US2617510A - Beverage vending machine - Google Patents

Description

Novyll, 1952 G. H. LITTLE BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 25, 1948 R m e m l E Nt N ma R WL oz m 1 H d.. m .l n m ,M r 0 Y G E P1 M 1 4 J 1----11 1111-11-1111111 1111111111111111111115417111mm.dmwuwwwmnwwwmwmmww111-11M .1 1 1 11 1 7, 1 L EL m l .l hf a 7 11.1.3.1 E, m an e 4 s .d n Il l` l 2 m25 s 9 9X1@ 3 415 1 M @ILPXLL e ik 1 1 LI 8 f I. :111111 r\5 s -L. L L f 11/n |111 H1111 2 n s 1: 1 I ..111 111- Iiwlll 3 7 s \1 A 11111111 1 11 1- -HmlnmwwU---l 1 --1 1-111 11 1 n n ..1 n u 7 n f -uw 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 111 1mi 4 dll- -l--1+1 -1----1-1-l1, 111111111111111 n 11 n :ld T ,K V q--. H 1 1.1111111111111111111 1 l prf 1 1 11111 1 1 1111111 Nov. ll, 1952 G, H. LITTLE BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 25, 1948 Nov. 11, 1952 G. H. LITTLE BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 25, 1948 EW FLIP Br dm ,L www AT TO RNE YS Nov. 11, 1952 G, H LITTLE 2,617,510`

` BEVERAGE VENDING MACHIN Filed March 23, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 /N VEN TOR Go/*cfafz ff. L l ttl@ TTORNE YS Patented Nov. 11, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BEVERAGE VENDIN G MACHINE of Delaware Application March 23, 1948, Serial No. 16,483

(Cl. IEM- 13) 2 Claims.

The present invention relates to beverage vending apparatus, and more particularly to a coin controlled machine for dispensing the ingredients for a carbonated drink into a cup also dispensed by the machine.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a beverage vending machine in which a cycle of operations for first dispensing a cup to a filling position and then dispensing carbonated water and a iiavoring syrup into the cup is performed solely by the insertion of a proper coin in a selected coin chute.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character in which a selected one of a plurality of lavoring syrups is automatically dispensed with carbonated water into a pre-dispensed cupsolely by the insertion of a proper coin in a selected coin chute.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character in which the ingredients are dispensed from refrigerated supplies thereof directly into the cup and in which a small quantity of the water is introduced into the cup prior to the introduction of the syrup.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character in which the iiow of ingredients to the cup is by pressure of the carbonating gas, in which the dispensing cycle is electrically controlled, and in which the operating circuit is automatically broken in the event of conditions in the machine precluding the dispensing of a proper drink such as, no cups, inadequate gas pressure, or water, or a full Waste receiver.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character which includes an electrically operated timing mechanism put in motion by the coin insertion to initiate the flow of the several ingredients and to shut off the iiow after a predetermined filling time interval.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character in which a selected one of two flavoring syrups is dispensed into a pre-dispensed cup together with carbonated water in response to the insertion of a coin in a selected coin chute and in which the flow of the selected syrup, once initiated, is continued until the termination of the filling cycle, and, in which flow of the non-selected syrup cannot be initiated, after initiation of flow of the selected syrup, until completion of the filling cycle for the selected.

syrup.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character which incorporates a secondary timer, Vinitiated by the 2 coin insertion, and operable for an interval slight- 1y in excess of filling time to break the operating circuit in the event the lling cycle runs beyond its predetermined filling time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character in which water automatically is supplied to a carbonatng unit in relatively small amounts as used, and in which a timing mechanism, pre-set to operate for a time interval slightly in excess to that necessary to supply said amount of water to the carbonator, is set in motion with a water pump and breaks the operating circuit in the event the pump operates beyond the time interval necessary to supply said amount of water to the carbonator.

Yeta further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character for dispensing carbonated water and one of two lavoring syrups at the selection of the user by insertion of a coin in one of two coin chutes, and in which the operating circuit is normally conditioned to dispense one of 4the syrups and is switched by a coin inserted for the other syrup to dispense said other syrup.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above character which is fully automatic in operation, is under full electric control responsive to coin insertion, and which is simple and economical in upkeep.

