Curtis A Hozian

US Patent:

40405109, Aug 9, 1977

Filed:

Jun 17, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/697024

Inventors:

Walter A. Peters - Schaumburg IL
Curtis A. Hozian - Wheeling IL
Richard W. Gusek - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Gard, Inc. - Niles IL

International Classification:

G07F 1168

US Classification:

194 2

Abstract:

A stamp vending machine has a number of stamp dispensing mechanisms. Each mechanism is capable of dispensing one or more stamps of the same denomination. The machine can dispense from one mechanism different numbers of stamps and from a number of different mechanisms stamps of different denominations in various combinations totalling the same price or different prices. This capability is provided in a programmable manner that is easily changed to other combinations of numbers of the same stamps or to the operation of different combinations of stamp dispensing mechanisms. The construction of the machine preferably includes the capability of providing a backup of one of its stamp dispensing mechanisms by another mechanism or by more than one mechanism in sequence. The machine includes a main control logic having programming networks that permit the manual initiation of operation of the machine by a selection of a particular combination of stamps so that one or more stamp dispensing mechanisms of the machine are operated to dispense stamps, illustratively up to six different denominations, from these stamp dispensing mechanisms in a number of each denomination that provide a total value of dispensed stamps corresponding to the value of the stamp selection.