| 摘要 |
A helical vending module having dual diameter convolutions, and a vending machine equipped with a plurality of such modules. Preferably the vending machine comprises a generally cubical cabinet including a front service door equipped with a translucent panel facilitating visual exposure of the cabinet interior. Suitable conventional coin acceptor apparatus is provided to effectuate a vend when a particular product is selected by conventional control apparatus, and when a product is vended the selected module helice will rotate to effectuate a vend. The product will then drop downwardly into a customer accessible access zone. Each of the modules preferably comprises a rigid, generally planar frame which is adapted to be secured to an inclined supporting surface within the vending machine. The module frame support an outwardly projecting helical spindle coupled to an associated drive motor. The spindle includes convolutions of a first predetermined diameter along a major portion of its length, and the spindle terminates at its outwardly projecting end in integral larger diameter convolutions. The punched product to be vended is disposed between each of the adjacent convolutions when the spindle is fully loaded. A generally rectangular, rearwardly biased cover plate hinged to the frame extends outwardly from the face plate above the spindle. The terminal end of the cover plate includes an integral, downwardly turned tab, which supports a security bar which extends toward the module frame and generally coaxially penetrates at least a portion of the larger diameter spindle convolutions to prevent products from being dislodged in response to shaking of the machine.
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