To accomplish the above and other important objects and advantages which will become more apparent during the course of the following description, the invention consists in the parts and combinations hereinafter set forth with the understanding that various changes may be made therein such as in the shape, size and arrangements of the parts, and in the substitution of equivalents, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood it has been made the subject of the illustration in the accompanying drawings, wherein a preferred embodiment is shown by way oi' example.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a beverage vending machine according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of the machine with the casing removed, certain parts being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the plumbing arrangement between the several components of the machine;

Figure 4 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electric control system of the machine;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the filling cycle cam mechanism;

Figure 6 is a view in side elevation of the cam mechanism shown in Figure 5;

Figure '7 is a diagrammatic view of the operating cycle of the cam mechanism shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a front elevational view, partly broken away, of the cup receiving unit of the machine;

Figure 9 is a view in side elevation of the cup receiver; and

Figure 10 is a top plan View, partly broken away of the cup receiver. l f f 1 Generally, the machine comprises an entirely self contained end enclosed unit which is semiportable in that it may be readily moved from one location to another and requires only connection to a house current supply and, ifdesired, a plumbing connection with the house water supply. The machine is operated fully automatically bytheruser simply and solely by the insertiorrof a proper coin in a selected one of two coin slots to deliver a drink of theselected flavor. This coin insertion sets up a cycle of operations which first dispenses a paper cup in a rigidly held, but easily removed, upright position in a cup receiver which has an access opening inthe front of the machine. Next a flow of carbonated water into the vcup is initiated shortly followed by a ow of the syrup for the selected flavor. The water and syrup `fiow from converging tubes under head pressures of carbon dioxide gas in the respective conduits for the water and syrup to merge and form a partial mixture which is thoroughly completed by turbulence as the liquid enters'the cup, At the end of a time interval controlled by a cam timing mechanism, the flow of liquids is shutoff and the control circuit returnedv to its neutral condition preparatory to dispensing asucceeding drink. l

fThe electric operating circuit is conditioned syrups when a coin is inserted in the slot therefor and is switched over to dispense the other flavoring. syrup when the coin is inserted in the second slot. When a coin is inserted in one of the slots to initiate the filling cycle for that particular avor the control for the second flavor is locked out of the circuit until completion of the lling cycle of the rst syrup. f

Other safety provisions are provided in the control circuitA to assure a proper drink and proper operation of the machine by way of a normally closed relay in the main operating circuit which is responsive to inadequate gas pressure, improper water feed, an empty cup receiver, aYfull waste receiver, and overrun of the lling cycle to open the main control circuit and render the machine inoperative until the defect is remedied.

While in its preferred embodiment, the machine provides for vendingplural flavored drinks at the choice of the user, the machine may be readily and easily converted to vend aVr single avored drink simply by eliminationof one syrup source and one coin chuteand itsassociated selector control circuit.

' Y General description of machine Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the machine comprises a framework lin Vwhich aremounted the several components of the machine to be described further. The frame, and the machine components mounted therein, are enclosed in a vcase 2, the panels of which areY pref- 4 erably arranged to open and expose the interior of the machine for servicing.

The front panel 3 of the case, which may constitute a hinged door adapted to be locked in closed position, is provided with a central opening 4 giving access to a cup receiver indicated generally as 5. The cup receiver receives a cup 6, dispensed from a cup dispenser 1, and the cup may be removed by the user after filling with a selected drink as will be described. At the' upper portion of the front panel 3 are a pair of coin slots 8 andV 9 suitably designated respectively with thel names of the drinks dispensed by the machine. Below the coinslots 8 and 9 is a coin return lever I0 and below this is a coin return cup I I.

Directly behind the coin slots 8 and 9, in closed position of the front panel 3, are respectively, the entrances of a pair of coin chutes I2 and I 3 which lead to a common chute |74 and thence to a slug rejector I5. From the slug rejector a pair of chutes i6 Yand Il lead respectively to a collection box |82 for accepted coins and to the return coin cup II for non-accepted coins or slugs. The slug rejector l5'may be any of a number of well-known types which separate acceptable coins from nonacceptable c-oins or slugs but, if desired, a coin changer also of anyY suitable type maybe used instead of a slug rejector.

The cup dispenser 'I is mounted in the frame I above the cup receiver 5 andmay also be of any suitable type but preferably onewhich will hold a substantial number of paper cups. The cup dispenser illustrated -is Vof a magazine type comprising a circular series of cup holdingV tubes vI3 and is operated by an electric motor I9 to discharge one cup at a'time from a magazinetube downwardly through a discharge chute 20, and to index the magazine of cup holding tubes successively to discharge positions when one becomes emptied. The operating mechanism for the cup dispenser forms no part of this invention except for its connection with the operating circuit of the machine, as will be set forth, and will not be described in further detail. It mightv be pointed out, however, that the magazine of holders is loaded from the top. To facilitate this, the cup dispenser is mounted to the frame for forwardly tilting movement by means of a hinge connection With-the frame consisting of a rod 2 I which passes through a. pair of eyes 22 secured to the bottom of the dispenser and a pair of eyes 23-secured to the frame I. By means of this construction the whole cup dispenser may be tiltedforwardly about the axis of the hinge rod 2| so that the up-V in Figure V9, that the lower edge of the chute 20v and Ythe contiguous edge of the Y chute 24 are angular so that the cupdispenser may be tilted relatively to the stationary cup receiver chute 24. The cup receiver 5, best illustrated in Figure 8, is constructed of sheet metal to form a rectangular box secured tothe frame I and having a rear wall 25, side walls 26, a top wall 21, and an open front.V Depending from the top wall21 is a` downwardly convergingv funnel 28` into I the upper end of which the cup chute 24 enters. The lower rim 29 of the funnel 28 is circular and of a diameter slightly less thantheupper rim of position axially aligned with the funnel and depending therefrom as shown in Figure 8. The forward wall of the funnel 28 and the lower rim 29 are cut away in a circular aperture 30 of somewhat larger diameter than the upper rim of the cup so that the cup may be removed from the receiver by lifting it upwardly and forwardly through the circular cutaway 38.

