US3802542A - Vending machine control circuit - Google Patents

Vending machine control circuit Download PDF

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Publication number
US3802542A
US3802542A US00232112A US23211272A US3802542A US 3802542 A US3802542 A US 3802542A US 00232112 A US00232112 A US 00232112A US 23211272 A US23211272 A US 23211272A US 3802542 A US3802542 A US 3802542A
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vending
relay
selector
switch
control circuit
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US00232112A
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W Lamb
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Siemens Electromechanical Components Inc
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AMF Inc
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Assigned to POTTER & BRUMFIELD INC., A CORP OF DELAWARE reassignment POTTER & BRUMFIELD INC., A CORP OF DELAWARE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: AMF INCORPORATED
Assigned to POTTER & BRUMFIELD, INC. reassignment POTTER & BRUMFIELD, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: POTTER & BRUMFIELD, INC., A DE CORP.
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/18—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
    • G07F13/065—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof for drink preparation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Definitions

  • a vending machine control circuit in which a plurality of magnetically latched selector relays selectively enable the dispensing of various ingredients. These selector relays are all controlled by a single magnetically latched vending'relay which provides an enabling interconnection between vending cycle sequencing switches and a given one of the selectors relays when the latter is selectively actuated for the purpose of dispensing a selected ingredient from the vending machine.
  • Manual switches are provided to disable, selectively, one or more of the vending machine functions to provide for testing and cleaning of the vending machine and its components. There is also provided a means for actuating the selector relays which precludes more than one of these being actuated throughout any one vending cycle. False vending is precluded by the magnetic latching and the circuit interconnections of the relays and the sequencing switches.
  • This invention relates to vending machine control circuits and more particularly to a vending machine circuit utilizing a plurality of magnetically latched relays to control the selected dispensing of vended items from a vending machine.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit in which false vending caused by persons striking the vending machine or momentary power failure or line voltage dips will be obviated.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit utilizing a plurality of relays wherein only one operating diode is needed for all of the ingredient selecting relays in the circuit and only a single reset diode is needed for the plurality of relays.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to pro- .vide a new and'novel vending machine control circuit wherein a plurality of relays are utilized as the control means thereof and wherein the circuit is so constructed as to provide for adding'on additional relays to enhance the ingredient selecting capability of the circuit with regard to vending an additional plurality of articles from a machine.
  • the drawing comprises a schematicdiagram of the vending machine control circuit of the present invention.
  • the invention comprises a plurality of relays known as selector relays which are controlled by push button switches to individually control, subject to the overriding control of the master vending relay, the dispensing of variousingredients from a vending machine.
  • the relays control motors and solenoid valves or the like which are the control means by which any given selected ingredientin the machine is dispensed. All of the relays involved are of the magnetically latch type such that line voltage circuits, temporary or momentary power failures, and striking of the machine by customers or vandals in an attempt to cause false vending over and above the control superimposed by the master or vending relay, are precluded. Provision is also made for testing the circuitwithout running through an actual vending cycle or without placing a coin in the coin receiving mechanism of the vending machine.
  • the vending machine relates to the dispensing of various ingredients such as colas, coffee, hot chocolate, and the like.
  • the vending machine control circuit 10 of the present invention is shown as including a coin mechanism 12 having terminals A through l-l thereon, the terminal I-l comprising a ground or common connection.
  • the control circuit 10 also is provided with a grounded alternating current (A.C.) source 14 which is' schematically shown.
  • the output of the A.C. source 14 is taken through a fuse or circuit breaker 16.
  • the main power terminal 18 is connected through a machine safety switch S1 of the single-pole-doublethrow type with-normally open and normally closed contacts, by the normally closed contact and a lead 20 to the normally closed contact 52B of a vending cup reservoir switch S2 which also is of the single-poledouble-throw'type and also with normally closed and normally open contacts 52B and 82C, respectively.
  • the switch actuating arm 82A of the vending cup sensing switch S2 is also connected by a line 22 back to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12.
  • the main power terminal 18 also is connected through one side of a water bath fill and agitator motor control switch S3 which is of the double-pol e-doublethrow type shown in its normally closed contact position.
  • the switch S3 has a first common or movable contact S3A connected to.a normally closed contact S2Al which in turn is connected through the agitator motor AM to a common ground lead 24.
  • a second common or'movable contact 838 of the switch S3 is connected to a second normally closed contact S3B1, which in turn is connected through a water bath fill control solenoid WBS to the common ground lead 24.
  • the second normally closed contact S3B1 serves as the normally open contact for the first common contact 53A.
  • An additional contact S3C is provided as the normally open neutral contact for the second common contact $38.
  • a plurality of cam actuated vending cycle control switches are shown at the right hand side of the drawing as follows:
  • An ingredient motor control switch S4 is provided with a common or movable contact S4A, normally closed neutral contact 84B and a normally open contact S4C.
  • a water solenoid and whipper motor control switch S5 has a common or movable contact SSA, as normally closed contact 85B and a normallyfopen neutral
  • a select relay reset switch S8 is provided with a common actuating contact SSA, a normally closed neutral contact 88B and a normally open contact S8C.
  • a manual ingredient and test switch S9 and a water and water flush switch S are also provided in the circuit but do not form a part of the cam operated cycling bank of switches S4 through S8.
  • the manual ingredient and test switch S9 is of a double-pole-double-throw configuration having a first common contact 'S9A engaging a normally closed contact S9A1 and having a normally open neutral contact S9A2, while the other side of the switch S9 includes a second common contact S9B in engagement with a normally closed contact S9B1 and having a normally open contact S9B2.
