US2776074A - Beverage vending machine - Google Patents

Description

k- -mlb BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 11, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 if I 1 I N V EN TOR.

Jan. 1, 1957 E. J. s-r. LAURENCE 2,776,074

BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 11, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

Jan. 1, 1957 E. J. s'r. LAURENCE 2,776,074

BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 11, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

MJZJAZZWM Jan. 1, 1957 E. J. s'r. LAURENCE BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 11, 1953 INVENTOR. I fiWJ/JZZWM Jan. 1, 1957 E. J. ST. LAURENCE 2,776,074

BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE B9 INVENTOR.

United States Patent BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE Ernest J. St. Laurence, Minneapolis,

Practical Products Company, sota Miun., assignor to a corporation of Minne- Application June 11, 1953, Serial No. 360,885

Claims. (Cl. 222-2) different syrups selectively, a total of four differently flavored carbonated beverages are available.

It is well known that some flavors, such as grape and orange, are equally palatable when used with noncarbonated water or with carbonated water. In fact, many persons prefer these flavors in a noncarbonated drink. The primary object of my invention is, therefore, the provision of a drink vending machine which will provide drinks of various flavors with a choice of carbonated or noncarbonated water.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a drink vending machine, of the above type, which will automatically dispense a flavored drink upon insertion of a coin and the selection of a flavor and type of water without permitting the various flavors or the types of water to be mixed in any one drink.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a multiple drink vending machine, as set forth, which is highly efficient in operation, rugged in construction and durable in use. i

The above and still further highly important objects and advantages of my invention will become-apparent from the following detailed specification, appended claims and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the invention, and in which like characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a view in front elevation of a multiple drink vending machine built in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. l with some parts removed;

Fig. 3 is a view in front elevation of the machine. of Fig. 1 showing the door thereof in an open position and exposing some of the interior mechanism thereof;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of my improved machine; and

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram.

Referring with greater detail to the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates in its entirety a generally rectangular cabinet having opposed side walls 2, a back wall 3, top and bottom walls 4 and 5, respectively, and an open front normally closed by a door 6 hinged to one of the side walls 2, as indicate dat 7.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, a coin is inserted into the coin slot after which a manually operable selector is manipulated to initiate a cycle of operation of the machine. This cycle of operation comprises the dispensing of a paper cup, or the like, X to a drink dispensing zone, and the dispensing of a predetermined quantity of selected base liquid, such as plain water or carbonated water, and a predetermined quantity of the selected flavoring ingredient into said cup. With reference to Fig-s. 1 and 3 it will be seen that the door 6 is provided with an opening 8 behind which is situated a cup-supporting platform 9 which underlies a cup-dispensing mechanism 10. A funnel-like element 11 guides cups discharged by the cup-dispensing mechanism to their proper receiving positions on the platform 9. The cup-dispensing mechanism 10 comprises a plurality of tubular cup magazines 12 and a dispensing head 13 driven by an electric motor, or the like, 14. With reference to Fig. 3 it will be seen that one of the magazines 12 is broken away to show the cups therein positioned to be dispensed singly to the drink dispensing zone directly behind the opening 8 in the door 6. A coin receiver and changer 15 is mounted on the inner side of the door 6 and is adapted to receive coins dropped into the slot 16 in the door 6. The numeral 17, Fig. 1, indicates a coin-return'chute leading from the coin-operated mechanism 15. Said coin-operated mechanism may be of any of the well known commercial types which include coin-operated switches, slug rejecting mechanism and coin return mechanism. The coin changer 15 together with the cup-dispensing mechanism 10, which is also conventional, do not in themselves comprise the instant invention. Hence, for the sake of brevity, it is not deemed necessary to describe the same in greater detail.