To provide for illumination of the interior of the cup receiver there is provided an electric lamp V3| mounted on a bracket 32 on one of the side walls 2'6 and adapted to cast its illumination through a transparent window 38 in the side wall 26.

At the bottom of the cup receiver is an open grid such as a series of spaced parallel rods 34 extending fore and aft of the receiver and held between a pair of channels 35 which extend between the side walls 26 respectively adjacent the forward and rear edges thereof. Below the grid is a trough 36 which slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the forward edge of the cup receiver to carry spillage into a waste receiver 31 removably supported by the frame I below the cup receiver. This -waste receiver comprises an open top tank and is provided with a float 38 carried by an arm 39 adapted, when the level of waste in the receiver reaches a predetermined height, to close a circuit breaking switch 40, as will be further set forth.

Mounted in the frame I to the rear of the cup receiver and the waste receiver is a water tank 4I and at the left hand side of the frame, as seen in Figure 2, is mounted a cooler-carbonator unit 42. Above and below the unit 42 are respectively mounted a syrup tank 43 and a second syrup tank 44, each adapted to contain a different flavoring syrup ingredient for a drink. Below the syrup tank 44 is a water pump and motor unit 45 and behind the tanks 43 and 44 and coolercarbonator unit 42 is a bracket 46 adapted to receive and hold a commercial tank 41 of compressed carbon dioxide gas. On the floor of the frame I is mounted a mechanical refrigeration unit 48 consisting, as seen in Figure 3, of the usual compressor 4'9, motor 50, liquid receiver 5I, heat exchanger 52, gas drier 53 and expansion valve 54.

The water tank 4I, the syrup tanks 43 and 44 and the waste receiver 31 may be removably mounted in the frame I to facilitate cleaning and sterilizing. The water and syrup tanks are provided with closed filling openings, those for the syrup tanks being pressure tight, to permit lling tanks with the drink ingredients.

No plumbing or wiring is shown in the general assembly view, Figure 1, but are shown diagrammatically respectively in Figures 3 and 4.

Plumbing arrangement As seen in Figure 3, the water tank 4I is connected through a valve 55 and a T 56 with an inlet pipe 51 and a discharge pipe 58. The inlet pipe 51 is provided with a valve 59 and a water connection 60 to connect with a house water supply. The discharge pipe 58 has positioned therein an air expansion chamber l6I and connections through a filter 62 and a solenoid valve 53 with an input side of the water pump 45. It will be readily apparent from the above that water may be supplied to the vmachine by direct connection with the house supply through the connection 68. However, the tank 4I, which may be lled independently of the connection 68, provides that the machine may be installed in loca- 6, tions where a water connection is not conveniently available, or temporarily installed without plumbing connections such as for spotting the machine for best location.

The discharge side of the pump 45 connects through a pipe 64 and a water-gas mixing valve 65 with` a relatively small tank 66 forming the carbonator component of the cooler-carbonator unit 42. This unit is of a commercial type and does not form a part of the invention, apart from the general combination therewith. Briey. however, it comprises a shell 61 having a connection through a conventional refrigerating circuit with the refrigerator unit 48. 'I'he shell 61 contains the carbonator tank 6'6 and also a pair of cooling coils 68 and 69 which communicate respectively through pipes 10 and 1I respectively with the bottoms of the syrup tanks 43 and 44.

Carbonating gas is supplied to the carbonator mixing valve 65 from the CO2 tank 41 through a pipe line 12 and a pressure regulator 13 to a T 14 and thence through a pipe 15 to the mixing valve 65. The T 14 also connects through a second pressure regulating valve 18 and a pipe line 11 with the head spaces respectively of the syrup tanks 43 and 44 to establish a head pressure and flow from these tanks. If desired, pressure relief may be provided from the gas supply such as through a pressure relief valve 18. It will be seen from the above that the Carbonating gas pressure and the syrup tank head pressure may be independently controlled and regulated as desired.

