Coin Accumulator Circuit And Apparatus

Abstract

A coin accumulator circuit and apparatus is provided with electromagnetic relays arranged to be energized sequentially in such order as to accumulate credits up to and including a maximum amount corresponding to value of a bill credit. Insertion of a coin will produce a first number of credits while subsequent insertion of coins will produce a different number of unit credits until accumulation to a maximum amount of one dollar is reached and no further accumulation can take place. Credits per coin can be two credits for 25 cents, five credits for 50 cents, eight credits for 75 cents and 12 credits for 1 dollar, the 1 dollar value being accumulated in any order of coins, i.e. either 25-cent coins or 50-cent coins or a single bill.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to coin controlled circuit arrangements and apparatus used to register a number of unit credits corresponding to the value of the coin deposited therein.

Coin accumulation apparatus are used in vending machines of all kinds and have found widespread popularity for use in situations where coin accumulation is necessary because of the cost of particular items is more than that of any particular single coin. Several coins are then being necessary to actuate a release mechanism to allow selection of the particular item. While vending machines in general are anticipated for use with the present invention, it is most advantageously used with coin operated juke boxes which play record selections in a conventional and well-known manner.

Heretofore, the deposit of a particular coin denomination within a coin receiving receptacle of a juke box would allow the depositor to select a given number of records to be played. For example, deposit of a 10-cent and 5-cent coin would allow a single selection while deposit of a quarter would allow two or three selections. Some prior art units are equipped with the fifty cent receiving means to allow a greater number of selections, for example five or more selections for a single 50-cent coin. However, prior art coin accumulators generally allowed only a given number of selections corresponding to the denomination of the single coin deposited. Therefore, if a depositor would put in a quarter he would be able to make two selections; a second quarter would allow him to make only two more selections and so on without a premium being received for the coin accumulation of 50 cents. Only upon deposit of a 50-cent coin would the depositor be allowed to select five plays rather than the four plays obtained by the deposit of two quarters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a coin accumulation circuit arrangement and apparatus to accumulate coins of denominations varying in value and to allow credit accumulations to occur corresponding to the total sum of the coins deposited up to and including a given amount.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved coin accumulator circuit arrangement which is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.

Briefly, the coin accumulation and circuit apparatus of this invention is arranged to receive coins in denomination of 25 cents and 50 cents preferably to accumulate a total value up to and including 1 dollar. Other maximum accumulation values can be substituted if desired. The invention includes a credit accumulation means in the form of a ratchet wheel having a number of ratchet teeth corresponding to the number of credits to be set into the credit accumulator. A solenoid actuated pawl mechanism then engages the ratchet teeth ultimately to count down the number of credits being cancelled.

Within the novel electrical circuitry of this invention there is a first energizable circuit means responsive to a first coin actuated switch which, for example the first switch, may be responsive to a 25-cent coin, to register a given number of credits within the credit accumulator. A first setting means is also responsive to the first coin actuated switch to set the entire accumulator circuit in readiness to receive an additional coin, it being either a quarter or half dollar. A second energizable circuit means is responsive to a second actuation of the first coin actuated switch to sense the subsequent insertion of a second quarter, this being accomplished through circuitry formed by the first setting means. In the alternative, a 50-cent coin can be inserted, rather than two quarters, and this would actuate a second coin switch means connected in circuit with the second energizable circuit means to energize the same directly in response to the single actuation of the second switch rather than in response to a combination of actuations from the first coin switch. A second setting means is responsive to both a single actuation of the 50-cent coin switch or a second actuation of the 25-cent coin switch to set the accumulator circuit in readiness to receive still an additional coin. A third energizable circuit means is provided to be responsive to a third, or what may be referred to as a second subsequent actuation, of said 25-cent coin actuated switch through the now set second setting means during one instance. However, during another instance the third energizable circuit means is responsive to a single actuation of the 25-cent switch and a single actuation of the 50-cent switch thus registering a total accumulation of 75 cents in the credit accumulator. Third setting means is responsive to both instances of energization of the third energizable circuit means to set the accumulator circuit in readiness to receive still an additional coin if desired. The maximum number of credits that can be registered in the circuit arrangement is accomplished by a fourth setting means which is responsive to the fourth 25-cent coin, sometimes referred to as the third subsequent actuation, or responsive to the second 50-cent coin during another instance for registering the maximum number of credits on the credit accumulator. Also, the maximum number of credits obtained by the fourth quarter or one dollar accumulation is not registered on the accumulator ratchet wheel until such time as a predetermined number of credits have been cancelled and thereafter automatic reactuation of the credit wheel is achieved to reinsert credits to total the maximum amount.

