Value dispensing mechanisms

Claim 2

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having a numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numeRical content of said register; and an assembly rotatable about a first axis; said rotatable assembly including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a numerical value, said dispensing means including variable numerical value output means; said rotatable assembly including means for selecting and setting variable output value; said setting means including variable input driving means operable upon said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means to alter the numerical content of said register by the amount of the selected numerical value, bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, first means connecting said bar means for translation in response to said selecting means, and second means connected to said variable input driving means to alter said register input thereof in response to said bar translation; the improvement wherein: said bar means comprises at least one bar assembly including at least two separate bar members and means connecting said bar members for joint translation.

Claim 3

A device as in claim 1 wherein: said bar assembly comprises first, second and third toothed rack means; said first connecting means comprises first pinion means rotatable in response to said selecting means and engaging said first rack means to translate said bar means; said second connecting means comprise second pinion means engaging said second rack means and responsive to said bar means translation to vary said register driving means input; and said device further comprises third pinion means engaging said third rack means and responsive to said bar means translation to adjust said variable value output means to vary the numerical value dispensed; two of said rack means being formed on one of said bar members, and one of said rack means being formed on the other of said bar members.

Claim 4

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having: a numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register; an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in responSe to such rotation to dispense a numerical value, said dispensing means including variable value output means; said rotatable assembly further including means for selecting and setting said variable output value: said setting means including variable input register driving means operable upon said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means to alter the numerical content of said register by the amount of the numerical value selected, and bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axial direction, said bar means being translatable in said first axial direction and connected for such translation thereof to vary the input to said register by said driving means; the improvement wherein said assembly comprises: a pair of elongated plates; frame means mounting said plates in spaced confronting relation to define an elongated bar cavity therebetween, the longitudinal axis of which extends generally parallel to said first axis; and means on said plates mounting said bar means within said cavity for translation longitudinally thereof.

Claim 5

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having: a numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register; an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in responSe to such rotation to dispense a numerical value, said dispensing means including variable value output means; said rotatable assembly further including means for selecting and setting said variable output value: said setting means including variable input register driving means operable upon said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means to alter the numerical content of said register by the amount of the numerical value selected, and bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axial direction, said bar means being translatable in said first axial direction and connected for such translation thereof to vary the input to said register by said driving means; the improvement wherein said assembly comprises: a pair of elongated plates; frame means mounting said plates in spaced confronting relation to define an elongated bar cavity therebetween, the longitudinal axis of which extends generally parallel to said first axis; and means on said plates mounting said bar means within said cavity for translation longitudinally thereof.

Claim 6

A device as in claim 3 wherein: said frame means comprises a hollow frame member defining one end of said bar cavity and formed with a central passageway; said carriage further comprises means secured to said frame member and arranged to define a number wheel cavity which is axially aligned with said bar cavity and said frame member passageway; said selecting means comprises number wheel shaft means extending transversely through said number wheel cavity, number wheels rotatably mounted on said shaft means in said number wheel cavity, and first pinions rotatable in response to said number wheels; and said bar means extend from said bar cavity through said frame member passageway into said number wheel cAvity and are formed with rack means engaging said first pinions.

Claim 7

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having a numerical register including register driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed, said setting means including variable input driving means operable in response to said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means of said register to change the numerical content thereof in accordance with the value with the bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and means connected to said register driving means to alter the variable input thereof in response to said bar means translation; the improvement comprising: means for detenting said bar means in at least one predetermined position whereby to rectify said variable input at least at one amount level.

Claim 8

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having a numerical register including register driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed, said setting means including variable input driving means operable in response to said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means of said register to change the numerical content thereof in accordance with the value with the bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and means connected to said register driving means to alter the variable input thereof in response to said bar means translation; the improvement comprising: means for detenting said bar means in at least one predetermined position whereby to rectify said variable input at least at one amount level.

Claim 9

A device as in claim 5 wherein said detenting means is yieldable to permit translation of said bar means; said device further comprising means detenting to operation of said dispensing means for locking said detenting means in detenting position whereby to retain said bar means in said predetermined position during said value dispensing operation.

Claim 10

A device as in claim 5 wherein: said bar means has position-defining teeth thereon, and said detenting means compriSes pawl means and spring means causing said pawl means to nest between said teeth when said bar means Is in at least one predetermined position, and means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate out of said nested position when axial translation of said bar means causes one of said teeth to engage said pawl means.

