING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 9, 1944 s Sheets-Sheet s I INVEN TOR.

FRANK MASSA ZA 76 k -ATT RNEY F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14, 19-53 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 9, 1944 E m E C Zinventdr fZM/v/r M/IJJ/I Patented July 14, 1953 means UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VENDING SYSTEM Frank Mass-a, Cleveland Heights, Ohio Application November 9, 1944, Serial No. 562,721

24 Claims. 1

My invention is concerned with an improved vending system and, more particularly, with the common self-service systems which are in widespread use in the so-called super-markets. In the conventional type of self-service market which is now in use, merchandise is distributed on shelves throughout the store with the price of each article usually marked on each individual piece of merchandise. The general method of shopping is for a customer to obtain a push cart upon entering the store and to select the merchandise he wants as he passes through the store, depositing his selections in the push cart. When his shopping is completed, he delivers the contents of his cart to a check-out cashier where each item is spread out and the price of each piece is tabulated on a cash register. A clerk is generally provided with each cashier whose function it is to pack the merchandise so that the customer may carry away the package after paying his bill. In a moderately large self-service store a relatively large number of cashiers and packing clerks are provided to handle the traflrc of shoppers which pile up at the exit counters due to the time consumed in handling each piece of merchandise by the cashier and the packing clerk.

In addition to the large number of cashiers and packing clerks which must be provided in the present type of self-service market, there are many other defects in the present system which my'invention will eliminate. Among these ad-- ditional defects are included:

1. A staff must be maintained for marking prices on each article and for arranging each article on the display shelves.

2. Time is consumed in removing the older merchandise in order to place the fresher merchandise on the bottom of the pile, or if this is not done, the older merchandise is not sold ahead of the fresher material, thereby endangering the reputation of the store in cases where the products may become stale.

3. Items are easily removed from their-normal places and placed in other piles, and in other instances piles of merchandise are actually broken or damaged.

4:. Errors may occur in marking the products or the price markings may be changed by dishonest customers; also, when the price of an item is changed all of the items which are on display must have their price marking changed.

5. Displayed articles may be easily stolen by dishonest customers.

v6. Errors may be made by the cashiers at the .to keep a large enough supply of merchandise on'display. If this is not done, clerks will have to interfere with the store traffic in order to replenish sold-out goods.

The various defects of the present self-service super-markets which have been mentioned all cause high costs in operation which must be reflected in the selling price of the products. In addition to these defects, the present system has the disadvantage of causing annoyance to the customer when he has to wait in line'at the check-out counter after his purchases are made.

As a result of my invention, all of the mentioneddefects of the present system are eliminated or greatly reduced and a large reduction in the cost of operating the store is realized. Specifically, it will be possible to dispense with many clerks and cashiers now required in the conventional super-markets and to eliminate all sources of errors or thefts of merchandise. As will be evident from the specifications which follow, the use of my invention will cause every shopper to automatically pack his own merchandise and act as his own check-out cashier, thereby being ready to leave the store immediately by simply paying his bill at the exit counter. No time is needed for checking or packing the merchandise. In addition to eliminating the need for many clerks, the customer will not be annoyed by waiting in line after he has completed his purchases, and a relatively small store can efiiciently handle larger numbers of customers which now require greater space. The use of my invention will also dispense with the need for marking the prices on each article and will also assure the selling of the older merchandise ahead of the fresher stock.

A further advantage in my system is that the stock of merchandise can extend as high as is desirable, whereas in the present self-service systems it is undesirable to stack, the stock of finding merchandise displayed on open shelves, the customer finds the products contained in neatly arranged dispensing cabinets which line the walls and aisles of the store. In addition to keeping the merchandise free from dust, the customer finds each product displayed at a convenient level and does not have to stoop to look on floor-level shelves nor reach above his head for what he wants. On each dispensing cabinet, the customer finds a keyway into which he inserts his key if he wishes the particular product displayed. Upon the insertion of his key, a release mechanism is operated and the dispensing cabinet releases one of the articles; and the price of the article released is automatically caused to register on an adding machine. This adding machine is operated only by the one key, and operation of any of the dispensing cabinets by the given key will cause the same adding machine to register the prices of all the articles purchased by the individual.

The customer continues around the store and deposits the automatically-dispensed commodities which he selects into the paper containers furnished in his push cart. When his purchases are completed, he goes to the exit counter and turns in his key. His key is used by the cashier to totalize the amount recorded on his adding machine and he simply pays the bill and carries out his packages without any handling of the merchandise by the cashier.

In the design of my new system or" merchandising, I have taken great pains to insure that no chances for errors may be made. It will be seen in the detailed description which follows that it is impossible to deliver merchandise from a machine unless registration occurs on the particular adding machine associated with a particular key being used to operate the dispenser. Neither it possible for an adding machine to be actuated unless merchandise is contained in the dispense;- which is being operated.

Other desirable features of my invention will become clear after reading the objects and specification which follows.

An object of my invention is to improve the efiiciency of self-service merchandising.

Another object of my invention is to provide a vending system in which a customer may draw commodities from a number of dispensers located throughout the store and automatically cause a particular adding machine to register the amount of each purchase.

Still another object of my invention is to cause the total expenditure to be summed up on a particular adding machine when the customer is ready to leave with his completed purchases.

A further object of my invention is to provide a means for setting the price of the commodity in each dispenser so that the price may be seen by the customer, and in setting the price to set automatic means for causing that price to be registered on any of the various adding machines when the displayed commodities are purchased.

Still another object of my invention is to provide dispensers which will permit the automatic sales of bulky or awkwardly-shaped articles.

A further object of my invention is to provide a fool-proof dispensing system such that the dispensers become inoperative if the merchandise is sold out or if failure occurs in any one of the power lines required for operating the system.