The coin accumulator circuit arrangement of this invention includes an input circuit terminal for connection to a bill reader of any suitable kind. This input circuit terminal is connected directly to the fourth setting means to energize the same in response to a single input signal produced by a dollar bill input thus corresponding to the maximum credits that can be accumulated. Preferably, the input circuit terminal for receiving the bill reader signal includes a diode circuit means connected therefrom to the first setting means and the third energizing circuit means to apply unidirectional current pulses thereto and set the entire accumulator circuit to the maximum value of accumulated credits.

The coin accumulator circuit also includes a charging circuit to be charged in response to energization of the fourth setting means. This then is the storage of the fourth quarter credits until such time as a number of credits are cancelled and the charging circuit is then discharged through relay contacts of the fourth setting means to again energize the third energizable circuit and reestablish in the credit accumulator a number of credits previously cancelled to thereby achieve the maximum number of credits obtainable by the credit accumulator.

While the energizable circuit means and the setting means are herein illustrated as electromagnetic relay circuits, it will be understood that any suitable electrical, electromechanical or electronic circuit arrangement can be used by utilizing either discrete components or integrated circuit technology. Accordingly, other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings are intended to designate similar elements or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating the coin accumulation circuit arrangement of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a mechanical ratchet accumulating mechanism which is actuated by the control circuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism of FIG. 2 taken along line III--III;

FIG. 4 illustrates the mechanical countdown ratchet wheel and solenoid actuator for subtracting the number of credits registered in the accumulator of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged showing of the countdown actuator of FIG. 4 showing the countdown solenoid energized and pawl mechanism engaging the ratchet wheel; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged showing of the holding mechanism of FIG. 2 for holding the accumulator ratchet in a fixed position after each countdown thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, the schematic diagram illustrates a circuit arrangement for a coin accumulator constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and is designated generally by reference numeral 10. The coin accumulator circuit 10 includes a plurality of coin actuated momentary switches 11, 12 and 13, they corresponding to denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents and 50 cents, respectively. A 1 dollar bill input terminal 14 is provided and is arranged for connection to a bill reader, not shown, to produce a pulse signal which energizes the coin accumulator circuit 10 to the maximum number of credits when a dollar bill is inserted into the bill reader. Accumulation of one dollar can also be accomplished by any combination of coins 25, 25, 25, 25 cents; 50, 50 cents; 25, 50, 25 cents; 25, 25, 50 cents, or 50, 25, 25 cents.

Upon actuation of the switch 11 by a 10-cent coin when such coins are used, relay holding coil 16 is energized. When the vending machine is provided with a 10-cent coin accumulation for a credit, such as, for example, one record play for a dime, the actuation of the credit selector will subsequently deenergize relay holding coil 16 by opening of a 10-cent credit switch 17 through its now closed self-operated holding contacts 16a. The relay holding coil actuates the relay contact 16a, 16b, and 16c to hold the relay 16 in an energized condition, to energize the key selected arm of the vending machine to obtain the desired product or result, and to energize a light indicating circuit, respectively. All relay contacts in FIG. 1 are shown with the relay energizing coil in a deenergized state and change of state of the relay corresponds to energization of its associated coil.