  • the water and water flush switch S10 is of a triple- I pole-double-throw configuration having a first common contact SlOA cooperating with a first normally closed contact S10Al and a first normally open contact S10A2; a second common contact S10B cooperating with a second normally closed contact S10B1 and a second normally open contact 51032; and a third common contact S10C cooperating with a third normally closed contact S10C1 and a third normally open contact S10C2.
  • switches S9 and S10 maintain power connections from the bank of cam operating switches S4 through S8 with the coin mechanism 12. During test operations, throwing of the switches S9 and S10 to their normally closed positions permit testing of the circuitry 10 without causing a dispensing of ingredients from the vending machine with which it is associated as will hereafter be more fully described.
  • the second common contact S10B of the switch S10 is connected directly to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12 while its associated normally closed contact S10B1 is connected by a line 26 to the common contact, SSA and 86A of the water solenoid and whipper motor switch S5 and the water solenoid blender motor switch S6, respectively.
  • the ingredient motor control switch S4 has its common contact S4A connected by a line 29 directly to the second normally closed contact S9B1 of the switch S9 and thence through the common contact S9B thereof and a line 31 to the line 22 which has been previously described as directly connected to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12.
  • a plurality of ingredient selection relays are shown as including first, second, third and fourth vending relays R1, R2, R3 and R4, respectively.
  • a main vending control relay R5 is also provided. All of these relays, as hereinbefore generally described, are of the magnetic latch type and in a preferred configuration are similar to those relays shown in the above-designated Richert Patents.
  • the selection or vending relays R1, R2, R3 and R4 include first, second and third control contact pairs RlA, RIB and RlC; R2A, R2B and'R2C; R3A, R38 and R3C; and R4A, R43 and R4C, respectively.
  • the main vending relay R5 includes first and second control contact pairs RSA and RSB.
  • Theselector relays R1 through R4 are actuated by conventional selector push button switches Pl through P4, respectively, which are normally located on the face of a vending machine for the purpose of customer selection of the ingredients to be dispensed.
  • the push button selector switches P1 through P4 include respective normally closed contacts PIA, P2A, P3A and P4A and respective normally open contacts P18, P28, P38 and P4B.
  • the common or movable contacts of each of the push button switches bears the same designating number as that for the push button switch itself and actuation of any one of the said push button switches Pl through P4 causes a single-pole-double-throw actuation from the normally closed position thereof to close the normally open position thereof.
  • the said normally open contacts PlB through P4B are also connected directly through one side of the relay coils for the selector relays R1 through R4, respectively; the other side of the coils of the selector relays being connected to a common ground terminal lead 30.
  • relays R1 to R4 are respectively connected through relay protective or damping resistors RlR, R2R, R3R and R4R to a common connection with the anode of a first diode D1 having its cathode connected through the line 28 to the normally open contact 88C of the switch S8 which is the reset switch for the selecting relays R1 through R4.
  • One side of the actuating coil for the vending control relay R5 is connected through the cathode to anode path of a control or reset diode D2 and associated damping resistance RSR to a common lead 32 with the normally open contact of each of the first control contact pairs RlA through R4A of the selector relays R1 through R4.
  • the common lead 32 for this connection is further connected to the normally open contact 87C of the operated control switch S7 and thence directly to the normally closedcontact S10A1 of the switch S10 through the common contact SlOA to the movable contact 8382 of the control switch S3 and through the normally closed contact SCBl thereof and the water bath solenoid WBS to common ground connection 24.
  • the common lead 32 also has a connection to one side of a cam motor CM the latter having its other side connected to ground.
  • the cam motor CM controls the sequence of actuation of the cam operated control switches S4 through S8.
  • a vending turret index control switch S11 which is provided to control the actuating of a vending turret of conventional design, has a normally open contact SllC connected to one side of an index motor IM which in turn has its other side connected to ground.
  • the vending switch S11 further includes a common or movable contact S1 1A directly connected to the common lead 32 to a normally closed neutral contact SIlB.
  • one side of the actuating coil for the vending control relay R5 is connected to the cathode of the diode D2 while the other side of the actuating coil for the vending relay R5 is connected to the common ground lead 30.
  • the cathode of the second diode D2 is connected to the anode of a third diode D3 which in turn'has its cathode connected directly to the terminal E on the coin mechanism 12 by a lead 34.
  • the lead 34 also extends to the second normally open contact 8982 in the control switch S9, the latter being designated as a manual ingredient and test switch. Accordingly, the said second normally contact S9B2 of the switch S9 is directly c'on- I nected to the terminal E of the coin mechanism 12.
  • the movable contacts in each of the first control contact pairs RlA through R4A of the selector relays R1 through R4, respectively, are connected through a common lead 36 to the normally open contact of the first control contact pair RSA of the vending control relay R5.
  • the normally closed contact of the first control contact pair RlA through RSA for the vending control relay and the selector relays is a neutral contact.
  • the common lead 36 comprises a direct connection to the terminal A of the coin mechanism 12.
  • the normally closed contacts of the second control contact pair RIB through R4B of the selector relays R1 through R4 are connected through a common lead 38 directly to the second normally open contact SB2 in the control switch S10.
  • the common or movable contact in the first contact control pair RSA of the vending relay R5 is connected to the anode of a fourth diode D4 which has its cathode connected by a common lead 40 to the movable contact of the first push.
