US3478855A - Multiprice vending machine coin operated control - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 18, 1969 G. F. SEVERSEN 3,478,855

MULTIPRICE VENDING MACHINE COIN OPERATED CONTROL Filed Sept. 11, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet l COIN PULSES K26 N D O 1 I COIN VERIFICATION ACCUMULATOR ,39 COIN CONTROL l RESET PULSE MECHANISM RESET MEANS L, CI 37 38 I DECODER PRODUCT RELEASE T DEVICE SOLENOID BANK Z 5 1 r b A B C D INVERTER 3o DRIVER 5678 VEND SICNALS 5 PRODUCT L PRODUCT "1 3 RELEASE SELECTOR I E ACTIVATORS 1 SWITCHES D SCR BANK --II j 2 CO 2 S2 SICNAL FIG! U PK 0- O- J Q -0 NAND CATE l6 INVENTOR J-K ELIPELOP CORDON E SEVERSEN QMA xiii JR.

ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1969 G. F. SEVERSEIN 3,478,855

COIN OPERATED CONTEC MULTIPRICEI VENDING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet Filed Sept. 11, 1967 )NVEN TOR GORDON F. SEVERSEN G. F SEVERSEN Nov. 18, 1969 MULTIPRICE VENDING MACHINE COIN OPERATED CONTROL 4 Sheets-Sheet Filed Sept. 11, 1967 INVENTOR GORDON F. SEVERSEN ATTORNEY 916% [Ill xom 12m ZOZEOU w zmmEm Zouxfl 6. w

United States Patent 3,478,855 MULTIPRICE VENDING MACHINE COIN OPERATED CONTROL Gordon F. Seversen, Elmhurst, Ill., assignor to Televiso Electronics, Division of Doughhoy Industries, Inc.,

Wheeling, 11]., a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Sept. 11, 1967, Ser. No. 666,748 Int. Cl. G07f /16 US. Cl. 194-9 24 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A coin operated vending machine capable of providing multiproducts at different pre-set prices. A drive signal is generated when coins totaling any one of the pre-set product prices are inserted into the vendingmachine. The drive signal becomes a vend signal when a product selection is made which triggers the product release means of the vending machine causing the selected product to be dispensed.

Background of the invention This invention relates generally to a coin operated multiprice and multiproduct vending machine. More particularly, the invention relates to a selection system for a vending machine capable of dispensing more than one product at various pre-set prices and having solid state logic circuitry for crediting the coins inserted into the system.

In the prior merchandise selection systems, switching arrangements comprising solenoids and relays were used to control the product selection. Due to the movement of the mechanical parts of these switches whenever a product selection was made, frequent repair and maintenance were required. Moreover, the down time because of the inoperation of the vending machine resulted in substantial losses of revenue. The invention herein overcomes the inherent unreliability of the prior systems by adapting solid state circuitry for crediting the coins inserted into the machine and controlling the release of the selected product.

Furthermore, the prior product selection systems for vending machines were generally custom designed for particular vending situations. Thus, it was required to materially modify or even re-design the operation of the system for any deviation from the original design. In fact, very little standardization evolved from the prior electrical and electro-mechanical selection systems. In view of this, in order that design costs should not prohibit he conversion of the prior merchandise selection systems to their solid state equivalents, the invention herein is designed to afford standard circuitry which may be readily modified or adapted to operate for substantially any vending situation. Thus, by utilizing the principles of this invention, the vending machine may be programmed for substantially any price range and any number of products.

Another undesirable feature of the prior product selection systems was the length of the time interval between the activation of the means for releasing the product and the resetting of the selecting system. Thus, multiple product delivery or jack-potting frequently occurred. The subject invention overcomes this'by providing a reset of the system at substantially the instant when the product release mechanism is activated for dispensing the selected product.

Summary of the invention The product selection system for coin operated vending machines of this inventiton provides solid state logic circuitry for crediting and totaling coin or set pulses generated when coins are accepted by the vending machine.

3,478,855 Patented Nov. 18, 1969 A drive or go signal is generated when the coin total reaches a preset price level. When a product selection is made, the g0 signal is converted into a vend signal which triggers a merchandise release activator, causing the release of the selected product. A reset means generates a reset pulse to turn off the go signal at substantially the instant a selection is made; thus affording a positive safeguard against multiple product delivery (jack-potting).

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a multiprice and multiproduct vending machine.

Another object is to provide logic circuitry to credit and total coins inserted into the vending machine and to generate a signal indication when a predetermined value of coins have been inserted into the machine.

Another object is to provide a selection system capable of being conveniently and readily adapted to dispense products for any of a plurality of prices within a predetermined price range. A related object is to provide a selection system capable of readily increasing said price range.

Another object is to reset the product selection system at substantially the instant after a product selection is made and thereby prevent multiple product delivery.

Still another object is to provide means to insure that the system is in its reset condition when electrical power is initially turned on in the system.

Brief description of the drawings Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawlI'lgS.

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a multi-price and multiproduct coin operated vending machine embodying the principles of the invention;

FIGURE 2 shows the Nand-Gate and J-K Flip-Flop logic elements used in the selection system of the vending machine in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic drawing of the accumulator I circuit;

FIGURE 4 is a truth table showing the logic indications at the input C and the outputs Q and Q of the J-K Flip- Flops of the accumulator circuit of the selection system of the vending machine;

FIGURE 5 is a schematic drawing of the decoder circuit; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating the product release circuitry and the system reset circuitry.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Brief description Referring now particularly to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 20 indicates generally a merchandise selection system for a coin operated vending machine. The selection system 20 comprises a coin verification unit 22 which produces coin pulses upon the acceptance of a nickle (five cents), .a dime (ten cents) and a quarter (twenty-five cents). The nickle, dime and quarter coin pulses are designated respectively by the letters N, D and Q (see FIG. 1). The pulses are applied to an accumulator indicated generally by the reference numeral 26. The accumulator 26 credits the coins inserted into the vending machine. In the illustrative embodiment, the accumulator 26 has the capability to credit seventy-five cents for any combination of nickles, dimes and quarters.

A decoder indicated generally by the reference numeral 28 receives signal information from the accumulator 26 and translates it into an output signal corresponding to the coins inserted into the machine comprising the price for obtaining a single vend. The decoder 28 provides sixteen outputs (see FIGS. 1 and 5). One of these outputs designated by the numeral 29 may be used as a trigger signal indicating the at rest condition of the vending machine. Although not shown, the trigger output 29 may be used to trigger a control function or indicator associated with the reset or rest condition of the accumulator 26. The other fifteen outputs provide product price outputs. The price outputs generate a signal when the value of the coins inserted into the machine total to the price for obtaining the selected product. In the illustrative embodiments these price outputs provide signal indications for five cent increments from five to seventy.- five cents. Hence, the price for any of the products in the vending machine may be pre-set from cents to 75 cents.

An inverter driver indicated generally by the reference numeral 30 inverts and amplifies signals from the price outputs of the decoder 28 to merchandise drive or go signals. The inverter driver 30 comprises four inputs 1, 2, 3 and 4; each may be connected to a different price output (5 cents to 75 cents).

The inputs 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the inverter driver 30 receive signals designated respectively by the letters A, B, C and D, which are generated when coins totaling the value of the connected price outputs from the decoder 28 has been inserted into the vending machine.