Insertion of a 25-cent coin will actuate the coin switch 12 momentarily to energize relay 16 through a diode 21 which, in turn, is then self-energized through its own contacts 16a and the 10-cent credit switch 17. Energization of relay coil 16 also actuates the contacts 16c, in a lighting circuit which is designated generally by reference numeral 15. This will then apply power to the 25-cent light 24 visually to indicate to the depositor, or other user of the vending machine, that a number of selections are available, for example two record selections can now be made. The 25-cent solenoid coil 18 is then energized through the contacts 19a and 20a. Energization of solenoid coil 18 will then cause closure of the switch 26 which is connected in series with the relay coil 19. Switch 26 is actuated by movement of a selector lever 71, FIG. 2, which is moved to the two credit position when relay coil 18 is energized. Upon closure of the switch 26, which is referred to as the 25-cent switch, ground potential is applied to both sides of the relay holding coil 19 while the 25-cent coin maintains the momentary switch 12 in the closed condition. This prevents inadvertent energization of undesired credit solenoid coils. When the coin ultimately passes the coin switch 12, the switch 12 opens and operating potential from the solenoid coil 18 is then applied to the relay holding coil 19 connected in series therewith to energize the holding coil 19. The impedance of the solenoid coil 18 is many times smaller than the impedance of the relay holding coil 19 so that once energized substantially, all of the power available from the 28-volt power line is applied across relay holding coil 19. For example, the impedance of solenoid coil 18 may be on the order of ten ohms whereas the impedance of the relay holding coil 19 may be in the order of one hundred and fifty ohms, or fifteen times greater than that of the holding coil 18. Upon energization of relay holding coil 19 relay contacts 19c, and the light circuit 15, are actuated to energize the 25-cent light 24 through the now closed relay contact 16c, and the entire accumulator circuit 10 is set to receive an additional coin. The depositor of the coin can now make two selections on the selector apparatus at the front of the juke box, and upon completion of his second selection the circuit arrangement of FIG. 1 is completely deenergized in readiness for a subsequent coin deposit and accumulation.

However, at this point the operator can either select two plays on the juke box or he or she can deposit additional money, either quarters or half dollars, to accumulate additional credits at a lower cost per unit credit. If a selection is made a cancel pulse is applied to terminals 27 and 28 of a cancel solenoid 29 to energize a coin reject mechanism and reject further deposit of coins until the second of the two selections is made. Also upon making the first selection, the 10-cent switch 17 opens to deenergize the relay holding coil 16 which, in turn, deactivates its contact 16c to deenergize the 25-cent light 24 of the light circuit 15. There still remains one selection to be made before complete deenergization of the circuit is accomplished, but if the depositor deposits a second quarter after making the first selection, he is then given credit for only two additional selections and he loses the credit for the selection not made.

Most advantageously, the circuit arrangement 10 will receive coin accumulations up to and including a credit of one dollar in any order, either by a dollar bill, by two 50-cent coins, by four 25-cent coins or any combination thereof. The operation of the circuit upon insertion of four quarters is as follows.

Upon insertion of the first quarter the 25-cent momentary contact switch 12 closes thereby energizing the relay holding coil 16 through the diode 21 which, in turn, closes relay contacts 16a, 16b and 16c. Relay contact 16a then maintains the relay itself in an energized state. Relay contact 16b then parallels a key switch 30 which is used to energize a selector panel on the front of the juke box to allow selection of the desired records. And, relay contact 16c applies operating power to the light circuit 15. Power is applied through the normally closed contacts 19a and 20a to energize the solenoid coil 18 and close the switch 26 and ground both sides of the relay holding coil 19. This action will then set the credit accumulator ratchet 72, FIG. 2 to accumulate two credits for two record selections. When the coin completely passes the switch 12 ultimately to open it, relay holding coil 19 is then energized and relay contacts 19a open to remove ground from the 25-cent solenoid coil 18.

Upon deposit of the second quarter momentary switch 12 is again actuated and during this instance power is applied to the normally closed contacts 20a and then through the now actuated relay contacts 19a to energize the solenoid coil 23 which will register accumulated credits corresponding to 50 cents. This action also puts ground potential on both sides of the relay holding coil 20 to maintain it completely deenergized until the coin passes the momentary switch 12. Passage of the coin then removes ground from the top of relay holding coil 20 to then energize the coil through its series connected solenoid coil 23. Solenoid coil 23 and relay holding coil 20 are of the same relationship as solenoid coil 18 and relay holding coil 19, they having respectively lower and higher impedances so that substantially all of the line power is applied to the relay holding coil 20 when the switch 12 opens. The relay holding coil 20 is now energized through a top tune selector switch 31 and the now energized contacts 19d to the ground line. The switch 31 is closed by a cam 73 which is rotated by the credit accumulator of FIG. 2 but which is located at the side which exposes the countdown ratchet 74, FIG. 4. At this point credit accumulation is now five credits or five record selections for an average cost of 10 cents per selection rather than the previous average cost of 121/2 cents per selection when a quarter was inserted. Energization of relay holding coil 20 also actuates its associated relay contacts 20c to energize the 50-cent light 32 which, in turn, deenergizes the 25-cent light 24.