The opposite ends of the cooling Coils 68 and 68 connect respectively with pipe lines 19 and while the carbonator tank 66 is provided with a discharge pipe 8I. The pipes 19, S6 and BI are each provided with a solenoid valve designated respectively as 82, 83 and 84 andl the syrup pipes 'I9 and 88 have their outlet ends converging angularly toward the outlet end o1' the water pipe 8| to constitute in effect a mixing nozzle which is positioned within the cup receiver 5 above the position of a cup therein as indicated in Figures 8 and 10. As will be explained further, the valves 82, 83 and 84 are individually controlled, the valve 82 or 83 being opened, at the choice of a user, with the water valve 84 to supply one of the two Syrups as a flavoring ingredient with Carbonating water to make a drink. It is to be understood that the pipes 'I8 or 88 and 8| discharge directly into the cup and it will be further understood that because of the angular relationship between the discharge ends of the syrup pipes with the water pipe that there will be a confluence and mixing of syrup and water as they flow into the cup. A further co-mingling and intimate mixture will be made in the cup itself because of turbulence created therein by the discharging liquids. The above arrangement has been found very advantageous over pre-mixing the ingredients before they flow to the cup, such as by the use of mixing valves or chambers, in that contamination of a succeeding drink by a prior, different flavoring syrup is eliminated.

Constituting an important part of the invention is the coin actuated electric control system as shown schematically in Figure 4 and the lling cycle timer indicated generally as 85 and shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

Filling timer Referring to Figures 5 and 6 the. lling timer 85 comprises a frame 86 in which is rotatably conveniently :located: within the operating mech-1 anism, housing 88 ofthe cup dispenser1 and;

the cam shaft driven by the dispenser` motor I9 suchi as through a gear connection indicated generallyV asV 89. The motor I9 isa constant speed-type operating at twelve R. P. M. and moves .the cam. shaft 81 one revolution in; five seconds Y It might be stated here that the pipe sizes,-. gas pressures, etc. are calculated sok asgto ll a cup with` a drink within slightly less than one cycleof the cam shaft 8'1'or slightly over four seconds; Should the timer 85 exceed its cycle'in five seconds there is provided a'circuit breaking. timer 90 (see Figure. 4) which cornprisesl atsmall electric synchronous motor 9| which'm'oves an arm 92 adapted to .engage and close la normally open switch 93. at the end of a pre-set cycle of operation ofthe motor, 9|. Thiscycle of operation of the motor 9| may be set to aperiod slightly in excess of the ve sec--Y ond cycleot operation of the timer 85, for example, eight'` seconds, andv at the end of this period-will engage the switch 93. to open a circuit breaker 94 in the main operating circuit forrthe-machine as will be further described.

The cam shaft 81 is milled to form four axially displaced camsv designated respectively 95, 96, 91 and 99-asseen fromleft to right in Figures 4-and-5. These cams cooperate respectively with followers 99, |08, and |02, each carried on thenfreefend'of a pivoted arm |93 to actuate respectively a series of switches |04, |05, |06 and |01' carried by the frame 89. The switch |04, ass'een inrFigure 4, is a double throw switch having a normally closed andV normally open contact. Thevswitch is a single throw normally open switch, the switch |08 is a single throw normally open switch and the switch |01 is arsingle throw normally closed switch. The normal positions of the above named switches andv other switches and relay contacts and the normal position of the cam shaft 81 are the positions occupied between operations of the machine.-

Thearrangementof the cams 95, 9B, 91 and 98 is best seen in the diagram Figure 7, where the cam shaft 81 is shown divided into five one second intervals of its revolution. Each cam is a milled segment of the periphery of the cam f shaft forming Ylow and high portions of the peripheryoi this shaft. As seen in Figure '1 the high portion of thevcam 95, or five second cam, which controls the period of operation of the timer, extends from about one-half second'from the zero or normal position of the cam shaft around counter to the direction of rotation to about one-half' second before the five second position or slightlyl over four seconds. The high portion of the cam 96 or water cam, which controls the duration of waterl discharge, extends froml the one second position around to about thetermination of the high portion of the cam 95. The high portion of the cam 91 or syrup discharge cam, which controls'the duration of syrup discharge, extends from a fraction of a second beyond the starting of the high portion ofthe-water camr around to a small fraction of a second before the endof the four second position. The high portion of the cam 98 or syrup selector cam, which controls the operation of holding circuits to be described, starts justa small fraction of a second prior to the termination-of the cam cycle or zero position and extends around the cam shaft to just a fraction off'a1.,second;after tok the. four`v secondrin-,fv

terval of revolution of the camshaft.

Electrical` control L circuit Referring-nowto Figure 4 it'will'beseen Vthat coin chute-|3is designated No. 1 Syrup-whileA Coinfchute I6 has associated therewith a vnormally openV chute I 2 is designated No. 2 Syrup.Y

Vclosed switch lvassociated therewith and whichY will befmomentarily openedA by a non-accepted coin or slug passing through the chute I1.

Electric operating power is supplied` froma v. A. C. house lineY through a hot power line |I| and a return line ||2 in which are con-- nected, in series, a pair of power switches II3 andk III. The switch ||3 is preferably locatedy outside the casing 2 whilethe switch I4 is located inside'the casing. The switch II3 may include,- or be,'a motor overload circuitbreaker to protect the motors. The hot line |I| contains the contacts of a normally closed relay 94, beyond the switch II4, and which is opened upon energization of its winding I I5 as will be described.

