Importance

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Abstract

An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided. In all of the embodiments, the combination coin mechanism and counter comprises a coin mechanism designed to be partially received into an opening in a bulk vending machine, having a selectively rotatable cam having an eccentrically shaped portion. All of the coin counters are attached to a portion of the coin mechanism inside of the bulk vending machine, and each has a numeric display. A first embodiment has a pivotally mounted switch connected to the numeric display. A second embodiment has a reed-switch connected to the display and a pivotally mounted magnet arm, in place of the pivotal switch. A third embodiment has a reed-switch, and a fourth embodiment has an inductive coil, mounted on the bracket so as to bring the rotation of the eccentric portion of the cam proximate to the reed-switch and/or inductive coil. In the first and second embodiments, the rotation of the cam causes the eccentric portion thereof to contact and pivot the switch (first embodiment) and the magnet arm (second embodiment), causing the numeric display to advance one number for each full rotation of the cam. In the third and fourth embodiments, the eccentric portion of the cam has attached thereto a magnet and a piece of metal, respectively, whereby the rotation of the cam causes the eccentric portion thereof to bring the magnet/metal piece proximate to the reed-switch/inductive coil, causing the numeric display to advance one number for each full rotation of the cam.

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First Claim