Importance

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Abstract

A control device for a vending machine for setting prices and storing prices in a memory with a price-setting mode, a price verification mode and a product-vending mode. In the product-vending mode, actuation of a selection switch provides a momentary pulse through the vending circuit to enable a price to be loaded into a register for subsequent comparison with accumulated credit. That pulse is so short that a product is not vended; but it is sufficiently large to keep leakage from simulating it. Switches select the locations in memory where prices are stored, and further switches are provided to set the prices in those locations. The control device automatically responds to actuation of any of these switches to shift from the product-vending to the price-setting mode. Coin tube inventory switches are provided which have a dual function, namely, effecting emptying of the coin tubes and also placing the control device in the price verification mode. The control device is also responsive to the insertion of a coin or to the pressing of the cancel sale button to automatically take the vending machine out of the price-setting or price verification mode and place it in the product-vending mode. In the product-vending mode, the availability of coins will determine which coins will be used in dispensing the change -- three dimes being used to provide thirty cents in change if the nickel tube is empty.

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First Claim