US3212692A

US3212692A - Stamp dispensing machine

Info

Publication number: US3212692A
Application number: US308396A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ewald A Arp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-09-12
Filing date: 1963-09-12
Publication date: 1965-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 1982-10-19

Description

Oct. 19, 1965 E. A. ARP 3,212,692

STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 12, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 19, 1965 E. A. ARP 3,212,692

STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 12, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FILE .4

INVENTOR. Emua 4. 42p

Z WWMM E. A. ARP v STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 12, 1963 ig r b mp k d l D m w E Oct. 19, 1965 E. A. ARP

STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 12, 1963 INVEN TOR. 57/440 4. A21

BY M AQJM FIG. 1C?

Oct. 19, 1965 ARP STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 12, 1963 IN VENTOR. (I-M440 4. 42

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Oct. 19, 1965 E. A. ARP 3,212,692

STAMP DISPENSING momma Filed Sept. 12, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIE: 1E

5 I] U STAMPS STAMPS STHMP "-0 "non-" f o 5 [l@ l] STAMPS STAMPS STAMP T12314- FIEIJE FIEZZE INVENTOR. E'IVJAD 4. AR

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Oct. 19, 1965 E. A. ARP 3,212,692

STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 12, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet '1 INVENTOR.

fnmzo 4. 42;

lrrazveys m i 9 H United States Patent 3,212,692 STAMP DISPENSING MACHINE Ewald A. Arp, Hopkins, Minn., assignor of one-third each to Arnold W. G. Larsen and Sheldon D. Moody, both of Minneapolis, Minn.

Filed Sept. 12, 1963, Ser. No. 308,396 19 Claims. C1. 226-123) The present application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 857,814, filed December 7, 1959.

The present invention has relation to stamp dispensing machines and more particularly to a stamp dispensing machine which includes a unique mechanism which permits accurate dispensing and counting of three rolls of stamps of dilferent denominations.

Trading stamps have, in recent years, become almost a necessity for most types of businesses in order to attract the consumer. In line with this the stamp companies have found that the volume of stamps has increased to such an extent that there is a need for replacing the old stamps given with a purchase, with stamps of larger denominations. This is in order to cut the amount of paper used as well as make it easier for the retailer and consumer to handle the stamps.

Therefore, stamp companies have started issuing what are known in the trade as HI-D stamps. The stamps now come in three denominations. The conventional stamp for a 10 purchase is still utilized. A second size is given for a dollar purchase and each one equals 10 of the small stamps. The third size utilized, is given for a five dollar purchase and equals 50 of the small stamps.

As many retailers have found it economically necessary to install stamp dispensing machines, it has also been necessary to develop stamp dispensing machines which will hold and dispense all three sizes of the stamps simultaneously. Further many retailers have already provided space for stamp dispensing machines which utilize the old style stamps and therefore the space required by the new stamp dispensers must not exceed that of the old stamp dispensers.

The basic drive of the stamp dispenser of the present application is disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 857,814, filed December 7, 1959, for Stamp Dispensing Machine. The present application represents certain improvements thereon primarily in the electrical controls and counting and stopping mechanisms for the stamp dispenser.

In the present application the amount of the purchase for which the stamps are to be given is punched by the operator on a provided push button keyboard. Each of the push buttons will close a circuit to release a latch mechanism and energize a drive motor for pulling stamps from a storage roll. The motor circuit is completed until the proper number of stamps have been removed from the roll, at which time the motor is de-energized and the latch mechanism is released to stop the stamps from being dispensed. The latch mechanism stops the stamps with the correct number extending beyond the cabinet for the dispenser and with the perforations between two stamps exactly positioned over a provided cutting edge. The stamps extending from the case will then be torn from the roll and given to the purchaser.

The stamps are pulled from the storage roll by a friction drive. The stamps in turn drive a counting mechanism which determines how many stamps are being dispensed. The switch mechanism that is closed by the push buttons is controlled by the stamp counting mechanism. As the stamps are being dispensed the switch is moved a distance proportional to the number of stamps that have been dispensed. When the correct number of stamps ice have been dispensed the latch mechanism is released to stop the stamps so the perforations are aligned with the tearing edges on the housing. A separate switch and counting mechanism is provided for each of the rolls of stamps in the cabinet. The stamps from each roll can be dispensed individually or at the same time as the stamps from the other rolls.

It is an object of the present invention to present a stamp dispenser which incorporated switch and stamp counting mechanism to permit dispensing from three side by side rolls of stamps within a confined space.

