Richard W Schoenkopf

US Patent:

43557333, Oct 26, 1982

Filed:

Sep 22, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/189006

Inventors:

Richard W. Schoenkopf - Doylestown PA
Donald H. Ross - Chalfont PA

International Classification:

G07F 1148
B65G 5900

US Classification:

221123

Abstract:

A computer-controlled system is disclosed for dispensing selected packages from a vending machine. The system includes an ejector mechanism adapted to travel rectilinearly intermediate a pair of oppositely-mounted storage banks, each bank consisting of a plurality of vertically-oriented adjacent compartments in which distinct packages are stacked. The ejector mechanism includes a carriage mounted on a helical screw rotatably driven by a travel motor. An ejector lever pivotally connected to the carriage is mounted upon an actuator bar rotatably driven by a pivot motor for independently actuating one of a pair of overlapping ejector arms according to the directional rotation of the pivot motor. Each ejection arm is pivotally connected to the carriage and configured to discharge a single package from beneath a stack when actuated. A microprocessor controls the rotational drive of the motors and is provided feedback signals indicative of carriage location package availability by sensors attached to the carriage.