Claim 11

A device as in claim 7 further comprising means arranged to lock said pawl means in nested position in response to said value-dispensing operation.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined by claim 5 additionally comprising drive means adapted to rotate said assembly; and means controlled by said bar detenting means for enabling operation of said drive means.

Claim 13

Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said assembly includes a hollow shaft which surrounds and provides a pivot means for the rotational movement of said bar means.

Claim 14

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having a numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed thereby, said setting including means operable for selecting the numerical value to be dispensed and variable input driving means operable upon said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means to change the numerical content of said register by the amount of the numerical value selected, bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and means connecting said register driving means to alter said variable register input thereof in response to said bar translation; the improvement comprising: means for sensing the position of said bar means; and means responsive to said sensing means to lock said value dispensing means when said bar means is between predetermined positions.

Claim 15

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having a numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed thereby, said setting including means operable for selecting the numerical value to be dispensed and variable input driving means operable upon said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means to change the numerical content of said register by the amount of the numerical value selected, bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and means connecting said register driving means to alter said variable register input thereof in response to said bar translation; the improvement comprising: means for sensing the position of said bar means; and means responsive to said sensing means to lock said value dispensing means when said bar means is between predetermined positions.

Claim 16

A device as in claim 11 wherein: said bar means has position-revealing teeth thereon; and said position-sensing means comprises pawl means arranged to nest between said position-revealing teeth when said bar means is in at least one of said predetermined positions, and means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate out of said nested position when axial translatiOn of said bar means out of said predetermined position causes one of said position-revealing teeth to engage said pawl means; said locking means being arranged to lock said value dispensing means in response to said unnested position of said pawl means.

Claim 17

Apparatus as defined by claim 9 wherein said bar means includes a composite member having three racks formed thereon.

Claim 18

In a value dispensing device of the type having variable numerical value dispensing means; and a value setting assembly including selector means and bar means which are longitudinally translatable in response to said selector means and which have a toothed rack thereon; the improvement comprising: pawl means arranged to nest between said rack teeth when said bar means is in at least one predetermined position; means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate into and out of nested engagement with said teeth; means including a lockable and releasable trip mechanism operative to drive said value dispensing means when said trip mechanism is released; shutter means movable to release said trip mechanism and engaging with said pawl means in a manner to prevent such movement of said shutter means when said pawl is out of said nested engagement, and to prevent movement of said pawl means out of said nested engagement when said shutter means moves to release said trip mechanism; said shutter means being formed with a pawl-receiving opening aligned with said pawl means, said pawl means, when not nested between said teeth, projecting into said pawl-receiving opening in position to engage said shutter means upon trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof; said shutter means also being arranged so that said trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof moves said pawl-receiving opening out of engageable alignment with said pawl means and interposes the body of said shutter means to block rotation of said pawl means; said pawl means being arranged so that, when the body of said shutter means is so interposed, said pawl means is locked in nested engagement with said teeth whereby to prevent the movement of said bar means which is required to operate said setting means, whereby a change of value setting cannot be accomplished during operation of said dispensing means; said shutter means having a locking surface; deadlock means pivotable between positions for engaging with and disengaging from said shutter locking surface, said deadlock means when in said engaging position blocking said movement of said shutter means whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; said trip mechanism including sensing means which moves toward said deadlock means during operation of said trip mechanism, said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means from said shutter-engaging to said disengaging position thereof, whereby to release said shutter means and allow said trip mechanism to operate said value dispensing means; a numerical value register; means for cumulatively altering the contents of said register to reflect numerical value dispensed by said dispensing means; means for sensing when said register attains a predetermined numerical level; and blocking means responsive to said register level sensing means for blocking movement of said deadlock means from its shutter-engaging position whereby to prevent movement of said shutter means and thereby prohibit release of said trip mechanism and operation of said value dispensing means when said register attains said predetermined level.