In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a stamp dispenser made according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the device in FIG. 2 shown with a cover in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as on line 4-4 in FIG. 2 illustrating switch mechanism utilized for operating the dispenser;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken as on line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken as on line 66 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on substantially/ the same line as FIG. 6 and illustrating typical switch mechanism for operating the stamp dispenser of the present invention with the switch in closed position; FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of the device of FIG. 6 with side support members removed;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken as on line 9-9 in FIG 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the stamp drive counting mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially on the same line as FIG. 10 and showing the latch mechanism for the counting rollers in a released position;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken as on line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of high denomination stamps, each of which is given for a five dollar purchase;

FIG. 15 is a view of high denomination stamps, each of which is given for a one dollar purchase;

FIG. 16 is a view of a regular stamp each of which is given for a ten cent purchase; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the wiring diagram and counter latch mechanism made according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings and the numerals of reference thereon, a stamp dispensing machine illustrated generally at 20 includes an outer cabinet assembly 21. The cabinet assembly has a base member 22 which includes a front wall 23 and

side walls

28, 28.

As shown, three separate rolls of stamps indicated generally at 24 are rotatably mounted about the roller axis adjacent the rear of the cabinet base. A cover assembly 25 is hingedly attached as at 26 to the cabinet base and is movable from closed position as shown in FIG. 2 to an open position as shown in FIG. 3. A cover support 27 can be utilized for holding the cover in its open position.

As shown, the cabinet houses three separate rolls of stamps. The stamps are of different value or denomination. As shown, the first roll of stamps stores a strip 30 of stamps each of which is given for a ten cent purchase. A second roll of stamps stores a strip 31 of stamps, each of which is given for a one dollar purchase, and which is equal to It} of the stamps from strip 30. A third roll of stamps stores a strip 32 of stamps, each of which is given for a five dollar purchase and is equal to fifty of the stamps from strip 38.

Exterior control elements A plurality of push buttons illustrated generally at 33 are mounted on the cover assembly and protrude above the assembly. The push buttons are arranged in three columns. A first column 34 of push buttons is utilized for dispensing stamps from the roll which stores strip 30. A second column 35 of push buttons dispenses strip 31 and a third column 36 of push buttons is utilized for dispensing the strip 32. The numerals indicating the amount of purchase are placed directly on the top of the push buttons. As can be seen column 34 is utilized for purchases below one dollar, column 35 is utilized for purchases from one dollar to ten dollars, and column 36 is utilized for purchases from five dollars to fifty dollars in steps of five dollars. Each column contains ten push buttons. As will be more fully explained later, the push buttons in turn control switches which will energize the dispensing machine and cause the proper number of stamps to be dispensed, corresponding to the push button that is activated. A maximum of ten stamps can be dispensed from each roll during each dispensing cycle. The number of stamps dispensed corresponds to the position of the push button depressed in relation to the front of the cabinet.

A key lock 34 is mounted on the top cover assembly and operates a locking mechanism 40 which will prevent the cover from being opened and also controls a normally closed master electric switch 41 (see FIGS. 4 and 17) for controlling the electric circuit for operating the dispenser.

As perhaps can best be seen in FIG. 4 the key lock 34 in addition to controlling locking mechanism 40 controls a cam lobe 42 which under normal conditions does not contact normally closed microswitch 41. However, with the key in the proper position lobe 42 will contact the microswitch button 43 and open the switch, thus disabling the circuit for the dispenser. This will be the off and locked position for the dispenser when it is left unattended.

The cover assembly also includes a signal light 44 which is lit whenever the motor driving the stamps is energized to indicate that the stamp dispenser is op erating.

Electrical switches and controls The cover assembly 25 is utilized for a housing for the electrical switch controls for controlling the dispensing action of the machine. The cover assembly includes a base member 45 and a cover 46.

The base member 45 of the cover assembly has a button plate 50 upon which a plurality of supports 51 are mounted. The supports in turn support and hold a plurality of track members 52 (three as shown). The track members 52 are arranged to be vertically below the columns of

push buttons

34, 35, and 36, respectively. The track members extend for substantially the length of the column.

In the upper or rear end portion of the cover member a plurality of shaft supports 54 are mounted to the case 50 and a shaft 55 is rotatably mounted through these supports. The shaft 55 supports a plurality of flanged rollers 56. As shown, each of the rollers has a pair of spaced

end flanges

57, 57. The end flanges 57, 57 are provided with a plurality of evenly spaced notches 58 around the periphery thereof. As shown there are three rollers each aligned with one of the track members.

A shaft 61 is rotatably mounted in provided journals 62, 62 at the front of the base member 50 of the cover assembly. The shaft 61 also has three rollers 63 rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the rollers 63 has a pair of

side flanges

64, 64 and the center portion of each of the rollers is provided with an annular groove 65.

4 The rollers 63 and roller 56 longitudinally align. The track members extend between the rollers. The flanges 64 on the rollers 63 have a plurality of evenly spaced notches 66, as do the flanges 57 First, second and third gears 7 8, 71 and 72 are mounted over shaft 61 and each of the gears is drivably mounted to one of the rollers 63. The gears are free to rotate on shaft 61.