Tracing the control circuit further, the vhotline II connects with one-contact of the switch |08, the other contact of which connects through a lead ||6 with one end of the winding II1 ofl a starting relay :I I8,l the opposite end of the vwinding '|I1 connecting with the return line II2 through a'lead I I9. The relay I I8 has three sets of normally open'contacts |20, |2| and |22 which are closed by energization of the winding |I1. The contacts |20 are in a lead |23 which connects with oneside of the cup dispenser-filling timer motor 9 I, the opposite side of which is connected-with the return line ||2. The lead |23 and return line I2 also connect with an operations counter |24. The lead |23 also connects with one side of the-eight second timer motor 9| through -a lead |25 and-normally closed, series connected, contacts of three double throw switches, the rst of which is the full waste switch 40, the second, a switch |26 responsive to a predetermined minimum gas pressure andthe third, a switch |21 responsive to an empty cup dispenser. The other side of the timer motor 9| connects with the return line |I2 through a lead |28. The timer motor Vlead |25 also connectsv through the lead |23 and a lead |29 with the open contact of the cam switch |04 and thence through itscontactor and a lead |30with the vhot line I.

Thus closingthe switch |08 and energizing Vthe relay||8 starts the motors I9 and 9| to dispense a cup, start rotation ofthe cam shaft 81 and start the timer 90. Since the switch |08 is closed momentarily, a holding circuit for the relay |I8 is provided from the winding lead II6 through relay contacts I2I, a lead I3| and the normally closed switch |01 to the hot power line I I I. 'I'he third set of relay contacts |22 vare connected in parallel with the contacts of the coin return switch. I I0 through-a pair of leads |32 and I 33,` the lead |32 also connecting through lead I3| and switch I01-'with the hotline |I|.

^ It willbe notedthat a holding'circuit vfor the motor |9 is also provided from hot line through lead |30, normally open contacts of switch |64, lead |29 and motor lead |23.

The hot line connects through lead |30, normally closed contacts of switch |04, a lead |34, switch |09 and a lead |35 with one end of the winding |40 of a selector relay |4|, the opposite end of the winding |40 connecting with the return power line ||2. The relay |4| has three sets of contacts, the upper set |43 being holding contacts, normally open and when closed connecting the lead |35 through a lead |44 with lead |33 and thence through switches ||6 and |01 to hot line The second set of contacts |45 are normally open and connect the hot line through a lead |46, syrup discharge cam switch |06and a lead |41 with oneend of the solenoid winding |48 of the No. 2 Syrup valve 83, the opposite end of which is connected to return line I2. The third set of contacts |49 of relay |4| are normally closed and connect the lead |41 with a lead |50 to one end of the solenoid winding of the No. 1 Syrup valve 82, the opposite end of which is likewise connected to return power line I2. Thus, when the switch |69 is momentarily closed by a coin passing through the chute I2, the relay |4| is energized and held through its holding circuit, the contacts |49, controlling the No. 1 Syrup valve 83, are opened and the contacts |45, controlling the No. 2 Syrup valve, are closed.

The water discharge solenoid valve 84 is connected with the power source by a lead |52 from the hot line through the water cam switch |05 to the water valve solenoid winding |53' and thence to the return line I2.

As described above, water is supplied to the carbonator 66, either directly from a connection with a water main or from the supply tank 4| and through the solenoid inlet Valve 63 by means of the motor operated pump 45. The water pump motor 45 and inlet solenoid valve are operated simultaneously and are controlled independently of the coin controlled dispensing circuit in response to high-low water levels in the carbonator. While any suitable means which will provide such control is satisfactory, the following has been found eicient.

The hot line is connected through a lead 4|54 with one side of the motor 45 and solenoid Valve 63, thro-ugh a pair of contacts |56 and |51 of a water` feed control relay |58. The opposite side of the motor 45 and valve 63 connect with the return lines through a lead |55 to the return power line ||2. Another pair of contacts |59 and |66 of the relay |56 connect respectively through leads |6| and |62 with a pair of electrodes |63 and |64 of different lengths with their lower ends positioned at diiT-erent levels in the carbonator tank 66. The conta-cts |56, |51 and |59, |60 are respectively adapted to be bridged by contactors |65 and |66 carried by an armature |61. The armature |61 is attracted by an A shaped core |68 having a primary winding |69 connected across the line l2, and secondary winding connected between the shorter electrode |63 and the metallic tank 66 as indicated by the ground symbols |1|.

The contactor bridges |65 and |66 are arranged so that the contacts |56 and |51 are closed and the contacts |59 and |60 are opened when the armature |61 is not attracted by the core |68 and the reverse obtained when the armature is attr-acted by the core |68. The rst condition obtains, and the motor 45 and solenoid valve 63 are energized, when the water in ,the carbonator is at its low limit level.