The cabinet 1 is adapted to contain a plurality of flavoring ingredient tanks 18, I) and 20, the flavoring ingredients contained therein being preferably in the form of syrups. The containers 18, 19 and 20 are preferably connected by means of branch conduits 21, 22 and 23, respectively, to a source of gas under pressure in the nature of a storage tank 24. As shown, the conduits 21, 22 and 23 are coupled to a manifold 25 which communicates with the interior of the tank 24 through a conduit 26 and a valve, or the like, 27. A pressure regulator valve 28 serves to keep the pressure within the tanks 18, 19 and 20 at a predetermined level. The syrups are delivered to the dispensing zone through conduits from their respective syrup containers through a cooling tank 29, wherein the syrups are cooled before each is dispensed into a cup X in the dispensing zone. For the purpose of the present example it will be seen that only two such syrup containers are shown in the diagram of Fig. 5, for instance the containers 18 and 19. With further reference to Fig. 5 it will be seen that the syrup conduits leading from the syrup containers 18 and 19 are identified as 36 and 31, respectively, and have interposed intermediate their ends solenoid-operated valves 32 and 33, respectively. The cooler 29 is of more or less conventional design and is coupled to a refrigerating unit indicated in its entirety at 34, see Fig. 2. As

constant level by a check valve 38, see Fig. 5.

.duit 39 and is controlled by mechanism hereinafter to there shown, the cooler 29 overlies the refrigerating unit 34 and is situated directly behind the cup-guiding funnel 11. Also mounted in the cooler 29 is a carbonator 35, which is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5, and which is connected with a suitable source of water under pressure by means of a conduit 36. A pump 37 is interposed in the conduit 36 and supplies water to the carbonator at the extreme pressure necessary for good carbonation. This pressure is maintained at "a relatively A conduit 39 for carbonated water extends outwardly from the carbonator 35 to the dispensing zone immediately above a cup which is positioned in the dispensing zone. A solenoid-operated valve 40 is interposed in the con- Patented Jan. 1, 1957 be described. A branch conduit 41 is connected to the water pipe, or conduit 36, andextends to the dis pensing zone where it terminates adjacent the delivery ends of, the syrup conduits 30 ,and :31 and, the: carbonated waterrconduit 39.; A solenoid-,operated-valve 426s inter-"- posed innthe conduit 41' for-icontrolling the flowrtherethrough. Itq will be, notedwithreference-toe the-dieagrarn ofrFig- 5 thatzportionshof :eachrof the cyrupv con duits \30 1; and. 31 the carbonated water conduit @319 and the-noncarbona-tedt-water, conduit 41- aretcontaincd withinc the-cooler-s29r- With.--;this arrangement, all of the ingredientswhich go -into the variousidrinks are kep t'in mined pressure.- The'carbon.dioxide-furthen serves-asa preservative forhthe syrups in their respective containers.

The selection of a particular drinkjis made by manipulation of a selected one of a plurality of actuators in the nature of-selector switches,- each operated by a different one of a plurality-of push buttons, or.-the like, 45, 46, 47and 48," preferably mounted-=on theidoort-iof the cabinet, see Fig 1. Forthepurpose-of,thevpresentexample, it may be assumed that the button-45, is opg eratively associated with a selector switch 49,- closing. of which will cause delivery-fa predetermined"quantity:

of plain water -and.flavoring ingredient, such: as grape;

the push button 46 being operatively associated-,witha selector switchrfitl 'to cause delivery of a-predeternnned quantity of plain water and a different flavoring-ingredient, such as orange; the button 47 being operatively associated witha selector switch 51 to causeadclivery of a predetermined quantityofcarbonated-waterand a grape-flavoring ingredient; and the button 48being associatedtwith a selector switch 52, the closing ofwhich wi-ll'cause delivery ofapredetermined quantity of care. bonated water and orange.flavoring ingredient; Thus,

the push -button-45and its associated selectorswitch 49 control operation ofthe valves 32. and -42 to.deliver.the