The signals A, B, C or D are inverted and amplified to provide go or drive signals, K, 1?, 6 or D at the outputs 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively of the inverter driver 30. The go signal is connected to a specific group of the selector switches indicated generally by the reference numeral 32. The go signals may be derived from any of the fifteen price outputs of the decoder 28. The connections to the inverter driver 30 from the decoder 28 may be readily changed to vary any of the price levels for releasing the products.

The selector switches 32 comprise four switch groups 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d. The outputs 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the inverter driver 30 are connected respectively to switch groups 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d to apply thereto the go signals K, E, 6 or D. Thus, the selection system may provide multi-products at four different price levels. r A bank of product release activators indicated generally by the reference numeral 33 are provided to energize a product release device indicated generally by the reference numeral 34 which causes the dispensing of the selected product. Each go signal K, E, E or D activates a different set of activators 33. As will be seen from FIGURE 7, the merchandise release activators 33 in the illustrative embodiment comprise silicon controlled rectifiers SCR 1'to 8, also indicated by the numeral 35. The merchandise release devices 34 comprise merchandise release solenoids T1 to T8, also identified by reference numeral 36.

When a product is selected by activating one of the selector switches 32, the go signal from the inverter driver is coupled to the merchandise release activator 33 corresponding to the selected product to trigger the SCR on. Thus, the go signal K, E, '6 or D becomes a vend signal A, B, C or D when the selection switch from the switch groups 32a, 32b, 32c or 32d is activated.

As shown in FIGURE 6, the gates of SCR 1 to 8, 35, are connected to the terminals 2 of the selector switches 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d. When the SCR 35 is triggered on by one of the vend signals, A, B, C or D, a storage capacitor C1, 37 is discharged through the corresponding solenoid 36 and SCR 35. The discharge of the capacitor C1, 37 energizes solenoid 36, causing the dispensing of the selected product.

' A reset pulse is generated from the reset means indicated generally by the reference numeral 38 when the storagecapacitor C1, 37 is discharged. The reset pulse is. coupled back to the accumulator 26 to switch the ac cumulator to its reset condition. This automatically resets the decoder 28' and removes the go signal from the input of the product selector switches 32. The reset actions occurs almost instantly after a selection is made.

Simultaneously with the reset action, a bias voltage is applied to the accumulator 26 to prevent it from responding to coins inserted into the vending machine. When the storage capacitor C1, 37 recharges to a voltage level for providing another vend, the bias voltage is automatically removed and the accumulator 26 is in. its rest condition.

A coin control mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 39 is connected to the product release circuitry of the selection system. At the instant the product selection is made, a control is activated to prevent the coins inserted into the machine from being returned upon manually depressing a coin return control (not shown) on the outside of the vending machine. Also, at

r the instant a vend is made, the coins are deposited in the cash box (not shown).

The logic elements used in the selection system 20 to control the operation of the vending machine are integrated circuit type flip-flops and integrated circuit type Nand Gates. These are specifically illustrated in FIG- URE 2. The integrated circuit flip-flops used in the illustrative embodiment are referred to in the art as JK flip-flops.

The JK Flip-Flop switches state when a negative voltage change of the proper magnitude is applied to its clock input indicated by the letter C (see FIGS. 2 and 3). This changes the flip-flop from a rest condition to a non-rest condition or conversely from a non-rest condition to a rest condition. In the rest condition, the flip-flop has a voltage approximately zero at an output point Q and a voltage of approximately Vcc at an output point 6. Vcc is the power or B+ voltage of the system. The zero voltage is designated logic 0 and the Vcc voltage is designated logic 1, and are referred to also below as only 0 and 1 respectively. Conversely, when the J-K flip-flop is in the non-rest condition the Q output is 1 and the 6 output is 0.

When a l is applied to the PK input of the J-K flipfiop, the J-K flip-flop is in the reset condition whereby Q is O and Q is 1. However, in the reset condition, the J-K flip-flop does not react to changes at the input C. Upon a change from 1 to 0 at the PK input, the J-K flip-flops are able to react to signals applied to input C. Therefore, when a vend is made a 1 is applied to the PK input to reset the accumulator. The 1 prevents the accumulator from reacting to coin inputs. The PK input is then switched from 1 to 0 when the storage capacitor C1, 37 has sufficiently charged to provide another vend.

The Nand Gates have two inputs and are integrated digital circuit elements. A Nand Gate means a not And, or an inverted AND GATE. When both gate inputs to the Nand Gate are 1 the output will be 0. For all other input combinations, the output will be 1. For convenience of description, the Nand Gates are also referred to below as N-gates.

Detail description Referring now particularly to FIGURES 3 to 6, the operation of the selection system 20 will be described with greater detail.

Accumulator Turning first to FIGURE 3, the accumulator 26 will be described. The coin inputs for the illustrated embodiment accepts a nickle (five cent piece), a dime (ten cent piece) or a quarter (twenty-five center piece). Upon verification of the inserted coin by the coin verification unit 22 (FIG. 1), the accepted coin drops across a switch actuator corresponding to its size. Switches S1, 40, S2, 41 and S3, 42 are the switch actuators respectively for a nickle, dime and quarter which generate the coin signals N, D and Q.

Each switch S1, 40, S2, 41 and S3, 42 comprises a switching arm 43 and terminals 44, 45. The switch is in the rest position when the arm 43 is in contact with the terminal 45 and in the operative position when the arm 44 is in contact with the terminal 44. FIGURE 3 shows the switches S1, S2 and S3 in their rest positions.

The logic circuitry responsive to a nickle input comprises the switch S1, N-gate pair 46 and 47 connected together as a bistable or flip-flop, N-gate 48 and a J-K flip-flop 50. The logic circuitry responsive to a dime input comprises a dime switch S2, N-gate pairs 51 and 52 connected together as a bistable, N-gates 53, 54 and a J-K flip-flop 56. The logic circuitry corresponding to a quarter input comprises the quarter switch S3, 42, N-gate pair 57 and 58 also connected together as a bistable, N-gates 59, 60 and a J-K flip-flop 62. The clock input C of flipflop 64 is connected to the output Q of flip-flop 62 which enables the accumulator 26 to respond and credit up to a seventy-five cent input. Additional J-K flip-flops would further expand the credit operation of the selection system 20.

The inputs to the N- gates 46, 51 and 57 are designated by the numerals 1 and 2 and the outputs by the numeral 3; the inputs to the N-gates 47, 52 and 58 are designated by the numerals 4 and 5 and the outputs by the numeral 6. The inputs 1 of the N- gates 46, 51 and 57 are connected respectively to terminals 44 of the coin switches S1, S2 and S3, and the input 5 of the N-gates 47, 52 and 58 are connected respectively to terminals 45 of the switches S1, S2 and S3. The inputs 2 of N- gates 46, 51

and 57 are connected respectively to the outputs 6 of N- gates 47, 52 and 58. The inputs 4 of N-gates 47, 52 and 58 are connected respectively to outputs 3 of N- gates 46, 51 and 57.

The two inputs to the N- gates 48, 54 and 60 are designated by the numerals and 11, and the inputs to the N-gates 53 and 59 are designated by the numerals 7 and 8. The outputs of N-gates 53 and 59 are designated by the numeral 9, and the outputs of N- gates 48, 54 and 60 are designated by the numeral 12.