When water 'in the carbonator is at low level, the primary |69 sets up a magnetic ilux in the A shaped core which follows a path of least resistance through the lower bar carrying the secondary winding |10 and the armature |61 is not attracted to the core. The magnetic ilux induces voltage in the secondary winding |10 but no current flows if the secondary circuit is open through the electrodes |63 and |64. In this position of the relay |58 water will be pumped into the carbonator until it contacts the shorter electrode, thereby connecting the shorter electrode with the longer, and closing the second-ary circuit and causing current to flow through the secondary winding. When this happens a bucking action is set up in the bar within the secondary winding diverting the lines of magnetic force to the legs oi the core which pulls the armature upwardly opening the contacts |56, and |51 to'break the circuit to the motor 45 and valve 63, and closing lthe contacts |59 and |66. The closed contacts |59-and |60 close 2, hol-ding circuit throughthe secondary |10 from ground through the water in the carbonator andthe longer electrode |64.

This holding circuit is maintained until the Water level dro-ps to the point where it breaks contact with the longer electrode when the secondary circuit will be broken, the relay will drop out an-d the contacts |56, |51 will again close to reenergize the motor 45 and valve 63.

Associated with the water feed con-trol is a circuit breaking timer |12, similar to the timer 96 and which -comprises a small synchron-ous motor |13 moving an arm |14 to engage and close -a normally open switch |15 after a preset time interval. The arm |14 may be set to close the switch |15 after a time slightly in excess of that required for the pump 45 to ll the carbonator to desired level, for example, 60 seconds. The timer motor |13 is connected with the hot line through lead |54 and contacts |56 and |51 by a lead |16, and by a lead 11 tothe line |55 and thence to the return power line ||2 Thus, the timer motor operates simultaneously with the motor 45. In the event, however, the relay |58 fails to function to shut oi the water motor 45, the timer motor |13 will continue to run `until it closes the switch 15. As seen in Figure 4, the switches |15 and 93 are connected in parallel and connect the hot line with one end of the magnet winding ||5 of the normally closed relay 94, the opposite end of which is connected with the return line ||2. Thus, it will be seen that when either of the switches |15 or 93 close, circuit is completed to energize the relay 94 and open the main power circuit. Preferably, the timers 96 and |12 are of the type that automatically return to their starting positions'ii their set running time is not completed, but if completed to close their circuit breaker energizing switches, must be reset manually. Such timers are commercial products and further description is not thought necessary.

To return to the switches 40, |26 and |21, it will be recalled that the normally closed, series connected contacts of these switches connect the timer motor 9| in the power circuit through the lead |25 and contacts |20 of the starting relay ||8 and through lines |25 and |29 and the normally open contacts of the five second cam switch |04 which contacts, when closed by the f cam 95, form a holding circuit for the motor 9| independently of the relay ||8. Thus, should 4the cam mechanism fail to break ythe holding `motor "9| directly in the power lin-e.

circuits-furthe relay I I8 orfor the motor I9, the

timer-90 would continueto run its set interval tions'respectively of a full waste receiver, no g-as pressureqand an empty cup dis-penser so that `when-any one of these conditions prevail, the

A correspond-ingV switch will be actuated to close its normally open contact and connect the timer y This sets v'the motor 9| in operation and at the yend of its uoperating time interval, closes the switch 93 to energize the-relay 94 and opens the Vmain con- --trolcircuit t-o-'renderthe machine inoperative.

The-cup receiver lamp 3| and additional lamps,

sirenas-lamps |19 and |80 lighting respectively -rthe legends for the coin slots 8 and 9 are con- -=nected directly across the main line |I and II2. "The refrigerator motorl 50 is likewise connected directl-y'across the main power line through `a A'-ther-mostatic control I8I so that the lights and refrigeration unit` are operated independently of lthecontrol circuit.

Operation `The operation` of the machine will best be understood by reference'to Figures 3r and 4. Sup- N'poserst, by 'way of example, `a customer desires 'adrink mixed VVwith vthe No. `1 flavoring syrup. I-Ieinserts a coin in the vslot 0, labeled for this 'jflavor and the coin drops through the chute I3 jinto kthe chute I4 and thence into the slug re- `jector '|5. If'the coin is of improper value or otherwise notv acceptable, the slug rejector .automatically,V in usual manner, diverts the coin to the. chute, I1 from which it moves into the coin return cup II upon actuation ofthe return lever I0. VIffthe .coin is acceptable, however, Vit moves ythrough thechute 'I6 and in to the collection 4lboX .|82. VIn its/passage through the chute I6 ,'{it momentarilyrcloses the switch |08.