said plain water and grape flavoring ingredient; the button 46- and its associated selector switch: 50,. control operation of the valves 33 and 42 to. causezdelivery of I plain AVfliBI and the orange flavoring-ingredient;ttheupush button 47 and the selector-switch51-,control the-.values 32 and 40'to cause delivery of-carbonatedwater andgrape flavoring-ingredient; andthe button 48rand selector switch 52 control the-valves' 33 and-40 to cause-deliveryofcarbonated water andorange flavoring ingredientw Upon: insertion of-a ,coin into the coin slot 16 ,andethe. selection-"of a particular drink, and prior -to.-the;dispensing of the selected-drink,-,the motor 14operates thecup:

dispensing .mcch-anism -10"to dispense. a cup -Xrinto,the

dispensing zone underlying the,disoharge:ends of the,

various-conduits 30,131; 39 --and, 41. The.entire timingv of the cycle of operation is governediby-agroup ofrcams 53,- 54-and 55-which aremotor driven at apredetermined speed, preferably fromthe motor'14. Preferably,v

and as shown; the cam-=53 governors thezactual delivery; of a cup to its supporting platform- 9 and ;,the opening; of-' the valves fortheselectedtwaterg andfiavoring ingre- The cams 54. and:155i"are utilizedwtowterminate dient. thecycle of operation and set up'th'e machineifonin-i itiation of a a new cycle 0f operation upon the insertion With "reference tor-Fig: 6 it will of a subsequent coin. be seen that thecam 53operates adwo-position switch 6 comprising a removable contact element-"57 and-stationary contact elements 58iand 597'. The cam; 54'7op-' crates a two-position switch' 60., comprising-a movable contact element 61 and stationary contact'element's 62" 4: and 63. The cam 55 likewise operates a two-position switch 64 comprising a contact element 65 movable between relatively stationary contact elements 66 and 67. The above-mentioned switches 56, 60 and 64 are interposed in circuits hereinafter to be described in detail.

A normally open, coin 7 closed, momentary contact switch 68 comprises part of the coin receiving and changing unit 15 and mayybepassumed to -lie -in1the path of travel of a coin received by the unit 15 to be momentarily closedtherebyu Then-switch 68 -is interposed in a -circuit which includes a lead-69; the'coil ofacoin-operated relay 70 and a portion of a lead 71 which is connected to one side. 72 ,ofasource. of electrical :potentiaLisuch as a conventional power line, the other side of which is designated by thereference-character-73. It will be noted that the other end of the lead 69 is connected directly to the line or side 73 of the power source.

The, coin-operated relay-70, whenenergi zed, closes ta normally-openswitch 74 which is ,interposedin awcircuit'. comprising a portionofthezleadfll, avlead.i75, the.con-. tacts 61 and 63 of the cam'operated switch 60,,the coilt of a holding relay, 76; a 1ead177, and azportion-of-a lead 78,- one end. of which is connected to therap ower line 73, The holding relay 76 includesa holding switchgi79 andah selector actuator switch 80,-, both Of WhiCh areclosede, uponvenergization of the relay 76.- Initially, the;coil;, of therelay 76'ismaintainedenergized through a holding,; circuit comprising;a portion of the leadt7l, thecontacts 61 and63v of the .cam-operatedsswitch .60.,ca.;lead;81, in whichzthe holding switch 79 ;is interposed,and:a portion; ofthe'lead 78;