If at this point the depositor chooses to select the five record selections, operation of the circuit is substantially the same as that disclosed above for selecting two records after depositing the first quarter. However, if the depositor chooses to insert a third quarter, operation continues as follows.

Upon insertion of the third quarter, 25-cent momentary contact switch 12 is again closed but, power is applied through the now actuated relay contacts 20a through a diode 33 and the normally closed contacts 34a of a relay holding coil 34 which is connected in series with an associated relay holding coil 35. This action then applies power to the 75-cent solenoid 36 through a series diode 37 to produce accumulation of credits corresponding to eight plays for 75 cents. The credit ratchet 77, FIG. 2, is then actuated to register eight credits, each credit being at a further reduced cost per unit. At this time ground potential is applied to both sides of the relay holding coil 34 to maintain this relay deenergized until the 25 -cent momentary contact switch 12 is open. On the other hand, relay holding coil 35 is energized as the coin switch 12 is closed to energize its associated relay contacts 35a and apply ground potential to the other side of relay holding coil 34 through a line 39 and the now closed top tune rotary switch 31 and the now actuated contacts 19d. Relay holding coils 34 and 35 are both approximately 12 volt holding coils and only for a brief time, approximately 90 milliseconds, is the full 28 volts applied across the relay holding coil 35. When ground is removed by opening of switch 12, relay holding coil 34 is then energized to actuate its associated relay contacts 34a and 34b. Relay contacts 34b are associated with the light circuit 15 and this action will deenergize the 50-cent light 32 and energize the 75-cent light 39.

Once again if the depositor decides to make selections at this point, the circuit functions exactly the same as that disclosed above with regard to making selections after the deposit of 25 cents. That is, the first selection then actuates the switch 17 to open the same and deenergize the relay holding coil 16. This removes energy from the light indicating circuit and terminates the possibility of any further coin accumulation of credits at a reduced cost per unit credit. However, if a fourth quarter is inserted, the circuit operation continues as follows.

The 25-cent momentary switch 12 is closed for the fourth time to apply power to relay holding coil 40 through the now energized relay contacts 20a, diode 33, the now actuated relay contacts 34a through a line 41 to the relay holding coil 40. Relay holding coil 40 then actuates its associated relay contacts 40a, 40b and 40c. Relay contacts 40c deenergize the 75-cent light 39 and energize the 1 dollar light 42 of the light circuit 15. Any further deposits of quarters after energization of the one dollar relay 40 is of no relevance to the circuit and no further decrease in unit price is obtained. However accumulation of 1 dollar credit allows the depositor to make twelve record selections which is a reduced unit cost as compared to 25, 50 or 75-cent accumulations.

Upon actuation of the first record selection the 10-cent credit switch 17 opens and relay holding coil 16 is deenergized which, in turn, deenergizes whichever light is energized in the light circuit 15. Relay holding coils 19, 20, 34 and 40 remain energized. The top tune switch 31 maintains relay holding coil 20 energized until such time as less than 50 cents worth of credits is sensed by the accumulator wheel. When the number of selections is reduced to the point where top tune switch 31 opens, relay holding coil 40 is deenergized thereby discharging a capacitor 44 through its series connected resistor 46 and the now deactuated relay contacts 40b and the 75-cent solenoid coil 36. This will then energize the solenoid coil 36 a second time to actuate up to eight credits on the ratchet 77. Therefore, after selecting four record selections from the allotted 12, relay holding coil 36 is then recycled to again insert automatically four additional record selections in the accumulator to make available to the user of the juke box a total of 12 credits. That is, actual credit accumulation is effective only up to eight credits. Upon selecting four of the credits top tune switch 31 opens and deenergizes relay holding coil 40 which, in turn, discharges capacitor 44 to again energize the relay holding coil 36 and reinsert an additional four credits within the credit wheel. Therefore, the circuit arrangement 10 accumulates credits in 25-cent increments up to 1 dollar. However, accumulation of one dollar credit can be accomplished with two 50-cent coins in which case the circuit operation is as follows.

Deposit of the first 50-cent coin will momentarily close switch 13 to apply power to relay holding coil 16 through a diode 48. This then actuates its associated contacts 16a and 16c to apply power to the light circuit 15 and maintain the holding coil energized. Power is also applied through the normally closed contacts 20b through a diode 49 and closed contacts 19b to energize the 25 -cent solenoid coil 18 and apply ground to the other side of the relay holding coil 19. Energization of 25-cent solenoid coil 18 also closes the switch 26. Similarly, ground potential is applied to the other side of relay holding coil 20 through the diode 22 and energization of the 50-cent solenoid coil 23 is obtained. The light 32 of lighting circuit 15 is energized to give visual indication that 50-cent credit is accumulated.