  • button switch P1 and thence through a series connection of the normally closed contacts of all of the said push button switches, namely, contacts PIA, P2, P2A, P3, P3A, P4 and P4A which is the neutral contact for the fourth push button switch P4.
  • the normally open contacts-in the second control contact pairs RIB, R2B, R3B and R4B are all connected by a common lead 42 to the normally closed contact SSB of the water solenoid and whipper motor control switch S5 which is in the bank of cam operated switches.
  • the common or movable contacts for each of the second control contact pairs RIB through R4B are respectively connected to common junctions J1, J2, J3 and J4, the said junctions being respectively connected to one side of a parallel connected water solenoid and whipper motor pairs WSl-Ml, WS2-M2, WS3-M3,
  • the normally closed contacts thereof are all neutral contacts while the common actuating contacts thereof are all connected through a common lead 44 to the normally open contact 84C of the ingredient control cam operated switch S4.
  • the normally open contacts are connected to the one side of respectively associated ingredient dispensing motors MIA, M2A, M3A and M4A, with the opposite side of the motors being connected directly to the common ground lead 24.
  • an additional water solenoid WSS and blender motor M5 are co nnected in a parallel arrangement having one side thereof connected to the common ground terminal 24 and having the other side thereof connected through a common lead 46 to the second normally open contact S10A2 in the control switch S10, and then directly to a normally open contact 86C in the water solenoid and I blender motor control switch S6 in the bank of cam opopen contact thereof is a neutral contact while the common or movable contact thereof is connected directly with the normally closed contact 873 in the cam operated motor lock switch S7, which through the circuit previously described via the line 22 in the normally closed condition of the switch S7, connects the common contact of the second contact pair RSB directly to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12.
  • the normally closed contact of the second control contact pair RSB is directly connected with the common contact SlOC of the control switch S10 via a lead 48, which by way of the normally closed contact S10C1 is, in turn, directly connected to the normally closed contact S9Al of theswitch S9 through its common contact S9A.
  • lead 50 connected to contact S9A, directly connects the normally closed contact of the second control contact pair RSB with the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 in the quiescent state of the circuit 10.
  • the proper amount of money is inserted'in the coin mechanism 12 to generate an alternating current pulse at the terminal E of the coin mechanism 12.
  • This pulse causes thevend relay R5 to be energized through the lead 34 and third diode D3, whereby the relay R5 will pull in and magnetically latch, changing the state of the first and-second control contact pairs RSA and R58, respectively.
  • vend relay R5 After the vend relay R5 has been operated to a latch position, power is applied to the push button selection switches Pl through P4 through the first control contacts RSA of the said vend relay R5 from the power terminal A of the coin mechanism 12. Also, power has now been removed from the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 due to the switching action of the vending relay R5, making it inoperative, by the second control contacts RSB of the vending relay R5.
  • the cam motor switches S4 through S8, determine the sequence of events during the vend cycle after the vend relay R5 has been energized via the coin mechanism l2 and one of the select relays R1 through R4 has been energized via a push button select switch Pl through P4 respectively.
  • the select relay reset switch S8 When the vend cycle is complete, the select relay reset switch S8 is caused to transfer to its closed state by the camming motor CM thereby applying power to all of the associated reset coils of the select, relays R1 through R4, causing the latch of these relays to reset to its quiescent position. This removes a path of power to the cam motor CM by the first control contacts pairs RlA through R4A of the select relays R1 through R4. The select relay reset switch S8 then transfers back to its initial open position. To complete the vending cycle, the cam motor CM continues to run through the motor lock switch S7 until it transfers back to its initial open position under the influence of the cam motor CM. This removes power from the cam motor CM and reapplies power to the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 to return the circuit 10 to its quiescent state.
  • The'manual ingredient and test switch S9 may be used to by-pass the coin mechanism 12.
  • the switch S9 When the switch S9 is operated, power is applied to the latching coil of the vend relay R5 setting up the vending control circuit 10 for a normal vending cycle.
  • the manual ingredient and test switch S9 is a double-pole-doublethrow center-off switch. In the center-off position of the switch S9, ingredient motor power is removed so that a test cycle can be run without the ingredient motors MIA through M4A being operated and thereby precluding the dispensing of ingredients during this phase of testing the circuit.
  • the water and water flush switch S10 is a three-poledouble-throw center-off switch. When operated power is applied to all motors and solenoids except the ingredient motors MIA through M4A. The purpose of this function is to flush the entire system with water for san itary purposes. When the water and water flush switch S10 is in the center-off position, all motors and solenoids are disabled except for the ingredient motors MIA through M4A. Therefore, the ingredient output for each selection, via each of the selecting relays R1 through R4 and their associated push button switches P1 through P4 may be tested by way of this function of the water and water flush switch S10.
  • the water bath fill and agitator motor switch S3 is a double-pole-double-throw switch and may be used to energize the main water solenoid WBS without applying power to the water bath agitator motor AM.
  • this invention provides a new and novel magnetically latched relay control vending machine circuit which is substantially preclusive of false vending, is readily expandable to include additional selection and vending functions and which provides for a plurality of manual override and test functions using an optimally minimum number of electrical components.