The selector actuator switch :80, when closed,- renders operativeithe several: selector, switches 49,- 50,-51,and 52,1, as follows: The selector, actuator switch-'80 ,is interposed in:a leadi82'lwhich.is connected-'10 the-power. lead 71"- and a movable contact 83 of the.switch;.49..,i. Ituwill be, noted. that thelswitch: 49xis' a? two-.positionswitch, the member 83' being. movable: betweenvrelatively' stationary contact elements 84 and 85u. Similarly,. the. selectorswitch 50 isa two-positionswitch-:comprisinga contact element, 86 movable between relatively: stationary t con tact elements 87 and'88i The selectonswitchSl comprises acontact element 89 *movable betweenrelatively stat-ionar-ycontact' elements 90 and a 91."- The selector switch 52 is a single,throw-switch'icomprising a movable: contact element 92 movable into and out -of circuitclos--- ing engagement .with'. a relativelystationary contact element 93'; The movable contact 86,'-:.of 'the'switch'50, is connected to the contactelement- 84- 015 the switch 49 by a lead 94. A lead 95 extends from-the contact ele-- ment 87,'- of the switch "50,- to the movable-contact element -89 of the'switch'51, alead96extends-from thefixed contact element 90, of the switch "51, to the movable element 92 ot the selector switch-52. Normally; the contacts 83 and '84 of-the'switch 49, the contacts-86 and 8'7 of-the"switch"50; and'the' contacts 89 and'90- of the switch 5'1'are closed. Obviously, if any one'of theswitches 49,-"- 50' or 51' are moveddepositions-wherein their movable contact elements 83; 86 and*89,"respec-' tively, come into operative engagement with their 'respective contacts 85; 88and 91, the circuit will be broken to allisubsequent switches in the seriesn Thus;.if"'the switch"contact83"is moved out of engagement with'the switch contact 84, the remaining switchestSO', 51'gor 52 of the series will be rendered'inoperative and only the drink controlled by the selector switch 49"will1be dispensed. Means for rendering .the preceding selector switches of the series, inoperative, upon-closing of'any one after the first; will'be hereinafter described in detail.

A control relay 97 'is operatively associatedlwith the. selector switch 49, and has its. winding interposed; in a circuit 98' which includes, a portion ofjth'e lead 71;,the selector, Actuator switch 80, the leadi82, the contacts" 83'f,andl 85ijof theswitchj 49, a lead 98 and-a portion of the power lead'78. A second control relay-'99has its winding interposed in a circuit including a portion of the power lead 71, the selector actuator switch 80, the lead 82, the contacts 83 and 84 of the switch 49, the lead 94, the contacts 86 and 88 of the switch 50, a lead 100 and a portion of the power lead 78. A third control relay 101 has its winding interposed in a circuit comprising a portion of the power lead 71, the selector actuator switch 80, the lead 82, the normally closed contacts of the switch 49, the lead 94, the normally closed contacts of the selector switch 50, the lead 95, the contacts 89 and 91 of the selector switch 51, a lead 102 and a portion of the power lead 78. A fourth control device or relay 103 has its winding interposed in a circuit including a portion of the power lead 71, the selector actuator switch 80, the leads 82, 94, 95 and 96, the normally closed contacts of the selector switches 49, 50 and 51, the switch 52, a lead 104 and the power lead 78.

The relay 97 includes a holding switch 105, a valve control switch 106 for the solenoid-operated flavoring ingredient or syrup valve 32, a control switch 107 for the solenoid-operated plain water control valve and a motor control switch 108. The control relay 99 includes a holding switch 110, a control switch 111 for the solenoidoperated syrup valve 33, a control switch 112 for the solenoid-operated plain water valve 42 and a control switch 113 for the motor 14. The control relay 101 includes a holding switch 114, a control switch 115 for the syrup valve 32, a control switch 116 for the solenoidoperated carbonated water control valve 40 and a control switch 117 for the motor 14. The control relay 103 includes a holding switch 118, a control switch 119 for the syrup valve 33, a control switch 120 for the carbonated water valve 40 and a control switch 121 for the motor 14.