Another object of my invention is to provide a vending system in which a number of keys are made available to customers for operating the vending machines throughout the store, each key being capable of operating all dispensers and each key causing a particular adding machine to register the amount of the various purchases made by the customer throughout the store.

Another object of my invention is to improve the method of operation of self-service markets so that it will not be necessary to handle the merchandise at the check-out counter when the customer has completed his purchases.

A still further object of my invention is to remove the possibility for theft of merchandise in self-service markets.

Another object of my invention is to remove thc possibility of dishonesty on the part of clerks working in self-service markets.

A further object of my invention is to remove the possibility for errors made by clerks working at the check-out counters of self-service markets.

Another object of my invention is to increase the speed of handling customers in self-service markets.

A further object of my invention is to reduce greatly the sales expense necessary for operating a self-service market, thereby permitting a r duced mark-up on the prices of the products for the same profit.

Another object of my invention is to continuously cause the older stock to be automatically sold ahead of newer stock in self-service markets.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic continuous inventory which instantly shows the total quantity of each item sold.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a mechanical or electro-mechanical dispensing system which is flexible enough to provide for adding tax to sales prices and, if necessary, to .provide for other charges such as ration points.

Still further objects of my inventio will be come clear to those skilled in the art after reading my specification and claims.

The novel features that I consider characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, as well as advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of several embodiments thereof, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic vending system illustrating the basic features of one form of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram which illustrates in greater detail some of the mechanisms associated with the vending machines indicated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 2-A shows details of a portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another form of vending machine which I employ in one form of my invention for the purpose of handling the dispensing of bulky or awkwardly-shaped articles.

Fig. 4 shows schematically another form of my invention in which the use of a hand-operated lever is replaced by a push button and motor operation, thereby reducing the physical eiiort of operation on the part of the customers,

Fig. 5 shows a schematic detail of the pricesetting dials and interrupter switches for causing the remote actuation of the adding machines when an article is withdrawn from the dispenser.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the mechanism of Fig. 5 showing in greater detail how the number of contact interruptions are caused to be automatically the same as the number of the digit exposed on the dial indicating the selling price of the commodity.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the over-all schematic diagram of the vending system. Reference characters i and 2 indicate two of the numerous dispensers which form part of the system. Dispenser i contains only a single product, whereas dispenser 2 contains several products which are sold at the same price, such, for example, as several kinds of one brand of soup. The handle 3 is the means for operating dispenser I, and handle 4 or '5 may be used to operate either portion of dispenser 2, depending on the choice of the operator. Each dispenser is provided with a keyway 6 into which are arranged numerous pairs of contacts called selector switches, a few of which are schematically indicated as la, lb; 8a, 8b; 3a, 9b; 1a, lilb; lid, lib. Each pair of contacts is connected to an electric adding machine 10; 80; 90; We; and lie; as shown. The power supply for operating the system is indicated by the alternators l2, l3, l4 and I5, each generating a different f equency f1, f2, f3, and f4, and a D. C. generator It, all driven by the motor ll. (The D. C. generator it could, of course, be replaced by an alternator generating a frequency f5, if desired, without changing the principle of operation. The frequency fl is distributed through the line 29; the frequency f2 is distributed through the line 39; the frequency is is distributed through the line 3 I the frequency i4 is distributed through the line 32, and the D. C. is distributed through the line 27. Although alternators are indicated for the generation of the various frequencies, it is evident that vacuum tube oscillators may be employed instead, if desired. Also, the D. C. source may be replaced by an alternating source without affecting the principle of operation.

As shown in Fig. 1, the D. C. signal is fed through line 21, through relays l8, i9, 2 3 and 2!; then continues through line 2? to one contact of each pair of contacts in each vending machine. When a key is inserted in the heyway 6, a pair of contacts such as 9a and ill) will be closed, thereby closing the D. C. circuit through switch 9?) to a particular adding machine 90. The D. C. signal is employed to make the particular adding machine ready for use.

One step in rendering the system fool-proof against any false price registration that may be caused by the failure of one of the alternators is accomplished by introducing the four series connected, normally open, relay contacts i8, i9, 20 and 2| in the D. C. line 2'5. Each relay is normally open-circuited and when each alternating frequency source l2, it, ill, and I is in normal operating condition and connected to the respective relays by means of lines 2e. 3t, 3t, and 32, as indicated, all relay contacts are held closed and the D. C. power is distributed by means of line 21 through the selector switches in each dispenser, as shown. Should any failure occur in any one of the alternator-s, the particular relay connected to said alternator will open, thus serving as a circuit breaker in line 21 to disconnect the D. C. power from the dispensers and from the adding machines, thereby rendering the entire dispensing system inop ative. This safety measure has been introduced so that it will be impossible to obtain merchandise from the dispensers or to cause actuation of the adding machines unless all sources of electric power are in normal operating condition and on the adding machine 90.

are properly connected so that the automatic price registration which will be described later may be fully operative when a commodity is taken from the dispensing cabinet.