  • a vending machine control circuit comprising:
  • main vending relay means responsive to said coin mechanism means to enable said control circuit for a vending sequence
  • selector relay means for selecting ingredients to be dispensed including manual selector means for each said selector relay means designating at least one ingredient to be dispensed in a given vending sequence;
  • vending sequence switch means controlling the execution of a vending sequence-in response to a concurrent change of state of said main vending relay means and one of said selector relay means from a quiescent state to a vend state; a source of electric power; circuit means interconnecting said main vending relay means with said power source through said coin mechanism means, and-said selector relays with said power source through said main vending relay means;
  • ingredient dispensing means interconnected with and enabled by respective ones of said selector relay means for interconnection and actuation by said vending sequence switch means;
  • said manual selection means for said selector relay means comprising circuit means precluding concurrent actuation of more than one of said selector relay means
  • said main vending relay means and said selector relay means being magnetically latched in both said quiescent and vend states thereof to preclude false vending;
  • circuit means including circuit means associated with each of said selector relay means for latching said vending relay back to its quiescent state upon the latching of a selector relay to its vend state
  • vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means
  • selector relay'means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means.
  • each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means.
  • control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively bypassing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source.
  • control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine
  • control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensingmeans while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
  • control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively bypassing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source;
  • control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine
  • control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while-precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
  • vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means
  • selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means
  • each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means;
  • control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of saidvending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source.
  • said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch 5 for said selector relay means;
  • selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means
  • each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means;
  • control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, .to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said powersourc e;
  • control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine
  • control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
  • control circuit includes circuit means including said selector relay means for providing connection to a power source when said vending relay is latched in its quiescent state and one of said selector relay means is latched in its vend state, thereby providing power for completion of a vending sequence after said vending relay has been latched back to its quiescent state but one of said selector relay means still is in its latched vend state.
  • circuit means for providing connection to a power claimed circuit means includes source when the vending relay is latched in its quiesmeans for sequencing said vending sequence switch cent state includes means in said vending sequence means through its vending sequence. switch means. 5

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Abstract

A vending machine control circuit is provided in which a plurality of magnetically latched selector relays selectively enable the dispensing of various ingredients. These selector relays are all controlled by a single magnetically latched vending relay which provides an enabling interconnection between vending cycle sequencing switches and a given one of the selectors relays when the latter is selectively actuated for the purpose of dispensing a selected ingredient from the vending machine. Manual switches are provided to disable, selectively, one or more of the vending machine functions to provide for testing and cleaning of the vending machine and its components. There is also provided a means for actuating the selector relays which precludes more than one of these being actuated throughout any one vending cycle. False vending is precluded by the magnetic latching and the circuit interconnections of the relays and the sequencing switches.

Description

United States Patent [191 Lamb ['11] 3,802,542 [451 Apr. 9, 1974 1 VENDING MACHINE CONTROL CIRCUIT [75] Inventor: William B. Lamb, Petersburg, Ind.
[73] Assignee: AMF Incorporated, White Plains,
[22] .Filed: Mar. 6, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 232,112
[52 us. CL; 194/13, 222/76 Primary Examiner--Stanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky Attorney, Agent, brFirm-George W Price; John H. Gallagher l 57 ABSTRACT A vending machine control circuit is provided in which a plurality of magnetically latched selector relays selectively enable the dispensing of various ingredients. These selector relays are all controlled by a single magnetically latched vending'relay which provides an enabling interconnection between vending cycle sequencing switches and a given one of the selectors relays when the latter is selectively actuated for the purpose of dispensing a selected ingredient from the vending machine. Manual switches are provided to disable, selectively, one or more of the vending machine functions to provide for testing and cleaning of the vending machine and its components. There is also provided a means for actuating the selector relays which precludes more than one of these being actuated throughout any one vending cycle. False vending is precluded by the magnetic latching and the circuit interconnections of the relays and the sequencing switches.
12 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure VENDING MACHINE CONTROL CIRCUIT This invention relates to vending machine control circuits and more particularly to a vending machine circuit utilizing a plurality of magnetically latched relays to control the selected dispensing of vended items from a vending machine.
. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit utilizing magnetically latched relays in which the number of relays is held to an optimal minimum.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit in which false vending caused by persons striking the vending machine or momentary power failure or line voltage dips will be obviated.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel vending machine control circuit utilizing a plurality of relays wherein only one operating diode is needed for all of the ingredient selecting relays in the circuit and only a single reset diode is needed for the plurality of relays.
Yet another object of the present invention is to pro- .vide a new and'novel vending machine control circuit wherein a plurality of relays are utilized as the control means thereof and wherein the circuit is so constructed as to provide for adding'on additional relays to enhance the ingredient selecting capability of the circuit with regard to vending an additional plurality of articles from a machine.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description which follows, taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein a single embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration purposes only and is not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention. 1
The drawing comprises a schematicdiagram of the vending machine control circuit of the present invention.
Basically, the invention comprises a plurality of relays known as selector relays which are controlled by push button switches to individually control, subject to the overriding control of the master vending relay, the dispensing of variousingredients from a vending machine.
The relays control motors and solenoid valves or the like which are the control means by which any given selected ingredientin the machine is dispensed. All of the relays involved are of the magnetically latch type such that line voltage circuits, temporary or momentary power failures, and striking of the machine by customers or vandals in an attempt to cause false vending over and above the control superimposed by the master or vending relay, are precluded. Provision is also made for testing the circuitwithout running through an actual vending cycle or without placing a coin in the coin receiving mechanism of the vending machine.
In the preferred embodiment to be described herein, the vending machine relates to the dispensing of various ingredients such as colas, coffee, hot chocolate, and the like.