The inputs 10 and 11 to the N-gate 48 are connected respectively to the output 6 of N-gate 47 and to the output 6 of the N-gate 58. The output 12 of the N-gate 48 is tied to the clock input C of J-K flip-flop 50.

The inputs 7 and 8 of N-gate 53 are tied respectively to the point Q of the flip-flop 50 and the output 3 from N-gate 51. The inputs 10 and 11 to N-gate 54 are con nected respectively to 6 of the flip-flop 50 and output point 6 of N-gate 52. The outputs 9 and 12 of N-gates 53, 54 are both tied to the clock input C of flip-flop 56.

The inputs 7 and 8 to N-gate 59 are taken respectively from Q of flip-flop 56 and output point 3 of N-gate 57. The inputs 10 and 11 of N-gate 60 are taken from Q of flip-flop 56 and output point 6 of N-gate 58. Note, that input 11 of N-gate 60 is also tied to input 11 of N- gate 48. The output points 9 and 12 of N-gates 59 and 60 are both connected to the clock input C of flip-flop 62.

When the coin switches S1, 40, S2, 41 and S3, 42 are at their rest position as shown in FIGURE 3 and the J-K flip-flops are in their rest position, there is a 0 at input C of each of the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64. The rest and reset condition for flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 provides a l at Q and a 0 at Q.

The logic from the coin switches to the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 will now be traced when the coin switches S1, S2 and S3 are in their rest condition, whereby the arms 43 are in contact with the terminal 45. In the rest condition for the coin switches, there is a 0 input at 5 to the N-gates 47, 52 and 58 which produces a 1 at their outputs 6. The 0 at the inputs 5 is due to the connection of ground from point 65 to the arm 43 of the switch S3, 42, the connection of terminal 45 of switch S3, 42 to arm 43 of switch S2 and the connection of terminal 45 of switch S2 to arm 43 of switch S1.

The 1 from output 6 of N-gate 47 is applied to the input 10 of the N-gate 48. The 1 from output 6 of N-gate 58 is applied to the input 11 of N-gate 48. With inputs 10 and 11 to N-gate 48 both at l, the output 12 is 0, and also the C input to flip-flop 50 is at 0.

The 1 from the output 6 of N-gate 52 is applied to input 11 of the N-gate 54. The 1 from G of the flip-flop 6 50 is tied to input 10 of N-gate 54. With the inputs 10, 11 of the N-gate 54 at 1, the output 12 is O and the clock input C to flip-flop 56 is also 0.

The 1 from the output 6 of the N-gate 58 is applied to input 11 of the N-gate 60. The 1 from Q' of the flip-flop 56 is applied to the input 10 of N-gate 60. With the inputs 10 and 11 of N-gate 60 both at 1, the output 12 is 0 and the C input to flip-flop 62 is also at 0. Since the output Q from the flip-flop 62 is zero, the C input to flip-flop 64 is also 0. Therefore, when the coin switches S1, S2 and S3 are at rest, the clock inputs C to the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and '64 are 0.

The operation of the accumulator 26 will now be described when coins are inserted into the machine. After a nickle is inserted into the machine and has been verified by the coin verification 22, it drops to a switch actuator (not shown) causing a momentary transfer of the arm 43 from terminal 45 to terminal 44. This applies a 0 to input 1 of N-gate 46 causing the output 3 of N-gate 46 to go to 1. The 1 from output 3 is coupled back to input 4 of N-gate 47. Since input 5 is at 1 when arm 43 is in contact with terminal 44, the output 6 of N-gate 47 becomes 0. The 0 from output 6 is fed to input 10 of N-gate 48. This switches the output 12 of N-gate 48 from 0 to l. The 1 is applied to the clock input C of flip-flop 50 which changes input C from O to 1. This positive change from 0 at input C of flip-flop 50* does not cause a change of state and hence the flip-flop 50 remains in its rest condition.

The switch S1, 40 is only in contact with terminal 44 for the interval of time that the inserted nickle contacts the switch actuator (not shown). As soon as the nickle clears the switch actuator, the arm 43 of S1, 40 reverts back to its original position in contact with terminal 45; thereby reversing the condition of the N- gates 46, 47 and 48 just described which returns output 12 of N-gate 48 to 0, which negatively switches the input C of flip-flop 50 from 1 to 0, causing flip-flop 50 to switch states whereby the output Q becomes 1 and the output becomes 0. In this condition, the flip-flop 50 is in its non-rest state.

When the output 6 of flip-flop 50 switches to 0, the output 12 of N-gate 54 goes to 1 due to the 0 at Q of flip-flop 50, causing the clock input C of flip-flop 56 to rise from O to 1. Since this is a positive increase, no change occurs in the condition of the flip-flop 56.

If another nickle is deposited in the machine, the sequence of logic through N-gates 47 and 48 to the flipflop 50 is the same as previously described. When the second nickle clears the switch actuator, the flip-flop 50 is switched back to its rest condition, with Q at 0 and Q at 1. In the rest condition for flip-flop 50, the N-gate 54 has a 1 at both inputs 10 and 11 causing a 0 output at point 12 of the N-gate 54. The 0 output is applied to the input C of the flip-flop 56 which negatively switches input C from 1 to 0 causing flip-flop 56 to change from its rest to its non-rest state whereby Q goes to 1 and 6 goes to 0.

The 0 from Q of flip-flop 56 puts a 0 at input 10 of N-gate 60 causing the output 12 of the N-gate 60 to go from 0 to 1. This produces a positive voltage increase at input C of flip-flop 62. It will require two more nickles or a dime to change the input C to flip-flop 62 from a 1 to a 0 for switching the flip-flop 62 from the rest to the nonrest state. Therefore, twenty cents total is required to change the state of flip-flop 62.

When flip-flop 62 changes state, it causes the input C of flip-flop 64 to increase positively from 0 to 1. Another twenty cents changes the input C of flip-flop 64 from 1 to 0 causing it to switch from its rest to its nonrest state. If all four flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 are in their non-rest condition, this would represent a total input of seventy-five (75) cents which is the maximum or limit that the accumulator ,26 of the illustrative embodiment could handle and provide signal indications.

However, this seventy-five cent total could be readily increased by simply increasing the number of JK flipflops. The truth table in FIGURE 4 shows the logic appearing at input C and output Q and Q for the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 for increments of five cents.

To still more fully describe the operation of the accumulator 26, the responsive action of the accumulator 26 for a nickle, dime and quarter for a forty cent total will be briefly described. The nickle will switch the flipflop 50 to its non-rest condition which is when the input C changes negatively from a l to 0. The switching of flip-flop 50 causes the input C to fiip'fiop 56 to change from O to 1, as previously described.

Now if a dime is inserted into the vending machine, the arm 43 of switch S2, 41 moves from terminal 45 to terminal 44. This puts a input to terminal 1 of N-gate 51 causing a l at its output 3 which in turn produces a 1 at input 8 of N-gate 53. Input 7 of N-gate 53 is also at 1 due to the 1 from the output Q of flipflop 50. With inputs 7 and 8 of N-gate 53 at 1, its output 9 goes to 0 causing input C of flip-flop 56 to negatively change from 1 to O. The negative change switches the flip-flop 56 from the rest to the non-rest condition. The switching of flip-flop 56 causes input C for flip-flop 62 to change positively from 0 to 1. After a nickle and dime has been credited by the accumulator 26, flip- flops 50 and 56 are in their on condition (see truth table for fifteen cents in FIG. 4).