A second deposit of a 50-cent coin actuates the switch 13 a second time to then apply a voltage to relay holding coil 40 through the diode 25, now closed contacts 19b, the series diode 33 and the closed contacts 34a. This then actuates the accumulator circuit to register a 1 dollar credit for the user. Selection of the 12 credits is the same as that mentioned with respect to accumulation of 12 credits by deposit of four quarters.

Therefore, any combination of quarters and half dollars can be inserted into the coin accumulation circuit to register credits up to and including a total sum of 1 dollar. If two quarters are inserted, then a half dollar, the circuit operates the same as the first two quarters mentioned above and the second half dollar described in connection with insertion of the two half dollars above. If a 50-cent coin is inserted first followed by two quarters, these first and second quarters function the same as the third and fourth quarters mentioned above when four quarters are inserted. Therefore, the circuit arrangement of this invention provides a simple method for keeping track of the number of coins deposited as well as the type of coin so deposited and giving credits to the depositor in accordance with the value of each coin and in accordance with the total accumulation of the coins up to a maximum value.

As mentioned above, the coin accumulator circuit 10 includes an input terminal 14 to receive a pulse signal from a bill reader device, not shown, which will apply a positive or ground pulse to the control circuit. The ground pulse applied to terminal 14 is delivered through the diode 52 and series connected contacts 20a and 19a to energize the solenoid coil 18 for a 25-cent credit, and to place ground potential on both sides of the relay holding coil 19 to set the circuit. A ground path is also applied through a diode 53 and the diode 33, through the closed contact 34a, and through the diodes 37 and 38 to energize the solenoid 36 and relay holding coil 35, respectively. This action will provide a 75-cent credit and set the circuit to receive the 1 dollar credit. The ground pulse from terminal 14 is delivered through the diode 50 directly to the relay holding coil 40 to energize the same which, in turn, will energize the one dollar indicating lamp 42 of the light circuit 15 and provide a charge path for capacitor 44 to ultimately discharge into solenoid coil 36 for the 1 dollar credit.

When the positive ground pulse at terminals 14 and 27 is removed, relay holding coils 20 and 34 are then energized and the contact 20a and L. P. switch 31a are closed to allow the depositor to make these particular kinds of selections if desired. With the maximum amount of credits registered on the ratchet elements 70, 71 and 77, FIG. 2, an L. P. selection will cause three successive energizations of the cancel solenoid 80 to cause rotation of the cancel wheel 74 in the direction of the arrowed line 81, FIG. 4, with a maximum of five L. P. selections being available for a 1 dollar credit.

The terminal 59 applies ground to relay 40 through diode 54 and closed contacts 40a to prevent relay 40 from dropping out during the running of the L. P. cancel motor. The one dollar credit accumulation relay 40 is held energized by the top tune switch 31 and with five L. P. selections available the cancel pulses operate as follows. The first L. P. selection will cause three cancel pulses to energize the cancel solenoid 80, FIGS. 4 and 5, three successive times. The second L. P. selection will also cause three cancel pulses to energize the cancel solenoid 80, three successive times, with the second of these opening the top tune switch 31. However, ground is still applied to relay holding coil 40 through the terminal 56 via the diode 54 and the now closed contact 40a. When ground is removed from terminal 56, capacitor 44 discharges through resistor 46 to again energize the solenoid coil 36 and reset the accumulator to eight credits. The third L. P. selection will cancel the next three credits 8, 7 and 6, while the fourth L. P. selection will cancel the next three credits 5, 4 and 3. The last L. P. selection will cancel credits 2 and 1 while the third cancellation thereof is ineffective.

In a similar manner the top tune selection will provide a given set of records to be played for the given credit of 1 dollar. For example, after four credit cancellations have taken place ground is removed from relay holding coil 40 momentarily to cause capacitor 44 to discharge through resistor 46, contacts 40b and diode 47 to again energize the solenoid coil 36 for the maximum amount of credits.