For the system indicated in Fig. 1, the alternating currents of frequencies f1, f2, f3, and f4 are employed for the remote signalling of the price of the dispensed commodity to the add n machine associated with the operating key. Referring to dispenser I, the frequency f1, generated by the alternator I2, is connected from the distributing line 29 to a multiple contact switch 33, which will be described in greater detail later. The frequency f2 on distributing line 30 is connected to the multiple contact switch 34, and the frequency is is connected from the line at to the multiple contact switch 35. A set of rotors 39 make a complete revolution during the operation of the dispenser by the lever 3 and a series of interruptions of the frequencies f1, f2 and fa, depending on the set price of the commodity dispensed, pass along the common wire 28 through a pair of contacts such as 9a, if this particular key is inserted, to the corre responding adding machine 90. Associated with each adding machine 1c, 80, 90, 40c, and He are filters 22, 23, 24. 25 and 25. Filter .22 allows only frequency f1 to pass to the adding machine; filter 23 the frequency f2; filter 24 the frequency f3; filter 25 the frequency f4, and filter 25 allows only D. C. to pass. Although it is not imperative in the operation of my invention, I prefer that the various frequencies f1, f2, f3, and ii are not harmonic multiples of one another; otherwise it would be necessary to keep the electronic system almost entirely free from distortion to prevent the generation of harmonics that might excite the wrong channel. For example, a group of desirable frequencies for f1, f2, f3, and it would be '75 cycles, cycles, cycles, and cycles.

The price dial 36 shows the number of dollars in the price of the commodity, the dial 3'! shows the number of dimes in the price, and dial 38 shows the number of cents. When the price is set on the dials such as the amount $1.25 as shown, a single contact on rotary switch 33 is set to engage the rotary switch 33 once, thereby momentarily connecting generator i2 to the adding machine to complete the circuit containing frequency f1 once, thereby causing adding machine to register $1. Two contacts appear on switch 34 and five contacts appear on switch 35 for engaging the rotary switches 36. and 35 two and five times respectively, to cause the adding machine to to register 20 cents and 5 cents. (The details of how this is accomplished will be described later.)

During the complete rotation of the rotors 39 during the cycle of operation of the dispenser, one pulse of frequency 1 passes through line 28 and the switch 9a to the adding machine So. The single pulse of frequency f1 will pass through the selective filter 22 and register In a similar way, two pulses of frequency f2 and five pulses of frequency is will pass through the common line 28 to the adding machine 90 during the cycle of operation and the selective filter 23 which passes only the frequency f2 will cause registration of two pulses of f2 corresponding to 29 cents. The filter 23 will pass the live pulses of the frequency is, causing the adding machine So to register 5 cents. The sum total of the entire registration during the operating cycle of the dispenser i will be $1.25 corresponding to the price set on the dials 36, 37, and 38. This price will be added to the previous total on the adding machine by a D. C. pulse which is sent along the line 28 near the end of the cycle. (This is not indicated in Fig. l, but will be shown in detail later.) The D. C. pulse will pass through filter 26 and it will actuate the totalizing mechanism on the adding machine.

When the customer goes from one dispensing machine to another, his key always causes the same adding machine to be connected to the rotary contact switches of each dispenser used, and each price of each commodity accumulates on the particular adding machine associated with his key. When his purchases are completed and the customer appears at the exit counter, his key is placed into his adding machine by th cashier and the grand total is indicated and the machine is cleared for use by the next customer.

The set of filters 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 is associated with each adding machine 50, So, etc., because all the actuating frequency pulses are placed on a common wire for each adding machine and each frequency is used as a separate channel. It is obvious that the multiple frequencies and filters may be eliminated and the same power may be sent on separate wires for actuating the various decimal places in the adding machines. This latter arrangement, however, would greatly increase the amount of wiring needed for the installation.

Still referring to Fig. l, dispenser l is fed with the frequencies f1, f2, and is because the price of the commodity requires the use of the dollar, dime and cents columns in the adding machines. Dispenser 2 is shown fed with the frequencies f2, f3, and )4 because the price of the commodity in this dispenser requires the use of the dime, cents and tenths of cents columns for the adding machines, the frequency is being passed by the filter 25 which actuates the tenths column.

Although a separate adding machine Sc, 80, 90, etc., is indicated for each key, it is quite possible to combine numerous adding mechanisms into a common housing and to have a single keyway with various contact switches into which dififerent keys may be inserted. Each key will cause the grand total to be obtained from the particular adding mechanism associated with the inserted key. This latter arrangement will produce a more compact unit at the exit counter which can be manufactured at lower cost.

Fig. 2 shows a more detailed schematic view of the operating portion of the automatic vending system. The characters having the same numbers as Fig. 1 represent the same components. In Fig. 2, the lever 3 has been exaggerated for purposes of illustration. When a key I6! is inserted into the keyway 6, a pair of contacts associated with the particular key such as 9a and 9b are closed, causing two events to take place: first, connection of the D. C. supply through line 21 and contact 91) is made to adding machine 530, causing it to become ready for operation; and second, contact 9a establishes connection with the audio-frequency sources through lines 28 and 3! whose interruptions will cause the value or" the purchase to be registered when the dispenser I is operated. In Fig. 2 the cents dial 3B is indicated in side view as is the stationary multiple contact switch 35. Five contact tips are shown projecting within the circumference corresponding to the digit 5 set on dial 38. A more complete detail or" the dial and switch mechanism will be shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The alternating frequency is is supplied through the line 3| and is impressed on the multiple contact points carried by the switch 35 as shown. In the operation of the dispensing machine, the rotor 39 makes a complete revolution during the cycle of operation thus establishing 5 separate pulses of the frequency is which are sent to the adding machine (corresponding to the key which caused the operation) through line 28 and the closed contacts 9a operated by the key H! I. These pulses of frequency is are allowed to pass only through the selective filter 24, thus setting up the amount of 5 cents to be totaled on adding machine 90. Mounted behind switch 35 are switches 34 and (not shown in Fig. 2) which simultaneously cause pulses of frequencies f1 and f2 to be sent to the adding machine corresponding to the complete price of the commodity.