As an example of the latching relays utilized in the present invention, reference is made to US. Pat. Nos. 3,470,510 and 3,599,133 to Richert, granted Sept.- 30, 1969 and Aug. 10, 1971, respectively. Solenoid valves, blender motors, ingredients dispensing motors, and in.- gredient whipping motors, together with such things-as coin mechanisms and the like are all disclosed in the prior art and accordingly, will not be specifically described in detail in connection with the control circuit of the present invention. 1
' Referring in detail to the drawing, the vending machine control circuit 10 of the present invention is shown as including a coin mechanism 12 having terminals A through l-l thereon, the terminal I-l comprising a ground or common connection. The control circuit 10 also is provided with a grounded alternating current (A.C.) source 14 which is' schematically shown. The output of the A.C. source 14 is taken through a fuse or circuit breaker 16. I
The main power terminal 18 is connected through a machine safety switch S1 of the single-pole-doublethrow type with-normally open and normally closed contacts, by the normally closed contact and a lead 20 to the normally closed contact 52B of a vending cup reservoir switch S2 which also is of the single-poledouble-throw'type and also with normally closed and normally open contacts 52B and 82C, respectively. The switch actuating arm 82A of the vending cup sensing switch S2 is also connected by a line 22 back to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12.
The main power terminal 18 also is connected through one side of a water bath fill and agitator motor control switch S3 which is of the double-pol e-doublethrow type shown in its normally closed contact position. In the position shown, the switch S3 has a first common or movable contact S3A connected to.a normally closed contact S2Al which in turn is connected through the agitator motor AM to a common ground lead 24. A second common or'movable contact 838 of the switch S3 is connected to a second normally closed contact S3B1, which in turn is connected through a water bath fill control solenoid WBS to the common ground lead 24. The second normally closed contact S3B1 serves as the normally open contact for the first common contact 53A. An additional contact S3C is provided as the normally open neutral contact for the second common contact $38.
A plurality of cam actuated vending cycle control switches are shown at the right hand side of the drawing as follows:
An ingredient motor control switch S4 is provided with a common or movable contact S4A, normally closed neutral contact 84B and a normally open contact S4C.
A water solenoid and whipper motor control switch S5 has a common or movable contact SSA, as normally closed contact 85B and a normallyfopen neutral A select relay reset switch S8 is provided with a common actuating contact SSA, a normally closed neutral contact 88B and a normally open contact S8C.
A manual ingredient and test switch S9 and a water and water flush switch S are also provided in the circuit but do not form a part of the cam operated cycling bank of switches S4 through S8.
The manual ingredient and test switch S9 is of a double-pole-double-throw configuration having a first common contact 'S9A engaging a normally closed contact S9A1 and having a normally open neutral contact S9A2, while the other side of the switch S9 includes a second common contact S9B in engagement with a normally closed contact S9B1 and having a normally open contact S9B2.
The water and water flush switch S10 is of a triple- I pole-double-throw configuration having a first common contact SlOA cooperating with a first normally closed contact S10Al and a first normally open contact S10A2; a second common contact S10B cooperating with a second normally closed contact S10B1 and a second normally open contact 51032; and a third common contact S10C cooperating with a third normally closed contact S10C1 and a third normally open contact S10C2.
In normal use the switches S9 and S10 maintain power connections from the bank of cam operating switches S4 through S8 with the coin mechanism 12. During test operations, throwing of the switches S9 and S10 to their normally closed positions permit testing of the circuitry 10 without causing a dispensing of ingredients from the vending machine with which it is associated as will hereafter be more fully described.
The second common contact S10B of the switch S10 is connected directly to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12 while its associated normally closed contact S10B1 is connected by a line 26 to the common contact, SSA and 86A of the water solenoid and whipper motor switch S5 and the water solenoid blender motor switch S6, respectively.
Further, the lead 22 from the cup sensing switch S2, which is connected to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12, also extends to the common contacts 87A and 88A respectively of the motor lock switch S7 and the select relay reset switch S8. The ingredient motor control switch S4 has its common contact S4A connected by a line 29 directly to the second normally closed contact S9B1 of the switch S9 and thence through the common contact S9B thereof and a line 31 to the line 22 which has been previously described as directly connected to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12.
A plurality of ingredient selection relays, four in number in the preferred embodiment shown and described herein, are shown as including first, second, third and fourth vending relays R1, R2, R3 and R4, respectively. A main vending control relay R5 is also provided. All of these relays, as hereinbefore generally described, are of the magnetic latch type and in a preferred configuration are similar to those relays shown in the above-designated Richert Patents.
The selection or vending relays R1, R2, R3 and R4 include first, second and third control contact pairs RlA, RIB and RlC; R2A, R2B and'R2C; R3A, R38 and R3C; and R4A, R43 and R4C, respectively. The main vending relay R5 includes first and second control contact pairs RSA and RSB.
Theselector relays R1 through R4 are actuated by conventional selector push button switches Pl through P4, respectively, which are normally located on the face of a vending machine for the purpose of customer selection of the ingredients to be dispensed. The push button selector switches P1 through P4 include respective normally closed contacts PIA, P2A, P3A and P4A and respective normally open contacts P18, P28, P38 and P4B. The common or movable contacts of each of the push button switches bears the same designating number as that for the push button switch itself and actuation of any one of the said push button switches Pl through P4 causes a single-pole-double-throw actuation from the normally closed position thereof to close the normally open position thereof.