If a quarter is now inserted into the machine, the arm 43 of switch S3, 42 is transferred from terminal 45 to terminal 44. The output 6 of N-gate 58 goes to 0 due to the 1 applied to inputs 4 and of the N-gate 58. When this occurs, it causes two simultaneous reactions; the input C of the flip-flop 50 goes to 1 as a result of input 11 of N-gate 48 connected to output 6 of N-gate 58 going to 0, and flip-flop 62 switches from the rest state to the nonrest state as its input C changes negatively from 1 to 0 due to input 8 of N-gate 50 going from 0 to 1. At this instant flip- flop 50 and 56 are in their non-rest state and their inputs C are at 1.

When the quarter has cleared the switch S3, 42, the arm 43 returns to terminal 44. This action also causes two simultaneous reactions; the input C of flip-flop 50 negatively changes from 1 to 0 causing flip-flop 50 to switch back to its rest state and the input C of flip-flop 62 goes from 0 to 1 due to the 1 applied to input 8 of N-gate 59 from output Q of flip-flop 56.

The switching of flip-flop 50 to its rest state causes input C of flip-flop 56 to go to 0 due to input 11 of N-gate 54 going to 1. This causes flip-flop 56 to return to its rest state, which in turn causes input C of flip-flop 62 to negatively change from 1 to 0 due to input of N-gate 60 going to 1. Now flip-flop 62 returns to its rest state causing input C of flip-flop 64 to go from 1 to 0 which switches flip-flop 64 to its non-rest state. Now flip- flops 50, 56, and 62 are in their rest states, flip-flop 64 is in its non-rest state and all the C inputs of the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 are at 0 (see truth table for forty cents in FIG. 4).

In a similar manner, the sequence of logic for any number of nickles, dimes or quarters totaling from five cents to seventy-five cents may be traced from the coin switches S1, S2 and S3 to the flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64.

As stated in the foregoing, the N-gate pairs 46 and 47, 51 and 52 and 57 and 58 (which are tied to the coin switches S1, S2 and S3) are connected as flip-flops. Once the input changes due to the coin switches changing from terminal 44 to terminal 45, the flip-flop connected N-gate snaps over. Any subsequent bounces of the coin switches have no affect upon the output signals due to the feedback action of the N-gates.

Decoder Turning now to FIGURE 5, the decoder circuit 28 will be described. The flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64 of the accumulator 26- are connected to the decoder 28 which translates the accumulated total of coins inserted into the machine into drive signals for releasing the selected product.

The decoder 28 comprises input N-gates 67 to 74. Output Q from flip-flop is tied to inputs 1 of N-gates 68 and 70 and output 6 from flip-flop 50 is tied to input 1 of N- gates 67 and 68. Output Q from flip-flop 56 is tied to input 2 of N- gates 69, 70 and output 6 from flip-flop 56 is tied to input 2 of N-gates 67 and 68. Output Q from flip-flop 62 is tied to input 1 of N-gates 72 and 74 and output 6 from flip-flop 62 is tied to input 1 of N-gates 71 and 73. Output Q from flip-flop 64 is tied to input 2 of N- gates 73 and 74 and output 15 from flip-flop 64 is tied to input 2 of N-gates 71 and 72.

Each output 3 of the N-gates 67 to 74 is tied to the input of an inverter N-gate identified by the prime of the numeral of the corresponding input N-gate. The inverter N-gates 67' and 74' invert the signals from input N-gates 67 to 74.

Output N-gates 75 to 90 provide sixteen output signals. N-gate 75 generates a trigger signal at point 29 and N- gates 76 to 90' provide price output signals corresponding to increments of five cents from five to seventy-five cents.

'Input 1 to output N- gates 75, 79, 83 and 87 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 67. Input 1 to output N- gates 76, 80, 84 and 88 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 68. Input 1 to output N-gates 77, 81, and 89 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gates 69'. Input 1 to output N-gates 78, 82, 86 and are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gates 69. Input 1 to output N-gates 78, 82, 86 and 90 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 70.

Input 2 to output N-gates 75 to 78 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 71. Input 2 to output N-gates 79 to 82 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gates 72'. Input 2 to output N-gates 83 to 86 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 73'. Input 2 to output N-gates 87 to 90 are tied to output 6 of inverter N-gate 74'.

When the flip-flops '50, 56, 62 and 64 are in their rest state whereby Q is 0 and Q is 1, the output 29 from N- gate 75 generates a 0 trigger signal at point 29. The logic sequence for the 0 trigger signal will now be traced. In the reset condition, outputs 6 and Q of the J-K flip-flops are 1 and 0. Since inputs 1 and 2 for N-gate 67 are con nected to Q outputs of flip- flops 50 and 56, the outputs 3 for N-gate 67 is 0. The inverter N-gate 67 inverts the 0 to a 1 which is applied to input 1 for N-gate 75. Since inputs 1 and 2 of input N-gate 72 are tied respectively to outputs Q of fiip- fiops 62, 64, the output 3 from N-gate 71 is 1. The inverter N-gate 71 inverts the 0 to 1. Inputs 1 and 2 of N-gates 75 are 1 and, therefore, the output point 29 is at O. The 0 output at point 29 provides a trigger signal which may be used to trigger a control function or indicator associated with the rest condition of the accumulator 26.

For "another example, the logic to provide a ten cent output from output N-gate 77 will be traced. From the truth table in FIGURE 4, it will be seen that if ten cents is inserted into the machine only flip-flop 56 is in the nonrest state whereby its output Q is 1 and Q is 0. Thus, 1s are applied to the inputs 1 and 2 of N-gate 69 from output 6 of flip-flop 56 and output Q from flip-flop 56, causing a O at the output 3 of N-gate 69, which is inverted to 1 by the inverter N-gate 69'. The 1 appearing at output 6 of N-gate 69 is applied to input 1 of N-gate 77. The ls from outputs 6 of flip- flops 62 and 64 are applied to inputs 1 and 2 of N-gate 71 causing a 0 at the output point 3 which is inverted to 1 by the inverter N-gate 71. The 1 appearing at output 6 of inverter N-gate 71 is applied to input 2 of N-gate 77. With a 1 at inputs 1 and 2 of N-gate 77 the output of N-gate 77 changes from 1 to 0 indicating ten cents was inserted into the machine. Similarly, the logic for any of the other price outputs may be traced through the decoder. Hence, when any of the price outputs from 5 to 75 cents switches from 1 to 0, it indicates that the accumulation of coins inserted into the system total the sum corresponding to the value of the price output.

Inverter driver The fifteen price outputs ranging from five to seventyfive cents from the decoder 28 are available for connection to the inverter driver 30. Any four of the fifteen decoder outputs may be connected to the input points 1 to 4 of N-gates 92 to 95. The number of price selections can easily be increased by adding additional inverter drivers. When the coinage corresponding to the connected outputs from the decoder 28 has been inserted into the vending machine, a signal output identified by the letters A, B, C or D having a logic appears at the corresponding input points 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the inverter drivers 92, 93, 94 and 95.