Energization of the relay 97 causes a holding circuit therefor to be closed through its holding switch 105, said holding circuit comprising a portion of the power lead 71, part of the lead 75, a short lead 122, the contacts 65 and 66 of the switch 64, a lead 123, a short lead 124 in which the switch 105 is interposed, the winding of the relay 97, a portion of the lead 98 and part of the power lead 78. It will be noted that the lead 123 is provided with several branches terminating in the contact 62 of the cam-operated switch 60 and both contacts 66 and 67 of the cam-operated switch 64. Energization of the control relay 99 causes closing of the holding switch 110 to establish a holding circuit for the winding of the relay 99, said circuit including a lead 125 connected to the lead 123, and a portion of the lead 100 which is connected to the power lead 78. Similarly, when the relay 101 is energized, a holding circuit is established therefor to the holding switch 114, which circuit includes, a lead 126 which has one end connected to the lead 123 and a portion of the lead 102, said lead being connected to the power lead 78. The holding switch 118 is closed by energization of the relay 103 and is interposed in the lead 123, the circuit thereof including, a portion of the lead 104 and the lead 78. Obviously, the holding circuits for the control relays 97, 99, 101 and 103 further include a portion of the power lead 71, part of the lead 75 and the contacts 65 and 66 of the cam-operated switch 64.

The several solenoid-operated dispensing valves 32, 33, 40 and 42 are interposed in parallel circuits which include the power lead 71 and a common lead 127, in which is interposed the contact elements 57 and 59 of the cam-operated switch 56. The lead 127 is connected at one end to the power line 73. The solenoid associated with the syrup valve 32, indicated at 32', is interposed in a lead 128, which is connected at one end to the common lead 127 and at its other end to the power lead 71, and in which is interposed in series therewith, the, valve control switch 106. The solenoid for the syrup valve 33, indicated at 33', is interposed in a lead 129 which extends from the power lead 71 to the lead 127. The control switch 111 for the control relay 99 is also interposed in the lead 129 in series with the solenoid 33'. The solenoid for the plain water dispensing valve 42, indicated at 42', is interposed in a lead 130 in series with the control switch 107, said lead 130 extending from the power lead 71 to the lead 127. The solenoid for the carbonated water dispensing valve 40, indicated at 40, is interposed between one end of the lead 127 and a lead 131 extending to the power lead 71 through the control switch 116. The syrup dispensing valve 32, in addition to being rendered operative by the closing of the control switch 106, may also be rendered operativeby the closing of control switch which is interposed in a lead 132 that extends from the power lead 71 to the lead 128 between the solenoid 32 and the control switch 106. In like manner, the syrup dispensing valve 33, in addition to being energized by closing of the control switch 111 may also be energized by closing of the control switch 119 which is interposed in a lead 133 that extends from the power lead 71 to the lead 129 between the solenoid 33 and the control switch 111. The solenoid 42', in addition to being energized by the control switch 107, as above described, may also be energized by closing of the control switch 112 which is interposed in a lead 134 extending from the power lead 71 to the lead between the solenoid 42' and the control switch 107. The carbonated water dispensing valve 40 is also controlled by a control switch 120 that is interposed in a lead 135 that extends from the power lead 71 to the lead 131 between the solenoid 40' and the control switch 116. From the above it will be seen that energization of any one of the control relays 97, 99,101 and 103 will cause energization of a predetermined pair of valve-operating solenoids 32, 33, 40 or 42' to open their respective valves to dispense the selected combination of base liquid and flavoring syrup.

The motor 14 is interposed in a circuit comprising a portion of the lead 127 between its connection to the power line 73 and the cam-operated switch 56, a lead 136 connected to said portion of the lead 127, and the power lead 71 through the several control switches 108, 113, 117 and 121 in parallel arrangement, whereby, closing of any one of said switches will cause the motor 14 to function. It will be noted that the control switch 108 is interposed in the lead 136 between the motor and the connection of the lead 136 to the power lead 71, whereas the control switches 113, 117 and 121 are connected between the lead 136 and the power lead 71 by short leads 137, 138 and 139, respectively. The several switches 108, 113, 117 and 121 serve to energize the cup-dispensing mechanism 10 responsive to closing of the switch contact elements 57 and 58, the cup-dispensing mechanism preferably containing a control circuit including said switches, the power lead 71, a portion of the lead 136, and a lead 140 extending therefrom to the switch contact 58 of the cam-operated switch 56.