Claim 19

In a value dispensing device of the type having variable numerical value dispensing means; and a value setting assembly including selector means and bar means which are longitudinally translatable in response to said selector means and which have a toothed rack thereon; the improvement comprising: pawl means arranged to nest between said rack teeth when said bar means is in at least one predetermined position; means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate into and out of nested engagement with said teeth; means including a lockable and releasable trip mechanism operative to drive said value dispensing means when said trip mechanism is released; shutter means movable to release said trip mechanism and engaging with said pawl means in a manner to prevent such movement of said shutter means when said pawl is out of said nested engagement, and to prevent movement of said pawl means out of said nested engagement when said shutter means moves to release said trip mechanism; said shutter means being formed with a pawl-receiving opening aligned with said pawl means, said pawl means, when not nested between said teeth, projecting into said pawl-receiving opening in position to engage said shutter means upon trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof; said shutter means also being arranged so that said trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof moves said pawl-receiving opening out of engageable alignment with said pawl means and interposes the body of said shutter means to block rotation of said pawl means; said pawl means being arranged so that, when the body of said shutter means is so interposed, said pawl means is locked in nested engagement with said teeth whereby to prevent the movement of said bar means which is required to operate said setting means, whereby a change of value setting cannot be accomplished during operation of said dispensing means; said shutter means having a locking surface; deadlock means pivotable between positions for engaging with and disengaging from said shutter locking surface, said deadlock means when in said engaging position blocking said movement of said shutter means whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; said trip mechanism including sensing means which moves toward said deadlock means during operation of said trip mechanism, said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means from said shutter-engaging to said disengaging position thereof, whereby to release said shutter means and allow said trip mechanism to operate said value dispensing means; a numerical value register; means for cumulatively altering the contents of said register to reflect numerical value dispensed by said dispensing means; means for sensing when said register attains a predetermined numerical level; and blocking means responsive to said register level sensing means for blocking movement of said deadlock means from its shutter-engaging position whereby to prevent movement of said shutter means and thereby prohibit release of said trip mechanism and operation of said value dispensing means when said register attains said predetermined level.

Claim 20

A device as in claim 14 further comprising: a compartment enclosing said register; a door for access to said register compartment; said blocking means being responsive also to opening of said register compartment door to block said deadlock means in its engaging position whereby to prevent movement of said shutter means and thereby prohibit release of said trip mechanism and operation of said value diSpensing means when either said register compartment door is open or said register attains said predetermined level.

Claim 21

A device as in claim 15 wherein said blocking means is arranged for movement from said deadlock means unblocking position to either of two deadlock means blocking positions, said device comprising first means for moving said blocking means to a first one of said blocking positions in response to said register level sensing means when said register reaches said predetermined numerical level, and second means for moving said blocking member to a second one of said blocking positions in response to opening of said register compartment door.

Claim 22

In a value dispensing device of the type having variable numerical value dispensing means, and a value setting assembly including selector means and bar means which are longitudinally translatable in response to said selector means and which have a toothed rack thereon; the improvement comprising pawl means arranged to nest between said rack teeth when said bar means is in at least one predetermined position; means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate into and out of nested engagement with said teeth; means including a lockable and releasable trip mechanism operative to drive said value dispensing means when said trip mechanism is released; shutter means movable to release said trip mechanism and engaging with said pawl means in a manner to prevent such movement of said shutter means when said pawl is out of said nested engagement, and to prevent movement of said pawl means out of said nested engagement when said shutter means moves to release said trip mechanism; and said shutter means being formed with a pawl-receiving opening aligned with said pawl means; said pawl means, when not nested between said teeth, projecting into said pawl-receiving opening in position to engage said shutter means upon trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof, said shutter means also being arranged so that said trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof moves said pawl-receiving opening out of engageable alignment with said pawl means and interposes the body of said shutter means to block rotation of said pawl means; said pawl means being arranged so that, when the body of said shutter means is so interposed, said pawl means is locked in nested engagement with said teeth whereby to prevent the movement of said bar means which is required to operate said setting means, whereby a charge of value setting cannot be accomplished during operation of said dispensing means; said shutter means having a locking surface; deadlock means pivotable between positions for engaging with and disengaging from said shutter locking surface, said deadlock means when in said engaging position blocking said movement of said shutter means whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; said trip mechanism including a sensing means which moves toward said deadlock means during operation of said trip mechanism, said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means from said shutter-engaging to said disengaging position thereof, whereby to release said shutter means and allow said trip mechanism to operate said value dispensing means.