First, second and

third belts

73, 74 and 75 respectively are mounted over aligned pairs of rollers, one roller 56 and one roller 63. The belts are driven by their respective rollers 63 through their

respective gears

70, 71 and 72.

Each of the belts or hands is made of an electrical insulating material such as a suitable plastic, and as shown is transparent. The drive belts each carry a plurality of evenly spaced switch assemblies 76 thereon. The switch assemblies include a cross member 85 fixed to the belt and each cross member has opposite end portions 86 that extend beyond the side edges of the belt. The cross members are attached to the belt with rivets. 87.

As shown the drive belts 73, '74 and 75, respectively, are mounted over the track members 52. Each of the track members has a pair of

side frame members

77, 77 with longitudinally extending grooves 80. 80 defined therein adjacent the top thereof. The grooves receive and support the end portions 86 of each cross member and slidably support the upper section of the belt as it moves along the top of the track members.

The end portions 86 of the cross members fit into the notches 66 on rollers 63 and the notches 58 of the rollers 56. The rollers 63 are driven through the

gears

70, 71 and 72 and as the rollers are driven, the belts will be driven positively by the notches and cross members.

Each of the track members 52 includes a pair of

bus bars

81 and 82 respectively, mounted between the

side members

77, 77 thereof and positioned below the top section of the belt mounted on the side member. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bus bars are each mounted to the track member through a pair of longitudinally spaced spring supports 83. The bus bars and spring sup ports are made of electrically conducting material, such: as brass. The spring supports 83, 83 urge the bus bars 81 and 82 of each track toward the other. A center stop member 84 is provided in the track assembly to keep the bus bars 81 and 82 spaced apart as shown in FIG. 6. The bus bars provide switch means to the electrical circuitry of the stamp dispenser.

Each of the cross members 85 on the belts includes a cylindrical boss 98 which is positioned over the longitudinal center of the belt on which it is mounted. Each boss has a provided opening therethrough into which a switch contactor 91 is slidably mounted for movement forward and away from the bus bars 81 and 82. Each of the contactors 91 is frictionally held within its boss through the use of a hairpin type spring 92 (see FIG. 8). The hairpin spring 92 has a leg 93 which passes through a provided notch in the boss 98 and engages its respective contactor 91 to frictionally hold the contactor against the opposite wall of the opening in the boss.

The switch assemblies 76 on each belt are positioned immediately below one of the columns of push buttons and the individual assemblies are spaced apart the same distance as the push buttons. Each of the push buttons will depress the contactor positioned below it when the button is depressed. For each stamp dispensed, the switch assemblies controlling the dispensing will be moved by their belt and belt drive mechanism one position toward the front of the cabinet. The belts are indexed to exactly align the switch assemblies with the push buttons.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, a push button 95 is depressed and will contact a contactor 96 and will force the con tactor down flush with the upper surface of the boss under that push button. The contactor 91 will then be positioned between the bus bars 81 and 82 on that particular track member and will make electrical contact between the bars. This will close a circuit, as will be more fully explained later, which will initiate action to start the dispensing machine.

Stamp Dispensing Drive A main drive motor 100 is mounted in the front part of the cabinet for the dispenser adjacent the front wall 23. The motor 100 has an output shaft that is connected through a centrifugal clutch 101 to a counter shaft 102 which in turn is rotatably mounted in a bracket 103. A sheave 104 is driV-ably mounted on the shaft 102 and a belt 105 is mounted over sheave 104. Belt 105 extends to be mounted over a driven sheave 106 which in turn is drivab-ly mounted to a stamp feed roller 107. The stamp feed roller 107 is rotatably mounted in provided brackets 108, which in turn are mounted onto a base plate 111 that is fixed to provided supports within the cabinet.

The stamp feed roller 107 has three separate annular friction collars 112 mounted thereon. Each of the friction collars 112 is aligned with one of the strips of

stamps

30, 31, and 32 coming from the storage rollers. When the stamps are properly positioned, the friction collars engage the unglued side of the stamps. Each strip of stamps is urged against its aligned friction collar through the use of one of the individually mounted

pressure roller assemblies

113, 114, and 115 respectively. The pressure roller assemblies each include an individual frame 117. All of the frames 117 are pivotally mounted about a common shaft 118 which in turn is mounted to the frame of the dispenser. Each of the individual frames 117 has a separate roller 120 rotatably mounted adjacent the top portions thereof. The rollers 120 are made of material which resists adhesion of the glue on the stamps and are positioned so that they will engage their respective aligned strip of stamps and urge the strip of stamps against the aligned friction collar. The frames 117 are each urged toward the stamp drive roller 107 and the attached friction collars 112 With an individual leaf type spring 121. The leaf springs 121 are mounted onto a base member 122 which in turn is mounted to a base plate 111 and thus mounted to the cabinet.