The said normally open contacts PlB through P4B are also connected directly through one side of the relay coils for the selector relays R1 through R4, respectively; the other side of the coils of the selector relays being connected to a common ground terminal lead 30.
The coils of relays R1 to R4 are respectively connected through relay protective or damping resistors RlR, R2R, R3R and R4R to a common connection with the anode of a first diode D1 having its cathode connected through the line 28 to the normally open contact 88C of the switch S8 which is the reset switch for the selecting relays R1 through R4.
One side of the actuating coil for the vending control relay R5 is connected through the cathode to anode path of a control or reset diode D2 and associated damping resistance RSR to a common lead 32 with the normally open contact of each of the first control contact pairs RlA through R4A of the selector relays R1 through R4. The common lead 32 for this connection is further connected to the normally open contact 87C of the operated control switch S7 and thence directly to the normally closedcontact S10A1 of the switch S10 through the common contact SlOA to the movable contact 8382 of the control switch S3 and through the normally closed contact SCBl thereof and the water bath solenoid WBS to common ground connection 24.
The common lead 32 also has a connection to one side of a cam motor CM the latter having its other side connected to ground. The cam motor CM controls the sequence of actuation of the cam operated control switches S4 through S8. Further, a vending turret index control switch S11, which is provided to control the actuating of a vending turret of conventional design, has a normally open contact SllC connected to one side of an index motor IM which in turn has its other side connected to ground. The vending switch S11 further includes a common or movable contact S1 1A directly connected to the common lead 32 to a normally closed neutral contact SIlB. As previously described, one side of the actuating coil for the vending control relay R5 is connected to the cathode of the diode D2 while the other side of the actuating coil for the vending relay R5 is connected to the common ground lead 30. The cathode of the second diode D2 is connected to the anode of a third diode D3 which in turn'has its cathode connected directly to the terminal E on the coin mechanism 12 by a lead 34. The lead 34 also extends to the second normally open contact 8982 in the control switch S9, the latter being designated as a manual ingredient and test switch. Accordingly, the said second normally contact S9B2 of the switch S9 is directly c'on- I nected to the terminal E of the coin mechanism 12.
The movable contacts in each of the first control contact pairs RlA through R4A of the selector relays R1 through R4, respectively, are connected through a common lead 36 to the normally open contact of the first control contact pair RSA of the vending control relay R5. In each instance, the normally closed contact of the first control contact pair RlA through RSA for the vending control relay and the selector relays is a neutral contact. In turn, the common lead 36 comprises a direct connection to the terminal A of the coin mechanism 12. The normally closed contacts of the second control contact pair RIB through R4B of the selector relays R1 through R4 are connected through a common lead 38 directly to the second normally open contact SB2 in the control switch S10.
The common or movable contact in the first contact control pair RSA of the vending relay R5 is connected to the anode of a fourth diode D4 which has its cathode connected by a common lead 40 to the movable contact of the first push. button switch P1 and thence through a series connection of the normally closed contacts of all of the said push button switches, namely, contacts PIA, P2, P2A, P3, P3A, P4 and P4A which is the neutral contact for the fourth push button switch P4.
The normally open contacts-in the second control contact pairs RIB, R2B, R3B and R4B are all connected by a common lead 42 to the normally closed contact SSB of the water solenoid and whipper motor control switch S5 which is in the bank of cam operated switches. The common or movable contacts for each of the second control contact pairs RIB through R4B are respectively connected to common junctions J1, J2, J3 and J4, the said junctions being respectively connected to one side of a parallel connected water solenoid and whipper motor pairs WSl-Ml, WS2-M2, WS3-M3,
.WS4-M4, respectively, each of these parallel connected solenoid and motor pairs having the other side thereof connected directly to the common ground lead 24. 1
In the third control contact pairs RIC through R4C of the selector relays R1 through R4, the normally closed contacts thereof are all neutral contacts while the common actuating contacts thereof are all connected through a common lead 44 to the normally open contact 84C of the ingredient control cam operated switch S4. In these third contact'pairs, the normally open contacts are connected to the one side of respectively associated ingredient dispensing motors MIA, M2A, M3A and M4A, with the opposite side of the motors being connected directly to the common ground lead 24. To complete the connection of all the water solenoids and dispensing motor combinations, an additional water solenoid WSS and blender motor M5 are co nnected in a parallel arrangement having one side thereof connected to the common ground terminal 24 and having the other side thereof connected through a common lead 46 to the second normally open contact S10A2 in the control switch S10, and then directly to a normally open contact 86C in the water solenoid and I blender motor control switch S6 in the bank of cam opopen contact thereof is a neutral contact while the common or movable contact thereof is connected directly with the normally closed contact 873 in the cam operated motor lock switch S7, which through the circuit previously described via the line 22 in the normally closed condition of the switch S7, connects the common contact of the second contact pair RSB directly to the terminal G of the coin mechanism 12. The normally closed contact of the second control contact pair RSB is directly connected with the common contact SlOC of the control switch S10 via a lead 48, which by way of the normally closed contact S10C1 is, in turn, directly connected to the normally closed contact S9Al of theswitch S9 through its common contact S9A. A
lead 50, connected to contact S9A, directly connects the normally closed contact of the second control contact pair RSB with the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 in the quiescent state of the circuit 10.
In the operation of the circuit 10 of the present invention, assuming that the initial state of the circuit is as shown in the drawing, the operation is as follows:
The proper amount of money is inserted'in the coin mechanism 12 to generate an alternating current pulse at the terminal E of the coin mechanism 12. This pulse causes thevend relay R5 to be energized through the lead 34 and third diode D3, whereby the relay R5 will pull in and magnetically latch, changing the state of the first and-second control contact pairs RSA and R58, respectively.