Claim 23

In a value dispensing device of the type having variable numerical value dispensing means, and a value setting assembly including selector means and bar means which are longitudinally translatable in response to said selector means and which have a toothed rack thereon; the improvement comprising pawl means arranged to nest between said rack teeth when said bar means is in at least one predetermined position; means pivotally mounting said pawl means whereby to rotate into and out of nested engagement with said teeth; means including a lockable and releasable trip mechanism operative to drive said value dispensing means when said trip mechanism is released; shutter means movable to release said trip mechanism and engaging with said pawl means in a manner to prevent such movement of said shutter means when said pawl is out of said nested engagement, and to prevent movement of said pawl means out of said nested engagement when said shutter means moves to release said trip mechanism; and said shutter means being formed with a pawl-receiving opening aligned with said pawl means; said pawl means, when not nested between said teeth, projecting into said pawl-receiving opening in position to engage said shutter means upon trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof, said shutter means also being arranged so that said trip-mechanism-releasing movement thereof moves said pawl-receiving opening out of engageable alignment with said pawl means and interposes the body of said shutter means to block rotation of said pawl means; said pawl means being arranged so that, when the body of said shutter means is so interposed, said pawl means is locked in nested engagement with said teeth whereby to prevent the movement of said bar means which is required to operate said setting means, whereby a charge of value setting cannot be accomplished during operation of said dispensing means; said shutter means having a locking surface; deadlock means pivotable between positions for engaging with and disengaging from said shutter locking surface, said deadlock means when in said engaging position blocking said movement of said shutter means whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; said trip mechanism including a sensing means which moves toward said deadlock means during operation of said trip mechanism, said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means from said shutter-engaging to said disengaging position thereof, whereby to release said shutter means and allow said trip mechanism to operate said value dispensing means.

Claim 24

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and re-opening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip meaNs further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking said movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; means for sensing when said registering means attains a predetermined numerical level, and a blocking member responsive to said register level sensing means for locking said deadlock means in position to block said shutter means whereby to prevent release of said sensing means and prevent operation of said trip mechanism and value dispensing means when said register attains said predetermined level.

Claim 25

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and re-opening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip meaNs further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking said movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; means for sensing when said registering means attains a predetermined numerical level, and a blocking member responsive to said register level sensing means for locking said deadlock means in position to block said shutter means whereby to prevent release of said sensing means and prevent operation of said trip mechanism and value dispensing means when said register attains said predetermined level.

Claim 26

A device as in claim 18 further comprising: a compartment enclosing said register; a door for access to said register compartment; said blocking means being responsive also to opening of said register compartment door to lock said deadlock means in position to block said shutter means whereby to prevent release of said sensing means and prevent operation of said trip mechanism value dispensing means when said register compartment door is open.

Claim 27

A device as in claim 18 wherein said blocking means is arranged for movement from a deadlock means unblocking position to either of two deadlock means blocking positions, said device comprising first means for moving said blocking means to a first one of said blocking positions in response to said register level sensing means when said register reaches said predetermined numerical level, and second means for driving said blocking member to a second one of said blocking positions in response to opening of said register compartment door.

Claim 28

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and re-opening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip means further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective; if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; a blocking member arranged for movement from a deadlock means unblocking position to either of two positions for blocking saId deadlock means in said shutter-blocking position thereof, whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; first means for moving said blocking means to a first one of said blocking positions; and second means for moving said blocking member to a second one of said blocking positions.

Claim 29

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and re-opening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip means further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective; if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; a blocking member arranged for movement from a deadlock means unblocking position to either of two positions for blocking saId deadlock means in said shutter-blocking position thereof, whereby to prevent operation of said value dispensing means; first means for moving said blocking means to a first one of said blocking positions; and second means for moving said blocking member to a second one of said blocking positions.

Claim 30

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and reopening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip means further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking said movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; register driving means for altering the numerical contents of said registering means; said setting means being operable to adjust said register driving means whereby to determine the numerical input of said driving means to said registering means; and means for rectifying said setting means to set said numerical input at least at one numerical level, said rectifying means being effective to prevent release of said shutter means except when said setting means is at said level.