Operation Assuming that the power lines 72 and 73 are connected to a source of electrical potential, the purchaser places a coin of suitable denomination into the coin slot 16. The coin momentarily closes the switch 68 to energize the relay 70 to close the normally open switch 74. This closing of the switch 74 energizes the holding relay 76 which closes its holding switch 79 and selector actuator switch 80, the above-mentioned functions being performed almost instantaneously. The machine is now ready to operate upon the selection of a beverage. The purchaser presses one of the buttons 45, 46, 47 or 48 to select the desired beverage. Assuming that the beverage desired is that which contains plain water and grape flavoring, the purchaser presses the button 45 whichoperates the selector switch 49, thus moving the movable contact element 83 into engagement with the fixed contact element 85 to energize the control relay 97 and close the several switches 105, 106, 107 and 108 thereof. It "should here be noted that, movement of the movable contact element 83 out of engagement with the fixed contact element 84, of the switch 49, breaks the circuit to the other selector switches 50, 51 and 52 so that these switches are inoperative to dispense a second drink simultaneously with the selected drink. At the time of making selection, it should be noted that the contacts 57 and 59, of the cam-operated switch 56, are open so that the selected valves 32 and 42 are inoperative to dispense their respective ingredients. Also, at this time the holding circuit for the relay 76 is closed through the contact elements 61 and 63 of the cam-operated switch 60 and that the holding circuit for the control relay 97 is complete through the contacts 65 and 66 of the cam-operated switch 64. However, the circuit through the cup-dispensing mechanism 10 and the motor 14 is completed and immediate operation of the cup-dispensing mechanism and motor occurs. The cams 53, 54 and 55, being coupled to the motor '14, start rotating immediately, and initial rotary movement of the cam 54 causes operation of its switch 60 to move the contact element 61 out of engagement with the contact 63 and into engagement with the contact element 62 to break the holding circuitfor the holding relay 76 and continue the holding circuit to the selected control relay 97. The cams 54 and 55 are so arranged that the movable contact element 61 moves into engagement with the contact element 62 while contact is maintained between the elements '65 and 66 of the cam-operated switch 64. As soon as a cup is dispensed to the cup-supporting platform 9, the cam 53 is rotated together with the cams 54 and '55 to a point where the contact element '57 moves out of engagement with the element 58 and into operative engagement with the contact element 59, thereby, completing the circuit through the selected valve-operating solenoid 32' and 'through'the selected valve-operating solenoid 42. The solenoids are thus energized to open their respective valves 32 and 42 to cause delivery of the selected syrup and plain water through their respective delivery conduits 30 and 41. The quantity of base liquid and syrup dispensed to the cup X is determined by the rotating cams 53, 54 and 5'5 which rotate in a clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 6. After a predetermined 'drink dispensing interval, the cams will have rotated to a point where the movable contact element 65 of the switch 64 moves out of engagement with the contact element 67 and into the engagement with the contact element '66. During this movement, the holding circuit to the selected control relay 97 is broken and the relay is de-energized. Simultaneously, the movable contact element 61 'of the cam operated switch "60 is moved into engagement with the contact element63 to set up the holding circuit for the holding relay 76'for the next succeeding cycle of operation. De-energization of the relay 97 causes circuits to be broken to the motor 14 and the selected dispensing valves 32 and 42 so that the supply of liquid is terminated. Simultaneously, the switch contact element 57 breaks engagement with the contact element 59 and engages the contact element 58 to act as a further safeguard in setting up the supply of base liquid and syrup and setting up the .circuitto the cup dispensing mechanism 10 for the next succeeding cycle of operation. The operation of the control relays 99, 101 and 103 is identical to that described in connection with the control relay 97 and the selector switch 49. tation of the cams 53, '54 and 55, responsive to' clo'sing of a given selector switch, causes the holding circuit for the holding relay to be broken, so that :in the event one of the selector switches in the series after the selector switch 49 is closed, "as for 'instance the selector switch It should be borne in mind that the immediate 'ro- 8 52, no actuating circuit can be completed because of de-energization of the holding relay 76 and consequent opening of the selector actuator switch 80.