After the vend relay R5 has been operated to a latch position, power is applied to the push button selection switches Pl through P4 through the first control contacts RSA of the said vend relay R5 from the power terminal A of the coin mechanism 12. Also, power has now been removed from the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 due to the switching action of the vending relay R5, making it inoperative, by the second control contacts RSB of the vending relay R5.
When a push button selection switch Plthrough P4 is operated, power is applied through the relayv coil of the respectively associated selecting relays R1 through R4 allowing it to pull in and magnetically latch. The series connection of the push button switches Pl through P4 allows only oneof the'select relays R1 through R4 to to operate, i.e., the first one actuated. After one of the select 're'lays- R1 through R4 has been operated, power is applied to the vend relay reset circuit from terminal A of coin mechanism 12, through line 36, through the control contacts RlA through R4A, through'line 32,'resistor RSR, diodode D2, and through relay R5 to ground line 30. This causes the vend relay to release, opening the push button circuit via the line 40 and thereby preventing a second selection from actuating another of 'the select relays R1 through R4. Power is also applied to the cam motor CM through the appropriate first control contact pair RlA through R4A of the operated one of the select relays R1 through R4 from the terminal A of the coin mechanism 12. The motor lock switch S7 transfers immediately, under actuation by the cam motor CM, after the cam motor CM is energized, thereby keeping power off the coin mechanism terminal D. This keeps the coin mechanism 12 from accepting any more coins during a vend cycle. Power is applied to the cam motor CM through the motor lock switch S7 after it has been transferred under the influence of the cam motor and through the appropriate first control contact pair RlA through R4A of the respectively actuated selecting relay R1 through R4.
' After one of the select relays R1 through R4 has been energized, its third control contacts pair (RIC through R4C) provide a path from the respective one of the ingre'dient motors MlA through M4A to the ingredient motor switch S4, the latter being under ultimate control in the vending cycle of the cam motor CM. Furthermore, the appropriate second control contact pair RIB through R4B of the controlled relays R1 through R4 provides a path from the respective one of the whipper motors M1 through M4 and the water solenoids WSl through WS4 to the whipper motor and water solenoid switch S5, the latter also being under the control of the camming motors CM. The blender motor M5 and its associated water solenoid WSS are connected directly to the proper cam motor switch S6.
There is also a direct connection from the cam motor CM through the water and water flush switch S to the main water solenoid WBS so that any time power is applied to the cam motor CM, power is also applied to the main water solenoid WBS, except during manual operation of the water and water flush switch S10.
The cam motor switches S4 through S8, determine the sequence of events during the vend cycle after the vend relay R5 has been energized via the coin mechanism l2 and one of the select relays R1 through R4 has been energized via a push button select switch Pl through P4 respectively.
When the vend cycle is complete, the select relay reset switch S8 is caused to transfer to its closed state by the camming motor CM thereby applying power to all of the associated reset coils of the select, relays R1 through R4, causing the latch of these relays to reset to its quiescent position. This removes a path of power to the cam motor CM by the first control contacts pairs RlA through R4A of the select relays R1 through R4. The select relay reset switch S8 then transfers back to its initial open position. To complete the vending cycle, the cam motor CM continues to run through the motor lock switch S7 until it transfers back to its initial open position under the influence of the cam motor CM. This removes power from the cam motor CM and reapplies power to the terminal D of the coin mechanism 12 to return the circuit 10 to its quiescent state.
The'manual ingredient and test switch S9 may be used to by-pass the coin mechanism 12. When the switch S9 is operated, power is applied to the latching coil of the vend relay R5 setting up the vending control circuit 10 for a normal vending cycle. The manual ingredient and test switch S9 is a double-pole-doublethrow center-off switch. In the center-off position of the switch S9, ingredient motor power is removed so that a test cycle can be run without the ingredient motors MIA through M4A being operated and thereby precluding the dispensing of ingredients during this phase of testing the circuit.
The water and water flush switch S10 is a three-poledouble-throw center-off switch. When operated power is applied to all motors and solenoids except the ingredient motors MIA through M4A. The purpose of this function is to flush the entire system with water for san itary purposes. When the water and water flush switch S10 is in the center-off position, all motors and solenoids are disabled except for the ingredient motors MIA through M4A. Therefore, the ingredient output for each selection, via each of the selecting relays R1 through R4 and their associated push button switches P1 through P4 may be tested by way of this function of the water and water flush switch S10.
The water bath fill and agitator motor switch S3 is a double-pole-double-throw switch and may be used to energize the main water solenoid WBS without applying power to the water bath agitator motor AM.
As can now be readily seen from the foregoing specification and drawing, this invention provides a new and novel magnetically latched relay control vending machine circuit which is substantially preclusive of false vending, is readily expandable to include additional selection and vending functions and which provides for a plurality of manual override and test functions using an optimally minimum number of electrical components.
Although but a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes may also be made in the design and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.