Additional safety features embodied in the vending system are indicated in Fig. 2. Before the lever 3 may be operated to dispense a commodity, it is necessary for the key lfii to be completely inserted in the keyway, thus closing contact switch i2 5. ter the contacts of switch iii have been closed by the proper insertion of the key 61, the contacts l8"! will close during st portion of the travel of the lever 3. all the alternating power supplies and D. C. supplies are normal, the insertion of the and operation of the lever will cause D. C. "\ver to energize both of the electromagnets The magnetized core 132 will attract one end of the pivoted arm 583 causing the and making it impossible to withdraw the key during the dispens ng of an article which would otherwise permit the disturbance of contacts 9a and 53b causing false registration of the price of the commodity.

The magnetization of electromagnet H34 causes the attraction of the arm H15 allowing the escape of the ratchet I which permits freedom of the operation of the dispensing lever 3. The sequence of conditions which have been described as being necessary before the lever could be operated have presupposed that the contacts [69 at the bottom of the dispenser unit 1 are also closed. These contacts will only remain closed if there packages of merchandise 4 I!) in the dispenser unit. If the dispenser is empty, the contacts i139 will open, making it impossible to energize the magnet HM which is a necessary condition for the operation of the dispenser and the registration of a price on the adding machine.

It will be seen in Fig. 2 that a pair of contacts 2 :5 are closed when the magnet 02 is energized. These contacts short circuit the contacts Hi9 which are momentarily opened during the ejection of an article from the vending machine. Without the shunting contacts I I5, the D. C. current would be interrupted during the cycle when E89 is temporarily opened and it would be possible to remove the key, causing false registration of the purchase price of the commodity. The contacts :09 are normally kept closed by the weight of the last package I H! of the merchandise being dispensed. If the merchandise is all sold, contacts E99 will remain open and the particular dispensing unit is inoperative. However, other dispensing units containing merchandise are not affected.

When the last article is sold and the connection IDS is permanently open, the contact III will close and remain closed causing the light H3 to illuminate on the dispenser a sign which says Sold Out. The contact points H2 are placed in series with the light bulb H3 so that during the normal operation of the machine the light will not flash on when the lever is down and the merchandise is being ejected. The contacts H2 may be omitted, however, and the connection H2 be permanently made without affecting the operation of the system.

When the lever 3 of Fig. 2 is pulled down to operate the dispenser, the rack 602 which is fastened to the lever 3, is engaged to the pinion Gill. During the down stroke of the lever 3, the pinion till is driven but slips over the shaft 603 because of the ratchet teeth tilt which pass overthe spring latch 6H5 which is anchored to the shaft 583. On the return stroke of the lever 3, one of the ratchet teeth 6M engages the spring latch and causes rotation of the shaft SE33. The number of teeth on the pinion Eti and rack 532' are chosen so that during the return stroke of the lever 3 there will be caused exactly one complete revolution of the rotors 39 which cause the actuation of the contact switches 33, 3t, and 35 to establish the various frequency pulses in line 28 which actuates the adding machine Sc as previously described. ,Near the end of a cycle a D. C. pulse is established on line 28 by causing the rotor 39 to make contact with the terminal 606 which is mounted on an insulating pad 66! and is electrically connected with the D. C. line 2?. This pulse is passed by the selective filter 23, thereby causing the digits registered through the filters 22, 23, and 2s to be added to the previous total on the machine. The adding machine Sc has a keyway 5 and a pair of contacts placed as S d and 9b so that when the customer has completed his purchases and is ready to leave, his key is inserted in the adding machine and the total balance is shown and the machine is cleared for the next customers use.

Another feature of my invention is indicated in Fig. 2, namely, the remote indication of the need for replacing merchandise in the various dispensers. To accomplish this, an annunciator board H8 is mounted at a central position with several indicators, one for each dispenser unit, such as the light bulbs I H. A separate indicator H? is provided for each vending machine. In Fig. 2 the light bulb HT is connected through a spring urged contact switch I Hi to the power line 2?. A push rod izii, which is connected to the spring He, is shown holding the contacts HG open which keeps the light H'l off. When the merchandise in the dispenser falls below the level of the spring i it, the spring deflects to the right, carrying with it the push rod E23, thereby causing the contacts lit to close and the bulb HT to light. The illumination of the position indicated by Hi will show that the particular dispenser needs replenishing and a dispatcher may be sent to refill the machine. When the new merchandise is added, it preferably is put in from the top so that it is placed above the old packages. In this way, the new packages will not be delivered until all the old packages are sold.

Another feature of my invention shown in Fig. 2 is the continuous automatic system of inventory. On each position of the-annunciator board H8 is placed an electrical counter diagrammatically indicated by referencecharacter I2 I. Each coun- 10 ter is connected to a different vending machine and totalizes the number of sales made by the machine. The counter E2! in Fig. 2 is connected by the line I22 to a contact switch 3% (not shown in Fig. 2 but shown in detail on Fig. i), which makes connection to the D. (3. power source near the end of each cycle of operation of the dispenser. Therefore, for each article delivered, the

particular counter will indicatethe sale. At any' instant an inspection of the board H8 will show the total individual sales. Daily records thus may be obtained easily.

Fig. 3 shows how I propose to dispense very bulky or otherwise awkward articles not conveniently capable of being released through a chute of the conventional type of dispenser. For the awkward articles, I propose a unit 296 that has a number of relatively large compartments, each closed by a door 25 I. Associated with each door is a latch 202 and an electromagnet 203, which when energized, causes the latch to release and a spring, not shown, causes the door to open up, permitting the customer to pick up the article within the compartment. The general principles of operation of this unit are the same as previously described except that instead of ejecting an article as heretofore mentioned, a door to a compartment is opened. Similar parts from Figs. 1 and 2 are indicated by the same reference characters in Fig. 3.