While I have shown a preferred arrangement of mechanism for dispensing a plurality of drink combinations, it should be obvious that certain modifications may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For instance, this arrangement may be used in connection with other syrup-dispensing valves which operate only in cooperation with a predetermined one of the base liquid dispensi'n'g valves 40 or 42. It should also be borne in mind that this arrangement may be extended to include a greater plurality of syrups each with a choice of either plain or carbonated water as a base liquid. Other modifications and arrangements may occur to those skilled in the art, and I do not Wish to be limited by the structure shown and described except as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

l. Ina multiple drink vending machine, a plurality of sources, eachfor a different base ingredient, a plurality of containers, each for a dilierent flavoring ingredient, conduits leading from the sources of base ingredient and said containers of flavoring ingredient to a common dispensing zone, means for dispensing measured quantities of said base and iiavoring ingredients, said means comprising a plurality of valves each associated with a different one ofsaidco'nduits, selector mechanism controlling said valves to dispense a selected drink containing a selected one of said 'base ingredients and a selected one of said flavoring ingredients, said selector mechanism including a plurality o'f-control elements each controlling the valve of a singleon'e of said base ingredient conduits and the valve of a single one of said flavoring ingredient conduits and an actuator for each control element to select the type of drink to be dispensed, each of said control elements being operativ'ely responsive to the actuation of the respective actuator to open the respective valves of the base and flavoring ingredient conduits to dispense the selected drink.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the means for dispensing measured quantiti-esof said base and flavoring ingredients includes power operated mechanism operative responsive to manipulation of one of said control elements to open a selected pair of valves tor a predeterminedinterval.

3. In a multiple drink vending machine, a source of plain water, a source of carbonated water, a plurality of containers each for a diiferen't flavoring ingredient, conduits leading from the sources of plain water and carbonated water and saidcontainersto a common dispensing zone, means for dispensing measured quantities of said waters and flavoring ingredients, said means comprising 'a plurality of valves each associated with a ditferent one of said conduits, and selector mechanism cont-rolling said valves to dispense drinks containing a selected one only of said waters and a selected one only of said flavoring ingredients, said selector mechanism including a plurality of actuators one for each type of drink, a plurality of control devices each for a different one of said actuators and each operative .responsiveto actuation of its respective actuator to open the valve of :a single one of said water conduits and a single one of said flavoring ingredient conduits, and coin-operated mechanism .for rendering said actuators operative to permit dispensing of a selected drink.

4. The structure defined in claim .3 in further combinat-ion with ,power roperated timing mechanism operative responsive to energization of any one of said control devices by its respective actuator to close said valves when a predetermined quantity of water andflavorin g ingredient has been dispensed.

'5. In a multiple drink vending machine, a plurality of sources, each "for adifferent'base ingredient, a plurality of containers, each for a diltere'nt flavoring ingredient, conduit means leading from the sources of base ingredients and said containers of flavoring ingredient to a common dispensing zone, means for dispensing said base and flavoring ingredients, said means comprising a source of electrical potential, a plurality of electrically operated valves each associated with a difierent one of said conduits, and selector mechanism controlling said valves to dispense a drink containing a selected one of said base ingredients and a selected one of said flavoring ingredients, said selector mechanism comprising a plurality of control relays each controlling the valve of a single one of said base ingredient conduits and the valve of a single one of said flavoring ingredient conduits, an actuator for each control relay to select the type of drink to be dispensed,

each of said control relays being operatively responsive 15 2,712,887

to the actuation of the respective actuator to open the respective valves of the base and flavoring ingredient conduits to dispense the selected drink, manually operated selector switches for said actuators, and circuit means including said selector switches and relays and responsive to closing of one of said selector switches to render the remainder of the selector switches inoperative.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,462,019 Bowman Feb. 15, 1949 2,617,510 Little Nov. 11, 1952 2,657,628 Von Stoeser Nov. 3, 1953 King July 12, 1955

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