Energization of relay 60 then closes the associated contacts 60b to energize the coin reject solenoid 57 so that any further insertion of coins by the user will cause the coins to be returned without credit accumulation within the circuit. Relay 60 remains energized through contacts 60a and switch 26 until after the second last cancel. This feature prevents one from inserting 1 dollar accumulated credits and then writing off four credits by making four selections and thereafter inserting a fifth quarter to achieve additional selections at the much reduced cost per unit credit.

To prevent for arc suppression and to prevent rapid collapse of the magnetic field within the relays and solenoid coils, diodes may be provided connected in parallel therewith. For example, the relay coil 16 may be shunted by a diode 81, while the solenoid coil 36 may be shunted by a diode 82. In a similar manner the relay holding coil 40 is shunted by a diode 83. To prevent feedback from terminal 59 into the circuit connected to terminal 27, a blocking diode 86 is connected therebetween. This then allows a positive pulse to flow from terminal 27 into the diode 86 while no pulse can flow from terminal 59 into the diode. Also, a current limiting resistor 87 is connected in series with the credit indicating lamps of the light circuit 15 to limit the current flow therethrough thereby increasing the usable life of such lamps.

While the credit accumulation circuit of FIG. 1 can be used with most any type of mechanical credit register mechanism, the particular apparatus associated therewith is shown in FIGS. 2-6. A vertical support wall 90 has a transverse shaft 91 extending therethrough on both sides thereof. On one side of the wall 90, as shown in FIG. 2, three accumulator ratchets 71, 70 and 77 are rotatably mounted on the shaft and are associated with accumulator stop tabs 92, 93 and 94, respectively. The stop tabs 92-94 are preset to a given position to allow rotation of the accumulator ratchet about the shaft 91 for a given distance which will correspond to the number of credits set therein. For example, the outermost ratchet 77 is typical and includes an extended tab portion 77a which engages the stop tab 92 upon energization of the solenoid coil 36. This then sets the accumulator with eight credits corresponding to 75-cent accumulation or sets in eight credits corresponding to a dollar accumulation, which would then include the subsequent four credits obtained by the discharge of capacitor 44 through solenoid coil 36, as mentioned above.

The actual physical location of switch 26 is shown in FIG. 2 and is closed upon energization of solenoid 18 which, in turn, causes the ratchet 70 to rotate to have the end thereof engage the stop tab 93 and close the switch 26. Rotation of each of the ratchets is accomplished by an associated spring, for example the ratchet 77 is provided with an elongated coil spring 96 anchored at one end to a tab 97 on the vertical support wall 90 and at the other end to a stud 98 on the ratchet 77. Each of the ratchets is thus provided with force producing means to rotate the same on the shaft 91. Once the ratchet is set by rotation, the number of credits will correspond to the number of teeth 100 which pass a holding pin 101 of an escapement arm 102. That is, for each tooth 100 which passes the holding pin there will be a unit credit registered in the credit accumulator mechanism.

The cancel ratchet wheel 74 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is then ratcheted in the opposite direction from that of the initial movement of ratchets 71, 70 and 77 to cancel the credits registered therein. For example, the pawl 103 is urged downward and forward by energization of the solenoid 80 through the linking arms 104 and 105, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to move the wheel 74 in the direction of the arrowed line 79 one ratchet tooth distance for each solenoid energization. This will cause corresponding movement of the ratchet or ratchets 71, 70 and 77 depending on which are actuated to an accumulated position.

The escapement arm 102 has the upper end thereof engaging a holdback arm 110, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, with a pin 111 resting on the top surface 112 of the arm 110. A spring 113 is connected to the arm 102 to cause the arm 102 to pivot about its mounting post 114 which, in turn, causes the pin 101 to engage the ratchet teeth 100 of the ratchet member 77. This will cause the pin to hold the ratchet in position after each credit cancellation is achieved. A notch 116 is formed in the arm 110, as shown in FIG. 2, and the pin 111 engages the notch to hold the pin 101 away from the ratchet teeth 100 upon initial actuation of the ratchet member 77. This will prevent the pin 101 from inadvertently hanging up on one of the teeth to stop the ratchet member at some intermediate position shorter than the desired amount of travel for the necessary credit accumulation.