When the lever 3 is pulled down, an insulated ratchet wheel 296;, which carries a number of contacts 205 is advanced one position. Each position of the wheel 2M establishes electrical contact to one of the electromagnets 23% associated with the next compartment determined by the sequence of connections established by the advancing wheel 2%. Associated with each compartment is a contact switch 298 which is held closed by the weight of the merchandise in each bin. The contacts 208 are in series with the power line 27 and the electromagnets 2E3 sothat if there is no merchandise'in any of the compartments the system will become inoperative.

During the normal cycle of operation of this dispenser, the lever 3 is pulled down causing the switch 2t? to close, and if the key is properly inserted and contacts 268 and I21 are closed, a current will flow through the magnets i 32, 259, and 203. The magnet m2 serves to hold the key locked in position as previously described, and the magnet 2&3 causes the latch 202 to be released, thereby permitting the door to a com partment to open exposing the merchandise. During the operating cycle, the magnet 2% is also energized which causes arm NZ to be attracted to it causing the free tip of the arm. 2 E2 to drop sufiiciently below the notched portion of the arm 2 i i such that gravity causes the arm 2 i l to swing to the right engaging the notched portion over the free end of the arm 2H2 mechanically looking it in position until the lever 3 is returned to the top of its stroke. When the lever 3 returns to the top of the stroke, an extension portion 6i i engages the rocker arm 5 i 2, as shown. The arm M2 is pivoted to rock on the pivot di l which is located to the left of the center of gravity of the arm Hi2 so that when the lever 3 is pushed down the righthand portion of the arm BIZ will move down by its own weight, thereby disengaging itself from the toggle portion tit of the arm 21 l which frees it to swing to the right when the magnet 269 is energized as already described above. When the lever arm returns to the top of its stroke the rocker arm hi2 is forced to rotate counterclockwise and the lefthand tip of the arm BIZ engages the toggle portion 6I3 of the arm 2| I which releases the notch from its hold on the arm 2 i2, thereby making the system ready for the next cycle of operation. The contacts 2I0 are held closed during the time that arm 2 I2 is held locked by the notch in the ratchet 2I I. This is done so that complete registration of the price signals may be insured on the adding machine 90.

During the above description, the action has been outlined on the assumption that merchandise was in the machine. It has already been stated that in the absence of merchandise, contact 208 will be open and no current will flow in the control circuit when the lever is pulled and nothing will happen. A similar locking device as shown in Fig. 2 by arm I05 and catch I35, which are operated by magnet I04 when switch I07 is closed, could be employed in connection with Fig. 3, if desired, thus making it impossible to move the lever 3 unless -merchandise is in the compartment.

The contacts 2I0, when closed, establish the circuit from the rotors 33 to the line 28, thereby making possible the transmission to the adding machine 00 of pulses of the diiferent frequencies supplied by the lines 23, 33, and 3! to correspond with the price of the article shown on the dials 3B, 31, and 33. These pulses actuate the adding machine So, as previously described, and at the end of the rotation of the rotary contactors 39, a D. C. pulse is sent out along the same line 28 to cause the addition of the registered amount as described in connection with Fig. 2.

The arrangement for indicating the need for replenishment of merchandise and for lighting the Sold Out display is accomplished by means of the auxiliar contacts 2I3, 2-H, 2I5, and 2H5. These contacts are also located so that the weight of the merchandise acts to operate them and they are such that with merchandise in the particular compartments they will all be open. Assume that the merchandise is being dispensed from the top bin 220 down toward the bottom bin 225 and the machine is completely filled. When the removal of all packages up through the-bin 222 has taken place, contacts 2 I3 and 2I4 close. The closing of 2I4 causes the light 2 IT to go on on the annunciator board H8 to indicate I need for replenishment. Nothing happens in the circuit containing switch 2I3 since contacts 2I5 are in series with 2I3 and 2I5 is still open due to merchandise being in the bin 225. If the -merchandise is not replaced by the time the last compartment 225 is emptied, contacts 2I5 will close, and since 2I3 has already been closed by the removal of the upper merchandise, a complete circuit is established to light bulb I3 which illuminates the Sold Out sign I I4. Should the merchandise have been replenished after switch 2 I4 causes the light 2II to go on, then the Sold Out sign would not go on when the last compartment 225 is emptied because contacts 2I3 would be opened by the addition of the merchandise up above. However, when the lower compartment 225 is emptied, contacts ZIS will close and the indicating bulb 2H will light to show again the need for replenishing the merchandise.

In Fig. 4 is shown another version of my invention. Here the use of the lever is replaced by an electric motor 302 so that it is simply necessary to press a button and the merchandise is automatically delivered. In this figure, all references to previously described items bear the same designation previously used. A drive shaft SM is schematically shown engaged to the motor 302 through a reduction gear 303. To the shaft 301 is connected a crank 304, which in turn is attached to a connecting rod 335 and a push rod 306. On the drive shaft, there is connected a finger 308 which has just passed the contacts 301, which were temporarily opened during the end of the cycle which has just been completed. The contacts 301 are now closed and will remain so until another revolution of the shaft 30I takes place in the direction indicated by the arrow. A second pair of contacts 303 are normally open and the finger 3I0, which is also connected to the shaft 30I, has just passed the position near the end of the cycle during the brief instant in which the contacts 309 were temporarily closed. A push button 3II starts the machine after the key IOI has been properly inserted and provided merchandise is in the dispenser to close the gravity switch I03. As soon as the button 3 is pressed, the rocker arm I03 is rotated by electromagnet I02, and, in addition to locking the key in place for the duration of the cycle, it also causes contacts 3I2 to close, thereby shorting out contact 3II to prevent any interruption of the complete cycle after the push button 3H is released, and shorting out contact I09 to prevent interruption upon the temporary opening of the contacts I09 when the merchandise is ejected.