A separate latch lever 123 is mounted onto each of the frames 117 and can be utilized to hold the frames away from the drive roller 107, as shown in FIG. 11, by slipping a notch 124 in the latch lever over a portion of the front wall of the cabinet. The stamps can then move freely without overcoming the friction from pressure rollers 120 and the friction collars 112.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 the action on a strip of stamps being dispensed will be explained. The action to dispense each strip of stamps is the same. For example, the strip of stamps 30 extends from the roller beneath the cover assembly as indicated at 125 and extends over the base plate 111. The stamp strip is threaded over a guide roller 126. The stamp Strip 31 is mounted over a guide roller 127 and the stamp strip 32 is mounted over a guide roller 128. The guide rollers are made in a plurality of individually rotatable sections to prevent binding and aid in the feeding of the stamp. The sections are spaced apart slightly. Each strip of stamps is then threaded between its guide roller and one of three counting

drum assemblies

131, 132 and 133 respectively. As can be seen, the counting drum assemblies are of different width to accommodate the different Widths of stamps.

Each of the counting drum rollers has a plurality of sets of pins protruding from the surface thereof. The pins 132 are of size and spacing so that they extend through provided openings aligned with the perforations between adjacent stamps. As shown, the pins 134 are spaced degrees apart on the periphery of the roller and this corresponds exactly to the length of one stamp.

It will be seen that the

guide rollers

126, 127 and 128 are positioned so that the pins in their respective counting rollers will pass between the adjacent sections of each guide roller assembly to prevent interference as the aligned guide and counting rollers rotate past each other. This also permits the pin 132 on the respective counting roller to be positively inserted or forced through the perforations between adjacent stamps.

Latch mechanism The counting

rollers

131, 132 and 133 are mounted onto a common shaft 135 which in turn is mounted to the supports 108. The counting rollers are individually rotatably mounted. Each of the counting rollers includes an integral latch member 136, each of which has four latch lugs 137 mounted around the periphery thereof. It will be seen that the latch lugs have stop surfaces 140 which are positioned to align with and of size to engage a stop surface 141 of a latch dog 142. There are three latch dogs 142, one aligned with each of the latch members on the counting rollers. The latch dogs 142 are pivotally mounted about shaft 118 and are movable from position where they will engage the stop surfaces 140 on their respective latch member to position wherein they clear the latch surfaces, as seen in FIG. 11. The latch dogs 142 each has a provided lug 143 that will be engaged to a lug 144 on the adjoining frame 117 for the pressure roller aligned with its respective strip of stamps, and the latch dogs will be moved out of the way of their aligned latch lugs 137 whenever the frames 117 are moved to position as shown in FIG. 11. Thus the stamp strips will not be held by the latch mechanism nor by the friction drive.

Each of the counting rollers also has an

integral gear member

145, 146 and 147 respectively, the gears of the counting rollers are positioned in alignment with and mesh with gears '70, 71 and 72 which in turn are attached to the three drive rollers 63 for the

belts

73, 74 and 75, respectively.

It can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 that each of the dogs 142 has a downwardly extending U shaped lever portion 150. The lever portions 150 in turn are each attached to a one of a plurality of links 151 as at 152. The links 151 extend inwardly and each is attached as at 153 to one of a plurality of solenoid plunger members 154. The solenoid plunger members are controlled by separate solenoids 155. Each solenoid 155 controls one of the dogs 142. There is one solenoid for each of the stamp rolls in the dispenser. A coil spring 156 is mounted over each of the solenoid plungers 154 and is positioned to urge the plungers in direction as indicated by arrow 157. This in turn will urge the upper portions of the dogs toward their respective latch members and will urge the stop surface 141 of each of the dogs into alignment with the stop surfaces 140 on the latch lugs 137. When the

surfaces

140 and 141 engage as shown in FIG. 10, the counting rollers for the stamps are positively held from rotation in direction which will permit the stamps to be discharged. The pins on the counting rollers hold each strip of stamps securely. The strip of stamps cannot be moved unless the counting roller for that strip is free to rotate. The only time the counting rollers are free to rotate is when the dog is moved to position wherein surface 141 clears surface 140.

The base or upper member of the U shaped lever portion 150 of each of the dogs 142 forms an actuator lug 160. A separate microswitch 161 is positioned between the legs of each of the U shaped lever portions 150 and the microswitches are operated by the lugs.

Wiring 0 the unit Referring to FIG. 17, a schematic wiring diagram of the control circuit is illustrated. The dispenser of the present invention is powered through a standard 110 volt AC. power. A plug 165 may be placed into a standard receptacle. One side of the plug is electrically connected through a line 164 and standard overload contacts 166 in the motor 100 and then through a line 169 and a main switch 41 to bus bars 82 which are electrically connected to line 169 in parallel. Bus bars 82, as stated previously, are positioned in the track members in the cover assembly of the dispenser. The second side of the power input is electrically connected through line 183 to one side of the solenoids 155 and to one side of the motor 100. The solenoids are electrically connected in parallel to this side of the line. Each of the bus bars 181 is in turn connected to one of the solenoids 155. The bus bars are connected to the solenoid which controls the dog 142 for the same strip of stamps as the bus bar and push button controlling the switches for that bus bar.

