Check-actuated control mechanisms – Including specific check passageway – And movable check diverter
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-27
2001-03-27
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 3652)
Check-actuated control mechanisms
Including specific check passageway
And movable check diverter
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206168
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a door latching mechanism such as that used in a coin-controlled newspaper vending machine. In particular, the present invention is directed to a simplified door latching mechanism that can be controlled both electrically and mechanically.
BACKGROUND ART
Various types of coin-controlled latching mechanisms are used to control the doors of conventional dispensing units. The most common type of door-operated device is the newspaper vending machine. Conventionally such machines have detected correct coin denominations and numbers of coins using mechanical devices calibrated for the size of the coins and their overall weight.
A typical example of such a machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,253,690 to Brewton et al., incorporated herein by reference. In this device, the proper weight of coins inserted into the machine triggers a spring which releases a door latch, allowing the door to be opened and a newspaper to be retrieved by the customer.
Like all such vending devices, the mechanical elements that are used to open the door are moderately complex, and require constant maintenance due to normal wear or extraordinary abuse. Further, the relatching of the door also depends upon movement of the coins so that any hindrance of this movement could cause the door to remain unlocked even after it has been closed.
Upgraded versions of many vending machines use electronic coin detectors. These are usually used to trigger a switch activating a solenoid, which operates a latch to release the door so that the products behind the door can be accessed by the customer. Even with an electronic coin detecting device and the use of a solenoid to operate a latch releasing the door, overall conventional mechanical devices are complex and, thus are prone to failure.
Consequently, there exists a substantial need in the vending machine art for a simplified mechanical device that can be operated by either mechanical or electronic coin detection devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to rectify the drawbacks of the conventional art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a simplified mechanical door latch release mechanism for vending machines.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a door latching mechanism that is highly compact, thereby permitting a decrease in the overall size of an associated vending machine.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a fail safe mechanism by which the door of an associated vending machine will be relatched after it has been opened.
It is still another object of the present invention to automatically divert coins to correct locations upon operation of the door with respect to the door latching mechanism.
It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a vending machine control mechanism that is easily adjustable.
These, as well as other goals and objects of the present invention, are achieved by a door latching and coin handling mechanism activated by a coin detecting device. The door latching and coin handling mechanism include a temporary coin receptacle constituted by two hinged flaps arranged in a V-shaped formation. A pivoting latch arm is arranged to hold the door. The latch arm is mounted on a first pivot and driven by a solenoid. A deactivating device is arranged to deactivate the solenoid and control the temporary coin receptacle in order to place the coins in a permanent coin holder. The deactivating device includes a first deactivating arm arranged on the same pivot as the latch arm.
A second aspect of the present invention is provided by a method of operating a coin-controlled latching mechanism arranged to interface with a door locking structure. The latching mechanism includes a coin detector. Also included is a latching arm and an activating arm on a common pivot. The method includes the steps of detecting for a predetermined coin value and operating the solenoid to raise the latching arm and release the locking structure in response to detecting a predetermined coin value. Immediately responsive to the operation of the solenoid the door is opened. Upon opening the door a number of additional substeps are carried out. These include moving the deactivating arm on the pivot and responsive thereto operating a magnetic switch. Upon operating the magnetic switch, the solenoid is deactivated. As soon as the solenoid is deactivated the latching arm rotates on it's pivot into a locking position. Further, immediately upon the initial operation of the deactivating arm, the coin from a temporary coin receptacle are released into a permanent coin holder.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4630624 (1986-12-01), Turner
patent: 4841563 (1989-06-01), Sano et al.
patent: 4860345 (1989-08-01), Mellon
patent: 5036966 (1991-08-01), Kaspar et al.
patent: 5381880 (1995-01-01), Pearson
Jaketic Bryan
Lev Robert
Olszewski Robert P.
Steel City Corp.
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