Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A device and magazine are set for dispensing articles of value such as pre-paid telephone calling cards. The closed magazine has a gate moveable between a closed to an open position to permit articles to be dispensed therefrom by a dispensing mechanism. A one cycle gate operating mechanism is included which has an actuator moveable from a first position to a second position to secure the magazine to the dispensing mechanism and open the gate. Should the actuator be moved to close the gate, the gate is locked in the closed position and cannot be re-opened. Surreptitious opening of the gate to remove cards and then closing the gate prevents the gate from re-opening and prevents securing the magazine to the dispensing mechanism.