For example, when the push button 95 has been dispensed and contactor 96 is positioned between

bus bars

81 and 82 as shown systematically in FIG. 17, the solenoid 155 which is electrically connected to that pair of bus bars by line 168 will be energized. When any of the solenoids is energized, it will move its plunger inwardly and in turn will cause the control dog 142 to move to position as shown at 167 in FIG. 17. The stop surface 141 of that dog 142 will be disengaged from the stop latch lug 137 against which it was seated releasing the associated counter roller and strip of stamps. The lug 160 of that dog 142 will close its associated microswitch 161 thus completing a circuit through this microswitch and through a line 184 to the motor 100 and starting the motor 100. The indicator light is also connected between

lines

183 and 184. It can be seen that all of the solenoids 155 operate in the same Way to close their associated microswitches. The microswitches 161 are connected in parallel and each will energize the motor 100 independent of the other. When any of the solenoids are energized by having a contactor 91 positioned between its associated bus bars, the motor 100 will be started. Before the motor starts the dog 142 controlled by the solenoid energized will have released the latch member 136 and its corresponding counter roller.

Operation When a number of stamps are to be dispensed the proper push button on the dial is pushed. For example, if the operator pushes button 95, the contactor or plunger 96 beneath this button will be forced in between the bus bars 81 and 82. It should be noted that the contactors are spaced apart the same distance as the stamps that are dispensed and therefore there is one plunger beneath each of the push buttons. Once a contactor has made contact between the bus bars 81 and 82 the corresponding solenoid 155 is energized moving the dog 142 that it controls to position to close its respective controlled microswitch 161 and energize motor 100. At substantially the same time (actually slightly before) the dog 142 releases the latch member 136 controlling the counter roller for that strip of stamps and the counter roller can rotate. The strip of stamps can be moved in direction out of the cabinet.

When the motor 100 exceeds a predetermined speed clutch 101 will engage and the drive shaft 107 will be rotated by shaft 102 through a sheave 104, belt 105 and large sheave 106. The shaft 107 will rotate in direction as indicated by arrow 170 in FIG. 11. The strip of stamps which is being dispensed, as shown, will be held between the pressure rollers 120 on frame roll 115 and the friction collar 112 aligned with the strip of stamps.

As the drive roller rotates in direction as indicated by arrow 170, the strip of stamps 30 will thus be moved in direction as indicated by arrow 171. The strip of stamps will move out through a provided slot 172 at the front of the cabinet and will be positioned adjacent and above a cutting edge member 173. It can immediately be seen that as soon as the strip of stamps commences to move under the friction from collar 112, the movement of the stamps will cause the associated counter roller 131 to rotate in direction as indicated by arrow 174. As the dog 142 normally holding the latch member 136 for this roller has been released, the roller is free to rotate on shaft 135.

It should also be noted that the drive roller 107 can slip against the stamps if there is something holding the stamps from moving. The drive roller 1117 simultaneously urges all three of the

strips

30, 31 and 32 to move as it rotates but the

strips

31 and 32 will be held by the counter rollers and latch mechanism until their respective solenoids 155 are energized releasing the latch mechanism. This will happen only when a contactor 91 on the belt controlling that particular strip is moved to complete a circuit between the associated bus bars 81 and 82 for that strip of stamps.

While strip 30 is being dispensed the friction collars 112 for the strips 32 will merely slip against these strips and the latch mechanism on the rollers will hold the strips securely in place.

If there is any slack in the strip 30 coming into the counter roller, this will be taken up and if the inertia from the main storage roller in the cabinet is such that the stamps will not feed quickly, the friction collars 112 driving strip 30 will slip on the strip and prevent tearing the stamps when the dispensing cycle is initated.

As the counter roller 131 rotates during the dispensing of the stamps, its associated gear 145 will rotate the gear 7 0 which drives the roller 63 for belt 73. The notches in the roller 63 for belt 73 will engage the end portions of the cross members on the belt and move the belt longitudinally in direction as indicated by arrow 175 as seen in FIG. 5. The contactor 176, which is immediately behind the plunger 96 that was depressed, will move into contact with a lug 177 on the push button as long as the push button remains depressed. This will hold the entire counting mechanism back through the belt and gears and prevent the counter rollers from rotating. If the counter roller will not rotate, then the drive roller 112 merely slips against the strip of stamps and the strip is held. Thus even if the push button is held down, it will not actuate the contactor 176 or other contactors as the belt moves. The drive roller continues to slip until the push button is released.

Once the push button 95 is released, a spring 180 returns the push button to its normal position and the lug 177 is positioned above the contactor 176. The belt is then free to move in direction as indicated by arrow 175. The circuit for driving motor will remain energized as long as the switch contactor is between the bus bars 81 and 82 for that strip of stamps. The contactor 96 maintains electrical contact with the bus bars as it is moved by the belt.