Claim 31

In a value dispensing device of the type having value dispensing means, means including a motor for driving said value dispensing means through an operating cycle, a switch for starting and stopping said motor, a trip mechanism for closing said switch to start a value dispensing cycle and reopening said switch at the conclusion of said cycle, and secured means for setting and registering the numerical value to be dispensed; the improvement comprising: means responsive to said secured means for blocking operation of said trip mechanism; said trip mechanism including an operating control and trip means movable in response to said operating control for closing said motor switch; said trip means further including sensing means movable during operation of said trip means; said blocking means including deadlock means responsive to said secured means for blocking said movement of said sensing means whereby to prevent operation of said trip means; shutter means movable to release said sensing means from blocking engagement with said deadlock means; means biasing said shutter means to perform said releasing motion; said deadlock means being positioned to block said releasing motion of said shutter means, and said sensing means motion being effective, if said deadlock means is not blocked, to drive said deadlock means out of shutter-blocking-position whereby to release said shutter means, whereby said shutter means then releases said sensing means from said deadlock means to permit operation of said trip mechanism to drive said value dispensing means; register driving means for altering the numerical contents of said registering means; said setting means being operable to adjust said register driving means whereby to determine the numerical input of said driving means to said registering means; and means for rectifying said setting means to set said numerical input at least at one numerical level, said rectifying means being effective to prevent release of said shutter means except when said setting means is at said level.

Claim 32

A device as in claim 22 wherein said setting means includes toothed bar means, means mounting said bar means for translation, and means connecting said register driving means to alter said numerical setting thereof in response to said bar means translation; said rectifying means comprising pawl means arranged to nest between said teeth thereof when said bar means is in at least one predetermined position; and means pivotally mounting said pawl whereby to rotate into and out of nested engagement with said teeth; said shutter means engaging with said pawl means in a manner to prevent said releasing movement of said shutter means when said pawl means is out of said nested engagement.

Claim 33

A device as in claim 23 wherein said shutter means is arranged to prevent movement of said pawl means out of said nested engagement when said shutter means moves to release said trip mechanism whereby to lock said bar means in said predetermined position so that the numerical input of said register driving means to said registering means cannot be changed while said trip mechanism is operating said value dispensing means.

Claim 34

A device as in claim 24 wherein: said shutter means is formed with a pawl receiving opening aligned with said pawl means; said pawl means, when not nested, projecting into said opening in position to engage said shutter means on movement thereof; said shutter means is arranged so that said releasing movement thereof moves said pawl-receiving opening out of engageable alignment with said pawl means and interposes the body of said shutter means to block rotation of said pawl means; and said pawL means is arranged so that, when the body of said shutter means is so interposed, said pawl means is locked in nested engagement with said teeth.

Claim 35

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having at least one numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed, said setting means including variable input driving means operable in response to said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means of said register to change the numerical content thereof in accordance with the value dispensed, bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and connecting means coupled to said variable input driving means to alter the variable input thereof to said register in response to translation of said bar means; said variable input driving means comprising at least one gear cluster adapted to be rotatably indexed about a second axis; said connecting means including a pinion which is carried at the outer axial end of the said gear cluster and which operatively meshes with a rack carried by said bar means.

Claim 36

In a numerical value dispensing device of the type having at least one numerical register including driven means rotatable to change the numerical content of said register, an assembly rotatable about a first axis and including means operable in response to such rotation to dispense a selected numerical value and means for setting the numerical value to be dispensed, said setting means including variable input driving means operable in response to said rotation about said first axis to rotate said driven means of said register to change the numerical content thereof in accordance with the value dispensed, bar means extending substantially parallel to said first axis, means mounting said bar means for translation substantially parallel to said first axis, and connecting means coupled to said variable input driving means to alter the variable input thereof to said register in response to translation of said bar means; said variable input driving means comprising at least one gear cluster adapted to be rotatably indexed about a second axis; said connecting means including a pinion which is carried at the outer axial end of the said gear cluster and which operatively meshes with a rack carried by said bar means.

Claim 37

Apparatus as defined by claim 26 wherein said value dispensing means includes a printing member, wherein said device includes a plurality of numerical register, and a plurality of respectively associated setting means.

Claim 38

Apparatus as defined by claim 27 wherein said plurality of setting means includes two pairs of gear clusters.

Claim 39

Apparatus as defined by claim 28 wherein a first pair of said cluster gears engage and drive the respective driven means of an associated pair of registers during a first portion of the rotation of said assembly, and wherein said second pair of cluster gears engage and drive the respective driven means of another associated pair of registers during a later portion of the rotation of said assembly.

Claim 40

Apparatus as defined by claim 26 wherein said bar means comprises at least one multi-part composite bar member that has three racks formed thereon, a first one of said racks being adapted to set a print wheel that is mounted on said assembly, a second one of said racks being adapted to engage said pinion, and the third one of said racks being adapted to engage a gear means that is connected to a thumb-operated amount setting wheel mounted on said assembly.