When the motor 302 starts running, the crank 332 is made to push out the lower article by means of the push rod 306. As the motor still continues, the rotating contact 39 and others not shown, cause the necessary pulses of the audiofrequency signals to be established through the contacts appearing through switches 33, 3d, and 35 to be sent through line 28 to the adding machine 90, thus registering the price of the article shown on dial 38, as previously described. A detailed description of the interrupter switch 35 and price dial 38 will be given later.

After all the pulses have been sent to the proper adding machine, the finger 3 I 0 strikes the spring contacts 309, causing a D. C. signal to be sent along line 28 to actuate the adding machine to cause the addition of the amount previously registered. The D. C. signal also passes into line I22 to actuate the counter I2I (Fig. 2) which gives a perpetual indication of the total number of articles sold. Finally, at the end of the cycle, finger 308 momentarily opens the contacts 301, causing the drive circuit to open releasing the magnet I02 and opening the contacts 3I2, thus restoring the system for re-operation. The system is designed so that the inertia of the motor will keep the shaft 301 moving suiliciently after the contacts 301 open to cause the contacts to re-close before the motor comes to rest. In this schematic view, the indicating means for giving the replenishing information has been omitted as has also the means for indicating Sold Out, since these features have already been described. It is to be understood, however, that these features may be used in the push-button type system.

In this push-button system, it is impossible to cause mis-operation once the push button is closed.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the schematic details of the price setting and price transmitting mechanism previously discussed. The dials 3B, 31, and 38 are each meshed with a freely rotating cir- 13 cular cam MI, 402, and 403. For the corresponding digits displayed through the price window 405 by the dials 36, 31, and 38 as many contact pins 404 for each decimal place are caused to be pushed through the fixed frames 35 of the multiple contact switch. Four such pins QM are shown projecting through in Fig. 6 corresponding to the digit number 4 appearing on price dial 38. During the operation of the dispenser either by the lever system shown in Fig. 2 or by the motor arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the rotor 39 is caused to make one complete revolution during the operation cycle. During this revolution, each dial setting will cause the corresponding number of pulses to pass to the adding machine, as previously described. Although not absolutely essential, I prefer to stagger the contact strips of thehundreds, tens, and units columns so that they are each slightly displaced circumferentially. This circumferential staggering of the various denominational sets of ten digital units will result in the interlacing of the different frequency pulses so that the rotor arm 39 may not make contact with the second digit contactor tip in any of thecolumns until each of the first digit contactors in the units, tens, and hundreds columns have all been successively passed over by the rotors 39. In other words, the different denominational sets of ten digits will be interlaced with respect to each other so that each of the first digital unit contacts in each denominational group is successively made by the rotors 39 before the second digital units are contacted in any group. In this way the common connection 28 which carries all three frequency pulses to the adding machine will have only one frequency at a time on the line.

With the system shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the price of the commodity may be changed by open-- ing the cover window 405 and indexing the dials 36, 31, and 33 to the desired values. Indexing the dials rotates the circular cam (such as cam 403), thereby depressing the required number of pins 404. This automatically sets the corresponding rotary contact switches to interrupt the respective signals by the same number of times as the exposed digits, Obviously this window cover should be locked in place and the manager of the store should have the key for opening it.

In the descriptions which have been given, the question of rationed commodities has not been treated. It will be obvious, however, that if the system is to be used in connection with rationed merchandise, another one or two frequency channels may be used to register points in a manner equivalent to the registration of the cost of the commodity. At the exit counter, the customer will receive two totals, one the cost and the other the point requirements.

Additional frequency channels may be similarly provided to take care of taxable merchandise for state laws that will not permit the prepayment of sales tax so that it may be automatically included in the price of the article.

Since the registering means per se is not claimed as part of this invention and since many well-known means are possible for accomplishing this particular detail, it was not felt necessary to elaborate on the detail mechanism required for the performance of this function. For example, the well-known Type 405 electrical accounting machine which has been in widespread use for many years and is manufactured by International Business Machines employs punched cards through whose perforations electrical contacts are made by metallic springs which are allowed to make contact with a conducting surface on the opposite side of the card. Some of these electrical contacts then cause relays to operate which, inturn, actuate electro-mechanical linkages to effect the setting up of various digits in a manner which is analogous to the punching of manually-operated keys on a conventional type adding machine. The numbers thus set up are automatically printed on a paper strip and the total is also printed when desired by the use of electrical impulses through electromagnets instead of pushing rods by handas is the case in a conventional type adding machine. It is obvious that this same basic type of electrical adding machine mechanism which is used in the above-described accounting machine could be actuated by the electrical pulses which are sent through the Various frequency channels shown in the disclosed device. Another method of registration is to have the various pulses in each channel operate a step type relay, such as is in common use in dial telephone switchboards, for establishing the particular digit desired for each channel. When the digits in each channel are set up, they could also be made to print the amount on a paper tape by electrically actuated means similar to the means employed for printing the digits on the above-described electrical accounting machine. Another method for effecting the registration of the price is to replace the ordinary push keys on the conventional motor-operated cash registers by solenoids. One such typical cash register is the Model 6063 machine manufactured by the National Cash Register Company and which has been in widespread use for many years in practically all super-markets and which automatically gives a printed slip showing. each amount registered as Well as the total sum. These solenoids could then be selectively actuated by the number of electrical pulses which are transmitted through each frequency channel and the end result is the replacement of the manual push buttons on the conventional cash register by electricallyoperated solenoids. The D.-C. signal on line 21 which is sent to a particular electrical adding machine merely actuates a relay to turn the adding machine On as would occur in the electrical accounting machine above-described when its power switch is turned On. The different frequency pulses operate each denominational order through stepped relays or solenoids, as described in the several examples mentioned. The D. C. signal appears on line 28 as described above. The A.-C. pulses are sent through the selective filters and they are employed to actuate any conventional mechanism such as stepped relays or solenoids, as above describe-d, to set up the digits corresponding to the pulse information. These digits may be set up, as already mentioned, by solenoids replacing the push buttons on the cash register or by the same electro-mechanical means employed to set up the digits corresponding to the punched cards in the electrical accounting machine and the D.-C. signal which follows the pulse signals will then cause the printing of the digits in a manner similar to what occurs in the electrical accounting machine above described or by causing a D.-C. actuated solenoid to perform the function of the manual key which now causes the printing of the digits set up on the cash register above-described. Finally, the insertion of the key into the register to cause a total taking and clearing operation can vbe accomplished by causing the key to perform the equivalent operation now performed for totalizing and clearing on the electrical accounting machine or byactuating the equivalent mechanism now employed for performing this same function in the cash re ister described.