When the contactor 96 reaches the end of the bus bars at the position indicated at 181 the circuit to solenoid 155 for that roll of stamps will no longer be completed. As soon as the circuit is broken, the solenoid 155 relaxes and the spring 156 for the solenoid will urge the solenoid plunger 154 and consequently the dog 142 back to its original position. This will place the portion of that dog having surface 141 between two of the latch lugs 137 on the latch member 136 for the counter roller 131. Although the motor 100 will no longer be energized because the microswitch 161 will be opened, the inertia of the motor will be sufficient to drive roller 107 and consequently friction collar 112 for a sufficient length of time so that the strip 30 will continue to be urged outwardly from the cabinet until the surface of the lug 137 closest to the surface 141 of dog 142 will be seated firmly against the surface of the dog as shown in FIG. 10. In this position, the stamps being dispensed will be held by pins 134 so that the perforations will be exactly aligned with the tearing edge 173 and with the proper number of tom surface of the groove.

9 stamps extending from the cabinet. The lug 142 engages the latch member 136 and will prevent other stamps from being dispensed.

It can be seen that as the switch plungers on the cross member on the respective belts are spaced apart the same distance as the individual stamps the timing is relatively a simple job so that the right number of stamps are dispensed by the time the depressed contactor comes to the end of the bus bars. The circuit to the respective solenoids is broken after the first part of the last stamp to be dispensed has emerged from the cabinet and before it has been completely removed from the cabinet. The inertia of the motor is utilized for carrying the last stamp to be dispensed the rest of the distance necessary and the latch dogs stop the stamps with the perforation of the last stamp exactly aligned with the tearing edges. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the space indicated at 182 is the amount that the belt will be carried by the inertia of the motor after the circuit has been broken.

The depressed switch contactors will be reset in two stages. When the depressed contactor comes over the roller 63, it will enter the grooves 65 and engage the bot- The contactor will be moved outwardly approximately one half of the distance toward resetting at the rollers 63. As the belts are further moved the switch contactor will engage the surface of roller 56 and will be forced outwardlythrough its collar to its original position. The reset switch contactor will clear the bus bars underneath it.

It can be seen that the similar action will take place for any strip of stamps inasmuch as the circuits are connected in parallel and that more than one strip of stamps can be dispensed simultaneously. Further, by depressing a push button toward the top of a column (for a higher purchase) the contactor depressed will remain in contact with the bus bars for a longer length of time, thereby actuating the exact number of stamps necessary.

The latch mechanism for the counting rollers, which drives the respective switch belts, also insures that the switch elements are properly positioned below the push buttons each time the dispensing mechanism is stopped.

The use of the friction drive rollers prevents tearing of the stamps when they are initially dispensed. Breaking the circuit to shut oil the power to the motor before the last stamp has been completely dispensed and allowing the motor inertia to dispense the last portion of the last stamp raids in preventing a severe jerking when the latch mechanism for the counting roller is engaged. The latch mechanism stops the counting roller and holds the strip of stamps. Further, it can be seen that the latch mechanism is released prior to the time that the motor is energized as the solenoid first must be activated in order to close the microswitches 161 to start the motor. (This insures that the stamps will be dispensed properly upon release of the push button that has been pressed. During the time the motor is energized, the indicator light will be lit.

Utilization of elongated belts tor mounting the contactors which energize the circuit permits placing the push buttons in columns rather than in a circle :as is done presently. Therefore three columns of push buttons for actuating three separate stamp rolls can be mounted in a confined space. The switch mechanism is compact and highly reliable. As the amount of travel of the switch contactors is controlled by the counting mechanism for the stamps the dispensing circuit will remain energized until the proper number of stamps have been dispensed. The separate latch mechanism insures accurate stopping of the stamps with the pertorations properly positioned over the tear strips and with the switch mechanism properly positioned below the push buttons.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine for performing a series of consecutive identical operations having drive means for performing to said operations, the improvement comprising means tor preselecting the number of operations to be performed including an endless member movable in accordance with the performance of said operations, means including a switch operative to energize said drive means, said switch having a pair of elongated, parallel, transversely spaced apart bus bars adjacent and parallel to said endless memher for a portion of the path of said endless member, said bus bars, when electrically connected to each other, being electrically connected to energize said drive means, a plurality of contactors carried by said member and slidably mounted with respect thereto to be manually movable to a first position in electrical contact with both of said bus bars from a second position spaced out of electrical contact with both of said bus bars, means to move said endless member when said drive means is energized to cause said contactors to move away from both of said bus bars with the same frequency as said operations are performed, and means for moving said contactors from said first position to said second position when said contactors are not in adjacent relationship with said bus bars.

#2. The combination as specified in claim 1 and 1a plurality of push buttons on the machine, each push button positioned to control one of the contactors when said conttactors are adjacent said bus bars.

