Automatic vending machine for bread or pastry - with detectors of presence of purchaser hand and empty compartments

摘要

A fixed horizontal passage is accessible when a trap door at its outer end is opened by an actuator after insertion of a coin. The products (esp. bread or pastry) are dispensed in movable compartments spaced regularly and advanced in steps by endless belts driven by a motor and reduction gear via pairs A first detector inhibits the coin-operated mechanism when the compartment opposite the inner end of the passage is empty. A second detector sensing the presence of a hand and forearm prevents closure of the trap door until they are withdrawn. A third detector gives an alarm when a number of consecutive compartments in advance of the dispensing point are empty and the dispenser requires replenshment.