Although I have chosen certain specific mechanisms and electrical circuits to illustrate the basic features of my invention, it will be. obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous departures may be made in the specific details for executing the required functions.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a vending system, a plurality of diiIerent key means, a plurality of dispenser units, each including actuatingineans operable by any one of said plurality of different key means fordispensing a given commodity, a plurality of'remotely located adding machinesone for each of said different key means, electrical connection means extending from each of said pluralityor dispenser units to each of said plurality of adding machines, a plurality of sources of electrical'powen-each-of a different frequency, connected to each -of said plurality of dispenser units; and a plurality of electrical price signalling means, one for each of said dispensing units connected to said sources of power, for affecting the circuit from said sources of powerto said adding machines in accordance with the price 'of an article dispensed, the electrical signalling means -in-the dispensing unit operated by a given key means signalling to only'the adding machine corresponding to said given keymeans'for causing said adding machine to add theprice of 'the article dispensed in response to "the operation of said dispenser unitby the given 'keymeans.

2. In a' vending system, a'plurality of dispenser unitseachincluding actuating means operable by any one of aplurality of key means for dispensing a commodity; a plurality of addin machines,

one for each of'said'key means, electrically connectedto each-of said dispenser units; a plurality of sources of electrical power each of a different frequency and corresponding to the digits in the price of the commodities to be dispensed con nected to each of said dispenser units, each or" said dispenser unitsincluding electrical switch means interconnecting the said sources of power with said adding machines, and each said electrical switch means including means controlled by the price of the commodity dispensed for altering saidelectrical circuit between the said sources of power and the said adding machine in accordance with the values of the digits in theprice of the said commodity; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from any of said dispenser units the price of said commodity is automatically recorded on one adding machine corresponding to the key means which operated the said dispenser unit to cause the commodity to be dispensed.

3. In a vending system as -set'forth'in claim 2, the further characterization that the said electrical switch'means'in each dispenser unit is adjustable to change the price which the system recordswhenacommodity is dispensed-from said dispenser unit.

4. In a vending system as set forth-in claim 2, the further characterization that thesaid sources of power establishfrequencies corresponding to the several digitswhich may be used to'establish the priceof acommodity, and each said adding machine is connected to-each said dispenserunit 16 by a single circuit which carries signals of the several frequencies, and said adding machines include frequency filter means for respectively passing to one of the several decimal divisions within said adding machine only signals of certain frequencies.

5. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the further characterization that the mainsource of power which is employed for turning anadding machine on is passed through a number of normally open relays, each relay being held closed by current from one of said sources of alternating signal, said relays operating to render the entire system inoperative upon the failure of any one of said sources of alternating signal.

6. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the further characterization .that the electrical circuits from said sources of electrical power to said adding machines are normally made, and said electrical switch means interrupts said circuit in accordance with the price of the commodity dispensed, and each said adding machine is responsive to the interruptions in its circuit for registering the price of the commodity.

7. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the further characterization of a push button and that the operation of said vending system is initiated by a person actuating said push button for establishing an electrical contact, the electrical circuit established by the actuation of said push button causing the said vending system to complete one cycle or" operation.

8. In a vending system; a plurality of different portable key means; a plurality of dispenser units each dispen er unit dispensing a commodity and each including actuating means operable by any one of said plurality of key means for dispensing the commodity within said dispenser unit, a plurality of adding machines, one for each of said plurality of different key means electrically connected to said dispenser units for recording the given price of each commodity dispensed from said dispenser units, each of said key means when in operative position in any of said dispenser units connecting said dispenser unit tothe oneadding machine peculiar to said key means; said plurality of adding machines being placed at a central location remotely located with respect to said dispenser units.

9. In a vending machine, a dispenser unit including actuating means operable by any one of a plurality of key means for dispensing a commodity of a given price; a plurality of adding machines, one for each of said key means; means electrically connecting said adding machines to said dispenser unit; a plurality of sources of electrical power each having a different characteristic and corresponding to the digits in the price of the commodity to be dispensed connected to said dispenser unit, said dispenser unit including electrical switch means interconnecting the said sources of power with said adding machines, and each said electrical switch means including control means set for th given price-of the commodity dispensed for altering said electrical circuit betweenthesaid sources of power and'the said adding machines in accordance with the value of the digits-in the price of the said commodity; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from said dispenser unit'the price or" said commodity is automatically recorded on one adding machine corresponding to the key means which operatedthe said dispenser unit to cause the commodityto be dispensed.

10. The invention set forth in claim 9 further characterized in this: .that said controlmeans is 1? adjustable to change. the given, price which the system records when a commodity is dispensed from said dispenser unit.

11. The invention set forth in claim 9 further characterized in this: thatsaid different characteristics of said sources of power correspond to the several digits-Which'm-ay be used to establish the price of a commodity, and each said adding machine is connected to said dispenser unit by a single circuit which carries signals of the several different characteristics, and said adding machines include means for separating said signals of different characteristics for respectively passing to one of the several decimal divisions within said adding machines only signals of a certain characteristic.