3. The combination as specified in claim 1 and a track member in supporting relationship to said endless member at the section thereof adjacent said bus bars.

4. The combination as specified in claim 1 wherein said bus bears are biased toward each other, and stop means between said bus bars .to prevent the bus bars from contacting each other.

5. The combination as specified in claim 1 and a plurality of cross members mounted on said endless member, said cross members having a center cylindrical boss each of said contactor pins being slidably mounted in one of said bosses, said bosses being provided with .a transverse slot open to the pin in said boss, and a separate hairpin type spring on each of said bosses, each of said springs having one leg thereof ext-ending int-o the slot on its respective boss and engaging the contactor pin mounted in the boss.

6. In a machine for dispensing stamps from an elongated strip of stamps wound in a roll, the combination with a main frame, stamp roll supporting means mounted with respect to said main frame, and strip drive means for pulling stamps from said roll and discharging them from said machine, of: manually operated means for preselecting the number of stamps to be dispensed from said machine including an endless band movable in accordance with movement of stamps from said machine, means operative to energize said strip drive means, said means including a switch having a pair of elongated, parallel, spaced apart bus bars adjacent and parallel to the path of said endless band for a portion of the path of said band, said bus bars, when electrically connected to each other being further connected to energize said drive means, a plurality of contactor pins slidably mounted with respect to said band to be manually movable to a first position in electrical contact with both of said bus bars from a second position spaced out of electrical contact with both of said bus bars, said band being movable when said drive means is energized to cause said contactor pins to move out of alignment with said bus bars with the same frequency :as stamps are dispensed [from said machine, and means for moving each of said contactor pins from said first position to said second position When said contactor pins are not in adjacent relationship to said bus bars.

*7. The combination (as specified in claim 6 and latch means to stop said stamp strip from being dispensed when said contactor pin in said first position moves out of alignment with said bus bars, said latch means including a latch member driven by the stamps as they are dispen-sod, a latch dog movable between a first normal positron engaging said latch member and holding said member and strip of stamps to a second position releasing said latch member and power means operative to hold said latclh dog in said second position Whenever the circuit between said bus bars is completed.

8. A machine for dispensing linear units from an elongated transversely perforated strip extending from a roll, said machine including a main frame, strip drive means for moving said strip from said roll, said strip drive means including a motor, counting means driven by said linear units as they are moved from said roll, holding means for holding said counting means to prevent movement of said strip of linear units, power means for moving said holding means to position to release said counting means, said power means including a solenoid, control means having a linearly sliding element movable to complete a power circuit to said power means, said linearly sliding element forming a part of said power circuit, switch means to energize said motor when said holding means is moved to said release position, disabling means driven by said counting means for mechanically moving said linearly sliding element to position to disable said power means when a certain number of linear units have moved past said counting means, and bias means urging said holding means to its original position holding said counting means when said power means is disabled; and wherein said control means includes said switch means including an endless belt mounted on a pair of spaced rollers, a plurality of push buttons positioned adjacent said belt, a plurality of switch assemblies mounted on said belt and spaced apart the same distance as said push buttons, and proportional to the length of said linear units, indexing means for positioning said switch assemblies aligned with said push buttons, said switch assemblies each including a movable contactor member adapted to complete an electrical circuit to said solenoid when a push button is depressed, and drive means between said mounting means and one of the rollers for said endless belt, said drive means being adapted to move said contactor member to position wherein said electrical circuit is broken after the last stamp to be dispensed has started to move past a predetermined point and before said stamp has moved completely past said point.

9. The combination as specified in claim 8 wherein said switch means includes a pair of bus bars biased toward each other, stop means for preventing said bus bars from contacting each other and wherein said contactor is moved to position between said bus bars and in contact with each of them when a push button is depressed, said contactor being slidable between said bars in a longitudinal direction.

10. The combination as specified in claim 9 wherein said switch assemblies include a plurality of cross members mounted on said endless belt, said cross members having a center cylinder boss, each of said contactors being constituted as a pin slidably mounted in one of said bosses for movement toward and away from said belt, said bosses being provided with a transverse slot open to the pin in said boss, and a separate hairpin type spring on each of said bosses, each of said springs having one leg thereof extending into the slot on its respective boss and engaging the contactor pin mounted in the boss.

11. The combination as specified in claim 9 and a track member supporting said endless belt along the section of said belt adjacent said push buttons.

12. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein said push buttons and said switch assemblies on said belt are spaced apart the same distance as the perforations between said linear elements.

13. The combination as specified in claim 12 and means on said roller of said belt to move said depressed switch contactor pin to its original position as the switch elements pass over said rollers.