The inverter drivers 92, 93, 94 and 95 amplifies and inverts the A, B, C or D signals to K, R, C or 5 signals at the corresponding output points 5, 6, 7 or 8. The K, E C or signals are the go signals which enable a product to be received when the proper selector switch 32 is activated. The go signal is converted to a vend signal which turns on the product release activator corresponding to the selected product.

The output point 5 or N-gate 92 is connected to switch group 32a; the output point 6 of N-gate 93 is connected to switch group 3212; the output point 7 of N-gate 94 is connected to switch group 320; and output point 8 is connected to switch group 32d. Although any number of switches 32 may be connected in any of the groups, the drawings, for facility of explanation, only show two switches per group.

Product release Turning now specifically to FIGURE 6, the product release circuitry will be described. The product selector switches 32 each comprise a selector arm 96 which moves from a non-operative position in contact with a terminal 1 to an operative position in contact with a terminal 2. The selector arms 96- for the two selector switches in each group 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d are series connected when the switches are in the non-operative position. Since two switches comprise each group, only the two selector arms 96 for the group are in series.

If the proper coinage for a particular product has been inserted into the vending machine, the go signal K, 1?, C or 5 is present at the selector arms 96 of the switches 32 associated with said product. When, the switch 32 corresponding to said particular product is depressed or activated, the go signal is converted to a vend signal and applied to the corresponding product release activator 33.

For purposes of example only, the illustrative embodiment shows eight possible product selections. The product release activators 33 comprise a plurality of identical activator circuits for releasing one of the various products in the vending machine. Each activator comprises the silicon controlled rectifier 35, SCR 1 to SCR 8, having a gate, an anode and cathode. The cathodes of the SCRs are tied to the 110 v. AC common line. A resistance 98 (R1 to R8) and a capacitor 99 (C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, C11, C13 and C15) are connected between the gate and the cathode of each SCR 35. A capacitor 100 (C2, C4, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14 and C16) is connected from the anode to the SCR cathode. The gate of each SCR 1 to 8, 35 is connected to terminal 2 of the corresponding selector switch 32.

The solenoids T1 to 8, 36 have one of their ends tied together at point 103 and connected to a terminal 6 of a manual coin return switch 101. The opposite end of each of the solenoids T1 to 8, 36 is connected to a movable arm 102 of one of the plurality of product empty switches indicated generally by the reference numeral 104.

The product empty switches 104 are all shown in FIG- URE 6 in their non-empty position.

The cathodes of the diodes CR4 to CR11,.101 are each connected to the movable arm 102 of the corresponding product empty switch 104. The anode side of diodes CR4 to CR11 are connected to a point 105. The diodes CR4 to CR11 isolate the individual product release solenoids T1 to T8, 36 from each other.

The storage capacitor C18, 37 at point 106 is connected to solenoids T1 to T8, 36, via the coin-return switch 101. The coin return switch is shown in FIGURE 6 in its nor mal position. Manual operation of the coin-return switch by the customer causes the movable arm of the switch to sever connection with terminal 6 and make contact with terminal 7 for returning coins inserted into the machine.

When a product has been completely dispensed from the machine, the movable arm 102 switches from terminal 1 to terminal 2 of the corresponding product empty switch 104. This applies the voltage from the storage capacitor C18, 37 via the corresponding solenoid 36 to a lamp 107 causing the lamp to light and thereby indi cate the product empty condition.

The rectifying of the AC line voltage by a rectifier CR1, 110 charges the storage capacitor C18, 37. A resistor R10, 112 is connected between the anode of rectifier CR1, 110 and the hot side of the alternating current (AC) injected into the system at input terminal 116 of power transformer Tp, 118. The capacitor C18, 37 charges ot approximately one hundred and fifty Volts (150 v.) at point 106.

The power transformer Tp, 118 includes a secondary winding 120 properly phased to bring the voltage at point 106 below Zero to turn off the SCR 35 corresponding to the selected product, after the storage capacitor C18, 37 has discharged. A resistor R11, 122 is shunted across the storage capacitor C18, 37 to bleed the charge from capacitor C18, 37 if power is removed from the machine. Therefore, the capacitor C18, 37 must charge up when power is again turned on in order that the accumulator 26 will be in the rest condition before coins are inserted into the system, as will be more fully explained later in the description.

A full wave rectifier comprising rectifier diodes CR2, 123, CR3, 124 are connected at their anodes respectively to terminals 125, 126 of the secondary winding 127 of the power transformer Tp, 118. The cathodes of the diodes CR2, CR3 are connected together at point 128. A capacitor C19, 129 is tied between point 128 and the AC common line. A resistor R12, 130 is connected at one end to point 128 and the opposite end provides the desired direct current (DC) voltage Vcc with respect to the common line, for the system.

System reset At the instant electrical power is turned on in the vending machine and after a product selection has been made causing the corresponding product release circuitry to be activated, the selection system is automatically reset. Also, the system is automatically reset after the coinreturn switch 101 is pressed or rotated, as the case may be, by the customer.

When power is first turned on, capacitor C18, 37 is in a discharged condition and the voltage at point 106 is substantially zero. Consequently, a zero voltage appears across the resistance divider R13, 131 and R14, 132 which results in a zero input at the base 133 of PNP transistor Q9, 134 causing it to conduct. When Q9, 134 conducts, the emitter 136 is at zero causing a 0 at the inputs 1 and 2, which are connected together, of N-gate 138.

Since the inputs to the N-gate 138 are at 0, the output 3 is 1. The 1 at output 3 is applied to the junction point 139 of the PK terminals of the .T-K flip- flops 50, 56, 62 and 64. A l at the PK terminals puts all the flip-flops into their reset condition whereby Q is 0 and Q is 1. As long as the 1 appears at the PK terminals, the flip- flops 50, 56,

62 and 64 do not react'to changes at the respective C inputs.

When the storage capacitor C18, 37 has charged to a suflicient positive voltage via resistor R10, 112 and the rectifier CR1, 110, transistor Q9, 132 cuts-off due to the rising voltage at the *base 131 developed across resistor R11, 128.

When transistor Q9, 134 is cut-off, the voltage at the emitter 136 rises to substantially Vcc to cause a 1 at the inputs 1 and 2, which are connected together, of N-gate 138, resulting in a at point 139 to be applied to the PK inputs of ]K flip-flops 50-, 56, 62 and 64. When the PK inputs are at zero the flip-flops are placed in their rest condition whereby they are ready to react to negative input changes at C to credit the coins inserted into the machine. for obtaining a vend.

Coin control The coin control mechanism 39 comprises a cash box solenoid T9, 140 (FIG. 6) which is energized when a product selection is made, causing the coins inserted into thevending machine for the product to be deposited into a cash box (not shown). Coins inserted into the vending machine may be returned if the customer presses the coinreturn switch 101 prior to the making of a product selection.

A capacitor C20, 143 is connected between the terminals 144, 145 of the cash box solenoid T9, 140. A diode CR12, 146 is connected between the terminal 144 and the junction point 103 of the high voltage end of the product release solenoids T1 to T8. Terminal 145 is connected to the anode junction point 105 of diodes CR4 to CRll.