'Closing of the switch |08 completes a lcircuit :from the hot line I I| through the lead II6 and winding |.I'1'of the relay IIB and through the lead |.I19 tothe return power line I|2. Thus ennergizedfth'e relay I8 drops in, closing the contacts' |20, Ij2| and |22. The contacts |20 close lthecircu'it l.to-.the motor I9 and counter |24, regj istering1an cperation, dispensing ra cup to the -JreceiverB and starting the cam Vtimer 85 in its cycle. The holding circuit forzthe relay ||8 is lrclosed through theA contacts I2 IA fromhot line I I I, closed'switch |01, leads |3| and |32, contacts |2|, vlead |I6, winding ||1 and lead ||9 to return line II'2, which maintains the relay ||8 closed 'until the switch 4|01 opens as later described. Closing of contacts |20 also 'completes a circuit A"to-the ltimer 90 which is from the hot line |II, lead'|'23, contacts "|20, lead |25, closed contacts oflswitches 40, |26 and |21 to motor 9| and I-thence'through lead|28 t0 the return line II2 fto-start movement of the arm 92 toward the --circuit breaking switch 93.

When the camshaft'81 has rotated about the nrst one-*half second of its cycle the normally hclosedcontact of `switch |04 is opened and the Ynormally opened contact is closed establishing a secondvholding circuit for the motor I9 from line II'I-'through leads |30, |29 and |23 to the motor Land-thence yto return lead II2. A holding'circuit is ithus also established for the Ytimer motorl 4establishing, an energizingcircuit'for theNofl :Syrup valvei82 from thezline I||: throu-ghlead .valve 84.

switch |0gfopens. short andtheswitch '|01'opens only momentarily Vreturningxalmosi'. immediately to its normal closed condition. About a` half second after the switch -12 'through the lead .|29 .to the maas-mand 125.

vThis position'of'the cam shaft 81 risindicatcdin VFigure '7 .and a .counterfclockwise direction-in Figure 4. `When the` cam shaft 81 .reaches the 1*one second position of' its cycle the .switch |05 is vclosed .completing a circuit Vfrom hotline -I I .through lead |52, switch |05, lead |553 to 'the Vsolenoid winding |53 of the water valve' 84,and thence to ,return line II2 to open the water "Water and. carbon dioxide gas have vbeen supplied :to the refrigeratedv carbonator' yas vdescribed above and now ows under carbonator 'pressure .through the water pipeiSI l.and valve 84 Iinto the-cup in the `cupgin.v the receiver i5.

About .an eighthfof 4a. .second later :in the cycle of` kthe cam shaft T81, the switch. |06 islclosed,

|146, switchflilead |41, .closed .contacts |49 of selector relay '|4|,tlead |50 and solenoid winding :|5|.of the vali/.e182 toreturn'lineIIZ `to open therNo.` 1 Syrup valve. vIt willbe recalled that lthe head spaces of `the syrup tanks 4-3 rand 44 are pressurizedby'the CO2 lgas and syrup now flows .from the tank 43 through theV pipe'10, cooling coil-68,;pipe 19 vand valve 82r intov the cup. The discharge fend -of thev pipe '19'-being inclined toward the water -pipe 8|' zcauses .a con- -iluen'ce iandf'mixing fof `the syrup. and waterras they flow into the cup.

The cam shaft 81fcontinues to rotate until it 4:reaches yapproximatelyv the four `second period of frts cycle when ythe-"switch, I06swill open' breaking Ithecircuit to the No. lfSyrup solenoid valve .and shutting off'theowof syrup. :About threefourths of' a'rsecond later the vcam 96'will have .reached aposition fto'za'llow the vswitch I 05 Ito yopen and: break the. circuit-to. the water :solenoid valve 841-to shut `1oiftherflow. of water. LIt will :b ennderstood that .the timesin the cam cycle :mentioned above are @arbitrary :and are` calculated rfor filling a 'fparticular' cup toi'a ffdesired level.

About one-half second before the switch |05 `opens, 'the Vcam-||8 will have rotated to a point where'the follower |02 starts Adescending to the lowportionof'the cam surface 98 to open the l`holding switch I'01and break the holding circuit tothe Vrelay |I8v allowing this relay to drop out land :return Vto its normal position ready vfor a succeeding operation. VThe lowest portion of the cam;.surface .9.8. isreached -at about the timethe Thelow of :the cam 98 is'ver'y |01 is ,actuated-the .cam Vshaft 81 completes its revolution and the follower '99 drops into the low Vo'f the :cam1'95 returning the switch |04 to its normal position andv breaking the Vholding circuit to :themotor I9 to stop the cam shaft in its Vnormal position Vready lfor another cycle of op- #switch v|04 are opened,` the relay |'4I is rendered inoperative 1withthe contacts |45 in the N052 .Syrupwalve circuit .open Thuspthe No.2 Syrup valve cannot be energized by a coin inserted in the chute I2 until the circuit returns to its normal condition at the end of the lling cycle. It will be understood that the slug rejector l may be wired between the lead |29 and line H2 as indicated by dotted leads 209 and 29| to reject all coins inserted during an operating cycle to prevent jack-potting.