14. A machine for dispensing stamps from an elongated perforated strip of stamps formed onto a roll, said means including a main frame, means to rotatably support said roll with respect to said main frame, strip drive means for moving said strip from said roll, counting means positively driven by the perforations between adjacent stamps in said strip as said strip is moved from said roll, latch means for holding said counting means to prevent rotation of said strip of stamps, bias means normally urging said latch means toward said holding position, power means for moving said latch means to position torelease said roller, control means actuated to activate said power means to move said latch means to said released position, said control means including a slidable element movable to position to complete a power circuit to said power means, and drive means driven by said counting means and connected to mechanically move said sliding element to position wherein said sliding element no longer completes said circuit to said power means when the last of a predetermined number of stamps to be dispensed has passed from said counting means; said sliding element being mounted on a belt, said belt being driven by said counting means for said stamps and said sliding element being movable by said belt to position wherein it no longer completes said circuit to said power means when a predetermined number of stamps have passed said stamp counting means.

15. The combination as specified in claim 14 wherein said stamp counting means is comprised as a roller having a plurality of radial prongs extending from the outer surface thereof, said prongs being positioned on the periphery of said counting roller the same distance apart as the perforations of adjacent stamps in said strip.

16. The combination as specified in claim 15 wherein said latch means is comprised as a latch member drivably associated with said counting roller and having a plurality of lugs on the periphery thereof, and a latch dog pivotally mounted on said main frame and aligned with said lugs, said latch dog and one of said lugs being engageable to prevent rotation of said counting roller and keep the strip of stamps from moving when the circuit for said power means is broken.

17. The combination as specified in claim 16 wherein said stamp drive means is comprised as a drive roller engaging one side surface of said strip of stamps, and a pressure roller biased toward said drive roller and adapted to urge said strip of stamps against said drive roller.

18. In a machine for performing a series of consecutive identical operations having drive means for performing said operations, the improvement comprising means for preselecting the number of operations to be performed including an endless member movable in accordance with the performance of said operations, means including a switch operative to energize said drive means, said switch including a sliding element carried by said endless member and movable to a first position to energize said drive means, said sliding element forming a portion of an electrical circuit to said drive means, means to move said endless member when said drive means is energized to cause said sliding element to move toward a second position wherein the drive means is not energized, and manually operable means to move said sliding element to its first position in a predetermined location of its travel in relation to its second position so that when said sliding element is carried by said endless member to its second position the preselected number of operations will have been performed by said drive means.

19. In a machine for performing a series of consecutive identical operations having drive means for performing said operations, the improvement comprising means for preselecting the number of operations to be performed 7 including an endless member movable in accordance with movable when they are adjacent the bus bar to a first position to slidably contact the bus bar, said linearly slidable elements in said first position being electrically connected to energize said drive means when contacting the bus bar, said elements being movable to their first position from a second position spaced out of electrical contact with said bus bar, means to move said endless member when said drive means is energized to cause said linearly slidable elements to move with the endless member away from said bus bar with the same frequency as said operations are performed, and means for moving said linearly slidable elements from said first position to said second position when said elements are not in adjacent relationship with said bus bar.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,180,483 11/39 Scher 226l35 2,789,165 4/57 Nichols 2005 3,047,347 7/62 Groves 226-135 X 10 M. HENSON WOOD, IR., Primary Examiner.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A MACHINE FOR PERFORMING A SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE IDENTICAL OPERATIONS HAVING DRIVE MEANS FOR PERFORMING SAID OPERATIONS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING MEANS FOR PRESELECTING THE NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TO BE PERFORMED INCLUDING AN ENDLESS MEMBER MOVABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF SAID OPERATIONS TO BE PERFORMED SWITCH OPERATIVE TO ENERGIZE SAID DRIVE MEANS, SAID SWITCH HAVING A PAIR OF ELONGATED, PARALLEL, TRANSVERSELY SPACED APART BUS BARS ADJACENT AND PARALLEL TO SAID ENDLESS MEMBER FOR A PORTION OF THE PATH OF SAID ENDLESS MEMBER, SAID BUS BARS, WHEN ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER, BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO ENERGIZE SAID DRIVE MEANS, A PLURALITY OF CONTACTORS CARRIED BY SAID MEMBER AND SLIDABLY MOUNTED WITH RESPECT THERETO TO BE MANUALLY MOVABLE TO A FIRST POSITION IN ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH BOTH OF SAID BUS BARS POSITION IN ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH BOTH OF SAID CONTACT WITH BOTH OF SAID BUS BARS, MEANS TO MOVE SAID ENDLESS MEMBER WHEN SAID DRIVE MEANS IS ENERGIZED TO CAUSE SAID CONTRACTORS TO MOVE AWAY FROM BOTH OF SAID BUS BARS WITH THE SAME FREQUENCY AS SAID OPERATIONS ARE PERFORMED, AND MEANS FOR MOVING SID CONTACTORS FROM SAID FIRST POSITION TO SAID SECOND POSITION WHEN SAID CONTACTORS ARE NOT IN ADJACENT RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID BUS BARS.