Only the essential elements necessary for an understanding of the mechanical credit accumulator are disclosed herein. However, the credit accumulator circuit of FIG. 1 can be used to operate substantially any type of mechanical credit accumulator as desired. Therefore, what has been described is a simple and efficient credit accumulator circuit arrangement whereby credits up to a predetermined number are registered in the accumulator upon actuation of associated coin switches. The coin switches are responsive to quarter and half dollar coins and accumulation up to and including the maximum amount of one dollar, or other bill value, is accomplished. Also, a bill reader may be used to energize the entire circuit by a single pulse which is generated by a bill insertion. Accordingly, variations and modifications of this invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. In a coin accumulation circuit and apparatus to receive coins to actuate credit register means, the combination including credit accumulation means, first energizable circuit means responsive to a first coin actuated switch means to register a number of credits on said credit accumulation means, first setting means responsive to said first coin actuated switch to set the accumulator circuit in readiness to receive an additional coin, second energizable circuit means responsive to a subsequent actuation of said first coin actuated switch means through said first setting means to register a further number of credits on said credit accumulator means, a second coin actuated switch means connected in circuit with said second energizable circuit means to energize the same directly in response to a single actuation of said second corn actuated switch, second setting means responsive to both a single actuation of said second coin actuated switch and a subsequent actuation of said first coin actuated switch to set the accumulator circuit in readiness to receive an additional coin, third energizable circuit means responsive to a second subsequent actuation of said first coin actuated switch means through said second setting means during one instance and responsive to the single actuation of said first and second coin actuated switches during another instance to register a further number of credits on said credit accumulator means, third setting means responsive to both instances of energizing said third energizable circuit means to set the accumulator circuit in readiness to receive an additional coin, and fourth setting means responsive to a third subsequent actuation of said first coin actuated switch means through said second and third setting means during one instance and being responsive to a first subsequent actuation of said second coin actuated switch during another instance for registering a further and maximum number of credits on said credit accumulator means.

2. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 1 further including an input circuit terminal for connection to a bill reader, said input circuit terminal being connected in circuit with said third energizable circuit means and said fourth setting means to energize the same directly in response to a single input signal at said input circuit terminal.

3. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 2 further including diode circuit means connected from said input circuit terminal to said first setting means and to said third energizable circuit means and said fourth setting means to apply unidirectional current pulses thereto.

4. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 1 further including charging circuit means to be charged in response to energization of said fourth setting means, cancel switch means responsive to the cancellation of credits from said credit accumulator to be actuated upon decreasing the number of credits to a predetermined number, a circuit line connected between said cancel switch means and said forth setting means to deenergize the same, and a discharge path from said charging circuit means to said third energizable circuit means to again energize the same and reestablish in said credit accumulator the number of credits previously cancelled to thereby achieve the maximum number of credits obtainable by said credit accumulator.

5. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third energizable circuit means are formed by solenoid coils and said first, second, third and fourth setting means are formed of electromagnetic relay circuits.

6. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first coin actuated switch means is responsive to a 25-cent coin and said second coin actuated switch means is responsive to a 50-cent coin.

7. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 6 wherein the energization of said fourth setting causes indication of a maximum accumulated amount of coins to equal a one dollar value.

8. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 1 wherein the total cost of each credit set into said credit accumulator means decreases correspondingly with the sequential energization of said first, second and third energizable circuit means and said fourth setting means.

9. In a coin accumulator circuit and apparatus to receive coins to actuate credit accumulation means, the combination including first circuit means to be actuated by a coin of a first kind to register a number of credits, each credit costing a first amount, second circuit means to be actuated by a coin of a second kind to register a number of credits with each credit costing a second amount but less than said first amount, third circuit means to be actuated by bill reading means to register a number of credits with each costing a third amount but less than said second amount, interconnecting circuit means having first and second circuit portions, said first circuit portion connected between said first and second circuit means to energize said first circuit means in response to actuation of said second circuit means when a coin of said second kind is sensed, and said second circuit portion connected between said third and said first and second circuit means to energize said first and second circuit means in response to energization of said third circuit means when a bill is sensed, and setting means connected in circuit with said first and second circuit means to be responsive to coin deposits up to the value of the bill sensed by the bill reading means.

10. The coin accumulator circuit and apparatus of claim 9 wherein setting means includes a first relay circuit means responsive to a first subsequent deposit of a coin of said first kind to energize said second circuit means, and a second relay circuit means responsive to second and third subsequent deposits of coins of said first kind to energize said third circuit means, thereby registering an accumulation of credits equal to that obtainable by said third circuit means when energized by said bill reader.