12. In a vending system as set forth in claim 9, the further characterization that said adding machines are electrically operated and the intelligence carrying power for operating said adding machines is passed through a number of normally open relays, each of said relays being held closed by current from one of said source of electrical power, said relays operating to render the said adding machines inoperative upon the failure of any one of said sources of electrical power.

13. In a vending system as set forth in claim 9, the further characterization that the electrical circuits from said sources of electrical intelligence power to said adding machines are normally made, and said electrical switch means interrupts said circuit in accordance with the price of the commodity dispensed, and each said adding machine is responsive to the interruptions in its circuit for registering the price of the commodity.

14. The invention set forth in claim 2, further characterized in this: that said actuating means in each dispenser unit includes an electrical switch operated by a commodity therein for permitting the operation of said actuating means only when there is a commodity in said dispenser unit.

15. In a dispensing system having a plurality of dispenser units each of which is adapted to contain a plurality of packages of a commodity, a plurality of differently shaped portable key means each of which is adapted to cause each dispenser unit to dispense a commodity, a plurality of electrical adding machines, one peculiar to each of said key means, centrally located at a distance from said dispenser units, and normally open electric circuit means connecting each of said dispenser units to each of said totalizing means, one given key means upon actuating a given dispenser unit closing said circuit means only to the adding machine peculiar to said key means.

16. lhe invention set forth in claim further characterized in this: that said dispenser system includes means associated with each said dispenser unit which is indicative of the price of the commodity therein, and said one adding machine connected to the dispenser unit which dispenses commodity is actuated in accordance with said price when a commodity is dispensed.

l7. The invention set forth in claim 15 further characterized by normally open commodity actuated switch means in each said dispenser unit said switch means being located in said normally open electric circuit means, said switch means being held closed by commodity in said dispenser unit.

18. A vending system as set forth in claim 8, further characterized by means for holding a key in its inserted position until said commodity is completely dispensed.

19. In a vending system, a plurality of dispenser units, each including actuating means operable by any one of a plurality of different key means for dispensing a commodity; a plurality of adding machines, one for each of said key means, electrically connected toeach of said dispenser units; a plurality of sources of electrical power of different frequencies connected to each said dispenser unit, each said dispenser unit including selective electrical switch means which, upon the use of a, given key. means to cause the dispenser unit to operate, interconnects the said sources of power with only the adding machine corresponding to said given key means, and each said electrical switch means including additional switching means in the same circuit controlled by the price of the commodity dispensed for signalling said adding machine; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from any ofsaid plurality of dispenserjunits the price of said commodity is automatically recorded on only one adding machinecorresponding to the key means which operated the said dispenser unit to cause the commodity to be dispensed.

20. In a vending system, a dispenser unit, an incompletely made electrical power supply circuit connected to said dispenser unit for supply,

ing power to said dispenser unit, an adding machine remotely located with respect to said dispenser unit and electrically connected to it, operating means including an insertable key for insertion in said dispenser unit for operating said dispenser unit, means for causing said adding machine to add the price of the merchandise dispensed, and means operable only upon complete insertion of said key in said dispenser unit to complete the power supply circuit to said dispenser unit.

21. The invention set forth in claim 2, further characterized in this: that said plurality of sources of electrical power of difierent frequencies are connected to each of said dispenser units by only a single electrical circuit, and by means for alternately connecting said plurality of sources to said single circuit.

22. In a vending system, a dispenser unit for dispensing a commodity of a given price, a plurality of different portable key means, said dispenser unit being operable by any one of said plurality of different key means for dispensing the commodity 7 within said dispenser unit; a plurality of adding machines one for each of said plurality of different key means electrically connected to said dispenser unit for recording the given price of the commodity dispensed from said dispenserunit. each of said key means when in operative position in said dispenser unit connecting said dispenser unit to only one adding machine peculiar to said key means, said plurality of adding machines being placed at a central location remotely located with respect to said dispenser unit.

23. In a vending system, a plurality of dispenser units for dispensing a plurality of commodities each at a given price, a plurality of different portable key means, each of said dispenser units being operable by any one of said plurality of different key means for dispensing the commodity within said dispenser unit; a plurality of adding machines one for each of said plurality of different key means electrically connected to said dispenser units for recording the given price of the commodities dispensed from said dispenser units, each of said key means when in operative position in any one of said dispenser units connecting said dispenser unit to only one adding 19 machine peculiar to said key means, said plurality of adding machines being placed at a central location remotely located with respect to said dispenser units.

24. In a vending system, a plurality of different portable key means; a plurality of dispenser units each including actuating means operable by any one of said plurality of key means for dispensing a commodity of a given price; a plurality of adding machines, one for each of said key means; electrical means interconnecting each of said dispenser units with each of said adding machines; and selective means wtihin each said dispenser unit for connecting a dispenser unit to the only adding machine peculiar to a given key means as said given key means causes said dispenser unit to dispense its commodity whereby the price of the commodity dispensed is recorded only upon said adding machine peculiar to the key means which actuates the dispenser unit.

FRANK MASSA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Wescott July 4, 1916 Baker Nov. 16, 1926 Fry Jan. 5, 193 Limb Dec. 5, 1933 De Bussey Nov. 20, 1934 Julius et a1 Sept. 17', 1935 Esgro Aug. 23, 1938 Machinist Nov. 12, 1940 Farmer Mar. 17, 1942 Dickinson Sept. 1, 1942 Esgro Mar. 9, 1943 Haas Aug. 17, 1943 Lesnick May 16, 1944 Armbruster July 4, 1944 Kuhl Oct. 10, 1944

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