To obtain a drink flavored with the No. 2 Syrup the customer inserts his coin into the chute l2 where it momentarily closes the switch |99 and energizes the selector relay winding |40 by closing a circuit from power line I |I through lead |30, closed contacts of switch |04, lead |34, switch |09, lead |35 and winding |40 to return lead ||2. Energizing relay |4| opens contacts |49, in the energizing circuit for the No. 1 Syrup valve, and closes contacts |45 in the energizing circuit for the No. 2 Syrup valve 83, conditioning this valve for opening.

The relay |4| will be maintained energized through its holding circuit from hot line through closed switch |01, leads |3| and |32, closed switch H0, leads |33, |44 and |35, relay contacts |43, and winding |40 to return lead ||2.

Now if the inserted coin is acceptable, it passes through the slug rejector and chute I6 where it actuates the switch |08 and initiates the cycle of operations described above except in this case the solenoid |48 for the valve 83 is energized and permits flow of the No. 2 Syrup. The llingcycle continues as above until the holding circuit for the relays ||8 and |4| are broken by the cam 98 just prior to the end of the timer cycle.

In the event the inserted coin is not acceptable it passes through the chute I'| and opens momentarily the switch I0. It will be recalled that this switch is in the holding circuit for the selector relay |4| and if opened breaks the holding circuit allowing the selector relay to drop out and return to its normal condition.

In the event of a temporary power failure before the completion of a filling cycle all motors will, of course, stop, all valves close, and the relays IIB and |4| will drop out. The normally open contact of the switch |04 will be closed, however, maintaining the holding circuits described above for the motors I9 and 9| and upon resumption of power these motors will resume operation to complete their cycles and return the circuit to its normal condition. The water discharge valve 84 and the syrup valve 82 will reopen and the cup, if left in position, will be lled.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the machine of this invention is fully automatic in operation and controls the dispensing of a cup and the selection and dispensing of differently iiavored drinks simply and solely by the insertion of an acceptable coin in the proper `coin slot for the selected drink, the machine completing its lling cycle in each operation and automatically returning to its normal condition for subsequent use after each operation. The dispensing control system is fully electric and apart from the operating motors, cup dispenser release and indexing mechanism and dispensing cycle timing cam there are substantially no moving parts subject to wear or requiring lubrication and all parts of the machine are readily accessible for servicing.

I claim: Y

1. In the beverage vending machine of the type for dispensing ingredients for diilerently flavored beverages at a common station in response to the insertion of a coin, said machine including individual solenoid valves for controlling the dispensing of ingredients respectively from supplies of two Yflavoring syrups and carbonated water, energizing circuits for the valves, the circuit for one syrup valve having normally closed contacts therein and the circuit for the other syrup valve having normally open contacts therein, a pair of liavor selecting coin chutes, a common chute communicating therewith, means including a switch associated with said common chute and actuated by a coin passing therethrough to initiate a cycle of operations rst to connect and subsequently disconnect said circuits with a powerline, and means including a switch in one of said selector chutes and actuated by a coin passing therethrough to open said normally closed contacts and close said normally open contacts.

2. In a beverage vending machine of the type for selectively dispensing one of two ilavoring syrups together with carbonated water into a cup in response to the insertion of a coin, means including individual solenoid valves for controlling the dispensing of said Syrups respectively from supplies thereof, energizing circuits for the valves, a pair of ilavor selecting coin chutes and a cornmon chute communicating therewith, relay means having normally closed contacts in the circuit for one valve and normally open contacts in the circuit for the other valve, an energizing circuit for the relay including a normally open switch associated with one selecting chute and momentarily closed by a coin passing therethrough to close said open contacts and open said closed contacts, motor operated timing mechanism including switch means in the valve energizing circuits actuated within a predetermined cycle of said mechanism to complete and break said valve circuits, a motor energizing circuit including a switch in said common chute and actuated by a coin passing therethrough from the selector chutes to initiate said cycle, a relay holding circuit including a normally closed switch momentarily opened by said mechanism subsequent tc breaking of the valve circuits to return the contacts to normal condition, a holding circuit for the motor including a normally open switch actuated by said mechanism to close upon initiation of said cycle and open upon termination of said cycle.

GORDON H. LITTLE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 454,493 Park June 23, 1891 1,495,049 Walters May 20, 1924 1,639,679 Zsoldos Aug. 23, 1927 1,700,277 Baker Jan. 29, 1929 1,836,893 Austin Dec. 15, 1931 1,979,127 Warrick Oct. 30, 1934 2,075,989 Jonneret et al. Apr. 6, 1937 2,260,312 Gruman Oct. 28, 1941 2,282,269 Tone May 5, 1942 2,284,880 Nicholson June 2, 1942 2,360,241 Kuhl Oct, 10, 1944 2,374,168 Bowman Apr. 24, 1945 2,391,003 Bowman Dec. 18, 1945 2,403,470 Tull July 9, 1946 2,415,571 Yuza Feb. 11, 1947 2,436,223 Newcomer Feb. 17, 1948 2,474,843 Helsing July 5, 1949

Images