Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing personal identification number (PIN)-based data transfer activities is provided. The system includes a transfer system that includes a processor and a PIN processing application and decryption engine executing thereon. The PIN processing application and decryption engine implement a method. The method includes receiving an instrument identifier for an instrument upon which a data transfer is requested, and receiving a PIN input at the transfer system by a holder of the instrument. The PIN includes encrypted data elements that include the instrument identifier, a data value for the data transfer, a transfer system key of the transfer system, and a seed value associated with the instrument. The method includes decrypting the PIN to retrieve the data elements embedded therein. In response to successful validation of the data elements, the method includes encoding the instrument with the data value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media recognition device. The device includes, an alley defined by a floor and a wall that is receptive of media passable therethrough, a movable member movable in response to contact with media as the media passes through the alley, a sensor in operable communication with the movable member configured to output a signal proportional to a position of the movable member, and a processor in operable communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to map the output signal of the sensor as the media passes through the alley, the processor is further configured to recognize or distinguish the map of the media from stored maps of known media.

Abstract: A system for implementing personal identification number (PIN)-based data transfer activities includes a host system and a PIN generator application and encryption engine executing on the host system. The PIN generator application and the encryption engine generate an instance of a PIN by the PIN generator application in response to a request by a holder of an instrument to create the PIN. Generation of the instance of the PIN includes receiving an instrument identifier and a data value from the holder of the instrument, retrieving a transfer system key and a seed value associated with the instrument from an account record associated with the instrument identifier, and encrypting the instrument identifier, the data value, the transfer system key, and the seed value to form the instance of the PIN. The instance of the PIN is provided to the holder of the instrument. The data value is encoded on the instrument.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing personal identification number (PIN)-based data transfer activities is provided. The system includes a transfer system that includes a processor and a PIN processing application and decryption engine executing thereon. The PIN processing application and decryption engine implement a method. The method includes receiving an instrument identifier for an instrument upon which a data transfer is requested, and receiving a PIN input at the transfer system by a holder of the instrument. The PIN includes encrypted data elements that include the instrument identifier, a data value for the data transfer, a transfer system key of the transfer system, and a seed value associated with the instrument. The method includes decrypting the PIN to retrieve the data elements embedded therein. In response to successful validation of the data elements, the method includes encoding the instrument with the data value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a card dispensing unit including a stack guide assembly configured to receive a stack of cards, an encoder to encode said stack of cards, wherein said encoder is positioned in relation to said stack guide assembly to receive a consistent impingent force from said stack of cards: And a push block in operable communication with the guide assembly is also provided to selectively move the cards pursuant to a controllable position linear actuator which is in operable communication with the push block.

Abstract: An improved coin slide for use in a coin chute assembly is disclosed in which the coin slide has a handle portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the slide. The handle has an inwardly facing inclined surface which is defined in terms of a line positioned at an obtuse angle to a second line defined by the upper surface of the slide. The configuration is such that the obtuse angle defined by these two lines, and the radius of curvature at the corner between the inwardly facing sloping surface of the handle and the upper surface of the slide, are sufficiently large to cause a prybar applied to the inwardly facing surface of the handle to ride up the sloping surface without being able to exert a force sufficient to move the coin slide outwardly to its retracted position against the action of a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A coin validating system typically used in a coin operated machine electrically couples a stationary coin to the tuning coils of an oscillator circuit. While the coin is in a stationary position and the oscillator is tuned to a first rest frequency, the output frequency and output amplitude of the oscillator is measured. The metal coin will increase the signal frequency from its rest frequency and will decrease the signal amplitude from its rest amplitude. While the coin is stationary, frequency and amplitude are measured and compared with expected parameters of a valid coin. If a match is made, the rest frequency of the oscillator circuit is changed. At the second test frequency, signal frequency and amplitude are measured and compared with expected frequency and amplitude parameters for a valid coin. Only if a match is made at both the high frequency and the low frequency is an accept gate actuated.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement of a magnet within a coin chute assembly is disclosed which serves as a ferro-magnetic slug rejection system for a coin chute adapted to receive coins in a vertical position. The coin chute includes a coin slide disposed for movement inwardly of the assembly to an operate position. The magnet is mounted to a cover plate which is connected to a flange of the coin chute. The magnet is captured between the flange and projections on the cover plate thereby to be securely held in its mounted position. Alternatively, the magnet may be fitted within opposed notched edges of the cover plate in an interference fit relation. The magnet raises the slug carried by the coin slide so that inward movement of the slide causes the slug to abut against an abutment surface of the assembly thereby to prevent continued inward movement of the slide to its operate position.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coin chute assembly which includes a sizing block having a plurality of vertical slots each disposed to receive one of a plurality of removable sizing inserts. The sizing block has a horizontal groove in the top surface which communicates with the vertical slots. Each insert has a flange portion received in the horizontal groove and a downwardly extending notch defining stem portion which fits within a separate one of the vertical slots. The notch portion of each insert defines the upper edge of an acceptably sized coin needed to operate the assembly. Fasteners are provided to removably fasten the sizing block within the assembly to permit replacement of the inserts as needed.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement of a magnet within a coin chute assembly is disclosed which serves as a ferro-magnetic slug rejection system for a coin chute adapted to receive coins in a vertical position. The coin chute includes a coin slide disposed for movement inwardly of the assembly to an operate position. The coin chute has a flange formed with a recessed portion in its inner surface. A magnet is a cover plate which is fitted and secured within the recessed portion of the flange. The magnet raises the slug carried by the coin slide so that inward movement of the slide causes the slug to abut against an abutment surface of the assembly thereby to prevent continued inward movement of the slide to its operate position.

Abstract: A lockable coin chute assembly is mounted on a housing, and is secured thereto by a locking shaft supported within the housing. The assembly includes a chute flange which abuts against an outer wall of the housing when the assembly is in its mounted position. A separable headed member engages the outer surface of the chute flange, and has a shank portion with passes through aligned openings in the flange and the housing wall. The locking shaft threadedly engages with the headed member for removably securing the coin chute mechanism in its mounted position.