I claim:
1. A vending machine control circuit comprising:
coin mechanism means;
main vending relay means responsive to said coin mechanism means to enable said control circuit for a vending sequence;
selector relay means for selecting ingredients to be dispensed including manual selector means for each said selector relay means designating at least one ingredient to be dispensed in a given vending sequence;
vending sequence switch means controlling the execution of a vending sequence-in response to a concurrent change of state of said main vending relay means and one of said selector relay means from a quiescent state to a vend state; a source of electric power; circuit means interconnecting said main vending relay means with said power source through said coin mechanism means, and-said selector relays with said power source through said main vending relay means;
ingredient dispensing means interconnected with and enabled by respective ones of said selector relay means for interconnection and actuation by said vending sequence switch means;
said manual selection means for said selector relay means comprising circuit means precluding concurrent actuation of more than one of said selector relay means;
said main vending relay means and said selector relay means being magnetically latched in both said quiescent and vend states thereof to preclude false vending; and
means including circuit means associated with each of said selector relay means for latching said vending relay back to its quiescent state upon the latching of a selector relay to its vend state,
the return of said vending relay to said quiescent state operating to disable said manual selector means for the selector relay means,
thereby prohibiting the premature initiation of a subsequent vending sequence.
2. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means; and
wherein said selector relay'means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means.
3. The invention defined in claim 2, wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means.
4.- The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively bypassing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source.
5. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and
control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensingmeans while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
6. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively bypassing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source;
wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and
control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while-precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
7. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means;
wherein said selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means;
wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means;
wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of saidvending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source. 8. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch 5 for said selector relay means;
dient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means. 9. The invention defined inclaim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means;
wherein said selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means;
wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means;
wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, .to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said powersourc e;
wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and
control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
10. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said control circuit includes circuit means including said selector relay means for providing connection to a power source when said vending relay is latched in its quiescent state and one of said selector relay means is latched in its vend state, thereby providing power for completion of a vending sequence after said vending relay has been latched back to its quiescent state but one of said selector relay means still is in its latched vend state.
1 1 l 2 11. The invention claimed in claim wherein the 12. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein said circuit means for providing connection to a power claimed circuit means includes source when the vending relay is latched in its quiesmeans for sequencing said vending sequence switch cent state includes means in said vending sequence means through its vending sequence. switch means. 5

Claims (12)

1. A vending machine control circuit comprising: coin mechanism means; main vending relay means responsive to said coin mechanism means to enable said control circuit for a vending sequence; selector relay means for selecting ingredients to be dispensed including manual selector means for each said selector relay means designating at least one ingredient to be dispensed in a given vending sequence; vending sequence switch means controlling the execution of a vending sequence in response to a concurrent change of state of said main vending relay means and one of said selector relay means from a quiescent state to a vend state; a source of electric power; circuit means interconnecting said main vending relay means with said power source through said coin mechanism means, and said selector relays with said power source through said main vending relay means; ingredient dispensing means interconnected with and enabled by respective ones of said selector relay means for interconnection and actuation by said vending sequence switch means; said manual selection means for said selector relay means comprising circuit means precluding concurrent actuation of more than one of said selector relay means; said main vending relay means and said selector relay means being magnetically latched in both said quiescent and vend stateS thereof to preclude false vending; and means including circuit means associated with each of said selector relay means for latching said vending relay back to its quiescent state upon the latching of a selector relay to its vend state, the return of said vending relay to said quiescent state operating to disable said manual selector means for the selector relay means, thereby prohibiting the premature initiation of a subsequent vending sequence.
2. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means; and wherein said selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means.
3. The invention defined in claim 2, wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means.
4. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source.
5. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
6. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source; wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
7. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means; wherein said selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means; wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means; wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source.
8. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means; wherein said selector relay means are interconnected thrOugh a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means; wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means; wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
9. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said vending sequence switch means includes a reset switch for said selector relay means; wherein said selector relay means are interconnected through a common reset circuit path with said reset switch means; wherein each of said selector relay means comprises an actuating coil and said common reset circuit path comprises a resistance in series with each said coil, connected through a common diode means to said reset switch means; wherein said control circuit further includes manual switch means selectively disabling portions of said vending sequence switch means, to modify said vending sequence for testing said control circuit while precluding actuation of said ingredient dispensing means and selectively by-passing said coin mechanism to interconnect said main vending relay means directly with said power source; wherein said control circuit further includes means for flushing and cleaning an associated vending machine; and control switch means selectively disabling said ingredient dispensing means while enabling an otherwise complete vending cycle and selectively enabling said ingredient dispensing means while precluding a complete vending cycle, said selective disabling function effecting a flushing and cleaning cycle and said selective enabling function effecting a test cycle only of said ingredient dispensing means.
10. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said control circuit includes circuit means including said selector relay means for providing connection to a power source when said vending relay is latched in its quiescent state and one of said selector relay means is latched in its vend state, thereby providing power for completion of a vending sequence after said vending relay has been latched back to its quiescent state but one of said selector relay means still is in its latched vend state.
11. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein the circuit means for providing connection to a power source when the vending relay is latched in its quiescent state includes means in said vending sequence switch means.
12. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein said claimed circuit means includes means for sequencing said vending sequence switch means through its vending sequence.
US00232112A 1972-03-06 1972-03-06 Vending machine control circuit Expired - Lifetime US3802542A (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4409649A (en) * 1978-07-28 1983-10-11 Amf Incorporated Sequence controller with microprocessor
USRE33314E (en) * 1984-10-10 1990-08-28 Mars Incorporated Vending machine power switching apparatus
US20050230417A1 (en) * 2004-04-14 2005-10-20 Knepler John T System and method for testing beverage apparatus before shipment
US9766112B2 (en) * 2004-04-14 2017-09-19 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation System and method for testing beverage apparatus before shipment

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