Before a product selection is made, the voltage at the points 103, 105 is the same as the voltage from the storage capactior at point 106. Therefore, the cash box solenoid T9, 140 is in the de-energized state. When a product selection is made, current fiows through the corresponding product solenoid and SCR. This in turn impresses a voltage across the cash box solenoid T9, 140 causing the solenoid 140 to energize, the capacitor C20, 143 to become charged and the coins inserted into the machine to be deposited into the cash box. The charged capacitor C20, 143 functions as a delay and maintains the solenoid 140 energized after the capacitor C18, 37 has discharged and thereby assures adequate time for all the inserted coins to be deposited into the cash box.

The coin-return solenoid T10, 142 returns coins inserted into the vending machine, provided that the coin-return switch 101 is operated before the product selection is made, and after the storage capacitor has sufiiciently recharged to have the capability for energizing the coinreturn solenoid. One end of the coin-return solenoid 142 is connected to the common line and the other end to the terminal '7 of the switch 101. A resistor R15, 148 is connected across the solenoid T10, 142.

I When the coin-return switch 101 is manually operated by the Vending machine customer, the movable arm connects with terminal 7 to complete a path for the discharge current from the storage capacitor C18, 37 through the coin-return solenoid 142, which energizes the coin-return solenoid. The discharge of the storage capacitor through the coin-return solenoid automatically resets the accumulator 26 as explained in the previous section entitled Sys tem Reset. From the foregoing, it is seen that the storage capacitor C18, 37 energizes the selector solenoids T1 to T8, 31, the cash box solenoid T9, 140 and the coinreturn solenoid T10, 142 if the coin-return switch 101 is manually operated.

The foregoing specification and descriptions are intended as illustrative of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a vending machine including an accumulator for crediting coins inserted into the machine and a product release means, the herein improvement comprising:

a storage capacitor storing an electrical charge for activating said product release means to provide a vend; and

reset means associated with said storage capacitor and accumulator, said reset means resetting said accumulator when said capacitor is discharged and preventing said accumulator frorn crediting said coins until said capacitor has charged to a level sutficient for providing another vend.

2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein a decoder means is associated with the accumulator and the product release means, said decoder generating signals in response to said coins being credited by said accumulator; and

coupling means for associating at least one of said signals to said product release means, said one signal being a drive signal for activating said product release means, said one signal corresponding to a predetermined price for a selected product.

3. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein:

said reset means comprises a gating means having a reset state and a non-reset state, said gating means switching from the non-reset state to the reset state to reset said accumulator when the storage capacitor is discharged, said gating means preventing said accumulator from crediting said coins when in said reset state, said gating means switching from the reset to the non-reset state when said storage capacitor recharges to said level for providing another vend, whereby said accumulator is placed into a rest condition capable of crediting coins inserted into said machine.

4. The vending machine of claim 3, wherein said gating means comprises:

a transistor having an operative condition and a nonoperative condition;

a Nand-Gate coupled between said transistor and said accumulator, said Nand-Gate having a reset state and a non-reset state; and

a resistance means connected between said storage capacitor and the base of said transistor to provide the bias voltage for maintaining the transistor in the operative and non-operative conditions, said transistor switching from the non-operative to the operative condition when the storage capacitor is discharged to cause the Nand-Gate to switch from the non-reset state to the reset state, said transistor switching from said operative state to said nonoperative state when the storage capacitor recharges to said voltage level for providing another vend and thereby causing said Nand-Gate to switch back to said non-reset condition.

5. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein said accumulator comprises a plurality of output flip-flops, each of said flip-flops having a rest state and a non-rest state, said flip-flops being connected whereby one of said output flip-flops causes another of said output flipflops to change state when said one fiip-fiop switches from the rest to the non-rest state and back to the rest state.

6. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein said accumulator comprises:

at least one coin switch having a rest-position and an operative-position, said coin switch moving from the rest to the operative-position when the proper coin is inserted into the machine and contacts said switch, said switch reverting back to the rest-position when said coin moves out of contact with said switch;

an input flip-flop connected to said switch; and

an output flip-flop asssociated with said input flip-flop, said output flip-flop having an input and a first and second output, said input flip-flop changing state when the coin switch moves from the rest to the operative-position and thereby causes a set signal to be applied to the output flip-flop, said input flip-flop reverting back to its original state after said coin moves 13 out of contact with said switch and thereby converts the set signal to a trigger signal to cause the output flip-flop to change state and credit the inserting of said coin. 7. The vending machine of claim 6, wherein:

five cent Nand-Gate output and a twenty-cent output flip-flop having a first and second output, said first twenty-five cent output Nand-Gate having an input connected to one of the outputs of the twenty-five cent input flip-flop and another input connected to said input flip-flop comprises a first and second Nandsaid first output of the ten cent output flip-flop, said Gate, one input of each Nanci-Gate being connected second twenty-five cent output Nand-Gate having an to the output of the other and the other input of each input connected to the other output of the twenty- Nand-Gate being connected to the switch; and five cent input flip-flop and to an input of said five an output Nand-Gate having an input connected to one cent output Nand-Gate and said second twenty-five of the outputs from one of the Nand-Gates of the incent output Nand-Gate having another input conput flip-flop, the output from the output Nand-Gate nected to the second output of the ten cent output being connected to an input of said output flip-flop. flip-flop, the output of the twenty-five cent output 8. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein said ac- Nand-Gate being connected to an input of the twentycumulator comprises a five cent coin circuit, a ten cent 15 cent output flip-flop, said twenty-five cent coin coin circuit and a twenty-five cent coin circuit, said accuswitch moving from the rest to the operative-posimulator having the capability to credit coins at increments tion when a twenty-five cent coin is inserted into the of five cent coins between a predetermined price range, machine and contacts said switch and thereby causes each of said circuits comprising one of said switches, one said twenty-five cent input flip-flop to change state of said input flip-flops, at least one output gate and at least and the twenty-five cent output Nand-Gate' to apone of said output flip-flops, the number of output flipply a set signal to the input of the five cent output flipfiops determining said price range. flop and to the input of the twenty-cent output flip- 9. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein said accuflop, said twenty-five cent input flip-flop reverting mulator comprises: back to its original state after said coin moves out a five cent coin circuit including a five cent coin actiof contact with said five cent switch and thereby vated switch, said switch having a rest-position and converts the set signal to said five cent and twentyan operative-position, a five cent input flip-flop assocent output flip-flops to trigger signals causing the ciated with the coin switch, said five cent flip-flop havfive cent and twenty cent output flip-flops to change ing a pair of outputs, a five cent output Nand-Gate state from a rest to a non-rest state and credit the and a five cent output flip-flop having a first and secinserting of said twenty-five cent coin.

11. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein a decoder is associated with the accumulator for translating the signals from the output flip-flop into drive signals, said decoder comprising:

a first input Nand-Gate means having a first input conond output, said five cent output Nand-Gate having an input connected to an output from the input flipflop and an output connected to an input of the output flip-flop;

a ten cent coin circuit including a ten cent coin activated switch having a rest-position and an operativeposition a ten cent input flip-flop associated with the ten cent coin switch, said ten cent input flip-flop having a pair of outputs, a first and second ten cent outnected to the second output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the ten cent output flip-flop whereby said first Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when the put Nand-Gate and a ten cent output flip-flop having vending machine is at rest;

a first and second output, said first ten cent output second input Nand-Gate means having a first input Nand-Gate having an input connected to one of the connected to the first output of the five cent output outputs of the ten cent input flip-flop and another inflip-flop and a second input connected to the second put connected to said first output of the five cent out- Output of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said put flip-flop, said second output ten cent Nand-Gate Second Nand-Gate Provides a drive Signal WhfiIl 3 having an input connected to the other output of the five cent coin has been inserted into the machine; ten cent input flip-flop and another input connected third input Nand-Gate means having a first input to said second output of the ten cent outconnected to the second output of the five cent output flip-flop, the outputs of the first and second output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first put Nand-Gates being connected to an input of the tput of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said ten cent output fli -flo aid fi e t i it h third input Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal moving from the rest to the operative-position when When a ten cent coin has been inserted into the maa five cent coin is inserted .into the machine and conchine; and

tacts said switch and thereby causes said five cent infourth input Nand-Gate means having a first input put flip-flop to change state and the five cent output connected to the first output of the five cent output Nand-Gate to apply a set signal to the input of the flip-flop and a second input connected to the first five cent output flip-flop, said five cent input flip-flop output of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said reverting back to its original state after said coin f urth Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal moves out of contact with said five cent switch and when a five cent coin and ten cent coin is inserted thereby converts the set signal to a trigger signal causinto the machine and when three five cent coins are ing the output flip-flop to change state from a rest .inserted in the machine.

12. The vending machine of claim 10 wherein a decoder is associated with the accumulator for translating the signals from the output flip-flop into drive signals, said decoder comprising:

a first input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the ten cent output flip-flop whereby said first Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when the vending machine is at rest;

a second input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the first output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said state to a non-rest state and credit the inserting of the five cent coin, the change of state of the five cent output flip-flop causing one of the ten cent output Nand- Gates to apply a set signal to the ten cent output flipfiop whereby the ten cent output flip-flop changes state from a rest to a non-rest state when another five cent coin or a ten cent coin is inserted into the machine.

10. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein said accumulator comprises:

a twenty-five coin circuit including 'a twenty-five coin activated switch having a rest-position and an operative-position, a twenty-five cent coin input flip-flop having a pair of outputs, a first and second twentysecond Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when a five cent coin has been inserted into the machine;

a third input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said third input Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal when a ten cent coin has been inserted into the machine;

a fourth input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the first output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said fourth Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal when a five cent coin and ten cent coin is inserted into the machine and when three five cent coins are inserted in the machine; and

a fifth Nand-Gate means having an input connected to the second output of the twenty cent output flip-flop, said fifth Nand-Gate providing a drive signal for each of the five cent increments between twenty and thirtyfive cents.

13. The vending machine of claim 12 includes:

a fourth output flip-flop having an input connected to the first output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a first and second output, said fourth output flip-flop being swiched from a rest to a non-rest state when thirty-five cents is inserted in said machine, said fourth output fiip-fiop being associated with the other output flip-flops and remains in a non-rest state for five cent increments between thirty-five and seventy-five cents, said fifth gate means being a fifth input Nand-Gate means and having another input connected to the second output of the fourth output fiip-flop;

a sixth input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the fourth output flip-flop, said sixth input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal when coins totaling less than fifteen cents have been inserted into the vending machine;

a seventh input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the fourth output flip-flop, said seventh input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal for five cent increments between forty cents and fifty-five cents; and

an eighth input Nand-Gate having a first input connected to the first output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the fourth output flip-flop, said eighth input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal for five cent increments between fifty-five and seventy-five cents.

14. The vending machine of claim 13 wherein, a plurality of decoder output Nand-Gate are provided to translate the drive signals from said decoder input Nand- Gate means into individual price output signals for increments of five cents between zero and seventy-five cents, said decoder output Nand-Gates comprising:

a zero output Nand-Gate, a twenty-cent output Nand- Gate, a forty-cent output Nand-Gate and a sixtycent output Nand-Gate each having a first input connected to the output from the first input Nand- Gate means; 1

five-cent, twenty-five cent, forty-five cent and sixtyfive cent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a first input connected to the output of the second Nand-Gate means;

ten-cent, thirty-cent, fifty-cent and seventy-cent decoder output Nand-Gate each having a first input connected to the output of the third input Nanci-Gate means;

fifteen-cent, thirty-five-cent, fifty-five cent and seventyfive-cent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a first input connected to the fourth input Nand-Gate means, said zero,v five-cent, ten-cent and fifteen-cent output Nand-Gates having a second input connected to said sixty decoder input Nand-Gate means;

said tweney-cent, twenty-five cent, thirty-cent and thirtyfive-cent output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the output of the fifth decoder Nand-Gate means;

said forty-cent, torty-five-cent, fifty-cent and fiftyfive-cent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the seventh decoder input Nand-Gate means; and

said sixty-cent, sixty-five-cent, seventy-cent and seventyfive-cent output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the output of the eighth decoder input Nand-Gate means.

15. The vending machine of claim 14 includes at least one driver means having an input for connection to any one of the price output signals from said plurality of decoder output Nand-Gates, the output of said driver means being associated with the product release means whereby said one price output signal is converted to a vend signal when a product selection is made.

16. The vending machine of claim 15, includes a product release solenoid:

a cash box solenoid positioned in shunt with said product release solenoid, said storage capacitor energizing the cash box solenoid and said product release solenoid when a product selection is made, the energizing of the cash box solenoid causing the coins deposited into the machine to fall into a coin receiving area;

a coin return solenoid; and

a coin return switch having a normal position and a coin return position, the movable arm of the coin return switch associated with said storage capacitor whereby the switching of the movable arm to the coin return position providing a pathway for the discharge current through the coin return solenoid and thereby causing the return of said coins.

17. In a vending machine including an accumulator for crediting coins inserted into the machine and a product release means comprising a solenoid, the herein improvement comprising:

a storage capacitor storing an electrical charge for energizing said solenoid to provide a vend; and

a cash box solenoid positioned in shunt with said product release solenoid said storage capacitor energizing the cash box solenoid and said product release solenoid when a product selection is made, the energising of the cash box solenoid causing the coins deposited into the machine to fall into a coin receiving area.

18. The vending machine of claim 17 includes:

a coin return solenoid; and

a coin return switch having a normal position and a coin return position, the movable arm of the coin return switch associated with said storage capacitor whereby the switching of the movable arm to the coin return position providing a pathway for the discharge current through the coin return solenoid and thereby causing the return of said coins.

19. In a vending machine including an accumulator for crediting coins inserted into the machine and a product release means, said accumulator being the herein improvement and comprising:

a five cent coin circuit including a five cent coin activated switch, said switch having a rest-position and an operative-position, a five cent input flip-flop associated with the coin switch, said five cent input flipflop having a pair of outputs, a five cent output Nand- Gate and a five cent output flip-flop having a first and second output, said five cent output Nand-Gate having an input connected to an output from the input flip-flop and an output connected to an input of the a ten cent coin circuit including a ten cent coin activated switch having a rest-position and an operative-position, a ten cent input flip-flop associated with the ten cent coin switch, said ten cent input flip-flop having a pair of outputs, a first and second ten cent output Nand-Gate and a ten cent output flip-flop having a first and second output, said first ten cent output state and credit the inserting of said twenty-five cent com.

21. The vending machine of claim 19, wherein a decoder is associated with the accumulator for translating the signals from the output flip-flop into drive signals, said decoder comprising:

a first input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the five cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the ten cent output flip-flop whereby said Nand-Gate having an input connected to one of the first Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when the outputs of the ten cent input flip-flop and another vending machine is at rest;

input connected to said first output of the five cent a second input Nand-Gate means having a first input output flip-flop, said second output ten cent Nandconnected to the first output of the five cent output Gate having an input connected to the other output 1 flipflop and a second input connected to the second of the ten cent input flip-flop and another input conoutput of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said nected to said second output of the ten cent output second Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when a flip-flop, the outputs of the first and second output five cent coin has been inserted into the machine; Nand-G-ates being connected to an input of the ten a third input Nand-Gate means having a first input cent output flip-flop, said five cent coin switch mov- 20 connected to the second output of the five cent outing from the rest to the operative-position when a flip-flop and a second input connected to the first outfive cent coin is inserted into the machine and conput of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said third tacts said switch and thereby causes said five cent ininput Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal when put flip-flop to change state and the five cent output a ten cent coin has been inserted into the machine; Nand-Gate to apply a set signal to the input of the and five cent output flip-flop, said five cent input flip-flop a fourth input Nand-Gate means having a first input reverting back to its original state after said coin connected to the first output of the five cent output moves out of contact with said five cent switch and flip-flop and a second input connected to the first outthereby converts the set signal to a trigger signal put of the ten cent output flip-flop, whereby said causing the output flip-flop to change state from a fourth Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal rest state to a non-rest state and credit the inserting of the five cent coin, the change of state of the five cent output flip-flop causing one of the ten cent output Nand-Gates to apply a set signal to the ten cent out flip-flop whereby the ten cent output flip-flop changes state from a rest to a non-rest state when another five cent coin or a ten cent coin is inserted into the machine; and

when a five cent coin and ten cent coin is inserted into the machine and when three five cent coins are inserted in the machine.

22. The vending machine of claim 20 wherein a decoder is associated with the accumulator for translating the signals from the output flip-flop into drive signals, said decoder comprising:

a first input Nand-Gate means having a first input condecoder means interposed between the accumulator and nected to the second Output of the five cent output id product release means, flip-flop and a second input connected to the second 20. The vending machine of claim 19, wherein said Output of the ten eerlt Output pp whereby said accumulator comprises: first Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when the a twenty-five cent coin circuit including a twenty-five Vending machine is at rest;

cent coin activated switch having a rest-position and a second input Nanci-Gate means having first input an operative-position, a twenty five cent i input connected to the first output of the five cent output fli -flo h i a i of outputs, a fi t and flip-flop and a second input connected to the second ond twenty-five cent Nand-Gate output and a twenty- Output of the ten eeht Output P- Pr whereby said five cent output flip-flop having a first and second second Nand-Gate provides a drive signal when a five output, said first twenty-five cent output Nand-Gate h coin has been inserted into the machine; having an input connected to one of the outputs of a thlrd input Nand"Gate means having a first input the twentyfive Cent input fli fl and another connected to the second output of the five cent output connected to said first output of the ten cent P pp and a second input eerlrleeted t0 e st output flip-flop, said second twenty-five cent output t t of the ten Ceht Output P- P, whereby said Nand Gate having an input connected to the other third input Nand-G ate means provides a drive signal output of the twentyhve cent input flipfiop and to when a ten cent co1n has been inserted into the maan input of said five cent output Nand-Gate and chlhe; Said second twentyhve cent Output Nahd Gate a fourth input Nand-Gate means having a first input ing another input connected to the second output of @nnected to the first outpht of the five Cent Output the ten cent output flip-flop, the output of the twenflIP'fiOP and Second 1hPut cohheeted t0 the ty-five cent output Nand-Gate being connected to fir st Output of the ten cent output'filp'fiophwherehy an input of the twehty cent Output fliphop, said said fourth Nand-Gate means provides a drive signal twentyhve cent coin switch moving from the rest when a five cent COlIl and ten cent com is inserted to the cherativehoshioh When a twehtyhve Cent nto the machine and when three five cent coins are coin is inserted into the machine and contacts said Inserted the machine; h switch and thereby causes said twenty-five cent input a fifth NandGate means havlng an Input cohhehted to flip-flop to change state and the twenty-five cent outsecond Output of the f f cent P P P' P.- put Nand Gate to apply a set Signal to the input of said fifth Nand-Gate providing a drive signal for the five cent Output flihhoh and to the input of the each of the five cent increments between twenty and twenty-cent output flip-flop, said twenty-five cent inthu'ty'five put flip-flop reverting back to its original state after The Vehdlhg machine of claim 22 includes: said coin moves out of contact with said five cent a fourth Output P' P having an input connected to switch and thereby converts the set signal to said the first Output of the twenty Ceht Output P P and five cent and twenty-cent output flip-flops to trigger a first and second output, said fourth output flip-flop signals causing the five cent and twenty-cent output being switched from a rest to a non-rest state when flip-flops to change state from a'rest to a non-rest thirty-five cents is inserted in said machine, said 19 fourth output flip-flop being associated with-the other output flip-flops and remains in a non-rest state for five cent increments between thirty-five and seventyfive cents, said fifth gate means being a fifth input Nand-Gate means and having another input connected to the second output of the fourth Output flip-flop;

a sixth input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the second output of the fourth output flip-flop, said sixth input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal when coins totaling less than fifteen cents have been inserted into the vending machine;

a seventh input Nand-Gate means having a first input connected to the second output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the fourth output flip-flop, said seventh input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal for five cent increments between forty cents and fifty-five cents; and

an eighth input Nand-Gate having a first input connected to the first output of the twenty cent output flip-flop and a second input connected to the first output of the fourth output flip-flop, said eighth input Nand-Gate means providing a drive signal for five cent increments between fifty-five and seventy-five cents.

24. The vending machine of claim 23 wherein, a plurality of decoder output Nand-Gates are provided to translate the drive signals from said decoder input Nand- Gate means into individual price output signals for increments of five cents between zero and seventy-five cents, said decoder output Nand-Gates comprising:

a zero output Nand-Gate, a twenty-cent output Nand- Gate, a forty-cent output Nand-Gate and a sixty-cent output Nand-Gate each having a first input connected to the output from the first input Nand-Gate means;

five-cent, twenty-five cent, forty-five cent and sixty-five cent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a first input connected to the output of the second Nand- Gate means; 7

ten-cent, thirty-cent, fifty-cent and seventy-cent decoder output Nand-Gate each having a first input connected to the output of the third input Nand-Gate means;

fifteen-cent, thirty-five-cent, fifty-five-cent and seventyfive-cent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a first input connected to the fourth input Nand-Gate means, said zero, five-cent, ten-cent and fifteen-cent output Nand-Gates having a second input connected to said sixth decoder input Nand-Gate means;

said twenty-cent, twenty-five cent, thirty-cent and thirtyfive-cent output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the output of the fifth decoder Nand-Gate means;

said forty-cent, forty-five-cent, fifty-cent and fifty-fivecent decoder output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the seventh decoder input Nand-Gate means; and

said sixty-cent, sixty-five-cent, seventy-cent and seventyfive-cent output Nand-Gates each having a second input connected to the output of the eighth decoder input Nand-Gate means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,853,173 9/1958 Morrison 1941O 3,137,377 6/1964 Johnson 194-10 3,365,044 1/1968 Ptacek 1941O STANLEY H. TOLLBERG, Primary Examiner

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