Abstract: A bulk coin dispenser bin holds nonaligned coin inventory even when removed from a base containing drive mechanisms and control electronics. A rotor assembly at the bin outlet retains coin inventory during separation, with a rotating disk dispensing coins through a discharge slot in a controlled manner. Optional adjustment of the rotor assembly's angular positioning changes the coin size/denomination dispensed by the bin. Uniqueness required to dispense coins of a given size/denomination is embodied in the bin, such that any base may operate with the bin without adjustment other than update of bin denomination in the dispensing system controller. Bin location and the combination of coin denominations dispensed may thus be readily altered within the dispensing system. Optional bin memory and optical level sensing improve inventory management functionality.

Abstract: A system for handling coins employs a front end coin acceptor and validator that feeds a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism utilizes a substantially horizontal track module to load coins by denomination into an arrangement of bins. The coins are ejected by means of a solenoid onto the track module that provides a path according to the denomination of the coin into the proper bin.

Abstract: A bulk coin dispenser bin holds nonaligned coin inventory even when removed from a base containing drive mechanisms and control electronics. A rotor assembly at the bin outlet retains coin inventory during separation, with a rotating disk dispensing coins through a discharge slot in a controlled manner. Optional adjustment of the rotor assembly's angular positioning changes the coin size/denomination dispensed by the bin. Uniqueness required to dispense coins of a given size/denomination is embodied in the bin, such that any base may operate with the bin without adjustment other than update of bin denomination in the dispensing system controller. Bin location and the combination of coin denominations dispensed may thus be readily altered within the dispensing system. Optional bin memory and optical level sensing improve inventory management functionality.

Abstract: A coin dispenser includes a coin canister that automatically locks into the dispenser. A remotely operated mechanism may unlock the canister from the dispenser. The dispenser may serve as a loading stand for the canister. The canister may be adapted for manual loading of coins into the canister without removing the canister from the dispenser. The canister may include a receptacle for coins and an aperture adapted to facilitate loading coins into the receptacle and to retain coins in the receptacle. The canister may include a repositionable handle that covers an aperture of the canister in one position and serves as a carrying handle in another position. A system for dispensing coins includes a controller electrically connected to a coin dispenser. The dispenser includes a coin canister and a latch that locks the canister to the dispenser. The controller can send an electrical signal that unlocks the canister.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for transporting objects. A transporter includes a chamber and a carrier in the chamber. The chamber has an inlet, an outlet and an interior cross-section. The carrier substantially fills the cross-section of the chamber and is operable to move between first and second positions within the chamber. The carrier causes a plurality of objects that are inserted through the inlet when the carrier is in the first position to exit via the outlet as it moves from the first position to the second position. A delivery port may be coupled to the outlet of the chamber, such that objects exiting the chamber via the outlet enter the delivery port. A dispensing mechanism may inserts objects into the chamber via the inlet.

Abstract: A coin dispenser includes a coin canister that automatically locks into the dispenser. A remotely operated mechanism may unlock the canister from the dispenser. The dispenser may serve as a loading stand for the canister. The canister may be adapted for manual loading of coins into the canister without removing the canister from the dispenser. The canister may include a receptacle for coins and an aperture adapted to facilitate loading coins into the receptacle and to retain coins in the receptacle. The canister may include a repositionable handle that covers an aperture of the canister in one position and serves as a carrying handle in another position. A system for dispensing coins includes a controller electrically connected to a coin dispenser. The dispenser includes a coin canister and a latch that locks the canister to the dispenser. The controller can send an electrical signal that unlocks the canister.

Abstract: A flat writing surface is attached to the chassis of a coin or token dispenser by a hinge or other manner of attachment in either a sloped or horizontal fashion. In a particular embodiment, the attached writing surface has a ledge at one edge to hold the item being written. A writing instrument may be optionally attached. Frequently accessed controls and serviceable components of the coin dispenser can be grouped together in an easily accessible control panel beneath the writing surface, preferentially in a recessed well, that is accessible by flipping up or lifting of the writing surface. Location beneath the writing surface keeps the controls from being accidentally or intentionally operated by an unauthorized person. The control panel is optionally locked shut, preventing the writing surface from being flipped or lifted up to expose the control panel by unauthorized individuals.

Abstract: A portable canister for holding coin-like objects for ejection from a dispenser has a lid and a substantially box-like base that are either attached pivotally at one or more hinges so that the canister may be opened in a clamshell fashion a full 180 degrees or that come together in a box-like fashion without the use of hinges, the cover being lifted entirely off the base for loading. Inside the canister base is a side-by-side array of columns, each column having sides encircling the column circumference by no more than 180 degrees in order to allow horizontal loading of stacks of coins. The lid operates to trap the coins into the columns of the base. The closed canister has slots in the plane of the lid to permit ejection of coins one at a time from each column. An ejection mechanism mounted in the dispenser chassis employs one solenoid subassembly per column of a removable canister.

Abstract: A dual delivery mechanism for a coin dispenser providing the ability to deliver coins or tokens to coin cups on both sides of a coin/token dispensing machine has a moveable ramp connected to a transfer lever. The position of the ramp is controlled by a double-acting solenoid that moves a single solenoid plunger connected to the transfer lever. The dual delivery mechanism is mounted in the coin dispenser chassis so that the ramp is positioned beneath the chute into which coins fall when they are ejected from the coin canister. The double-acting solenoid may be controlled by a separate PCB located in the coin canister chassis to which the main microcomputer of the coin dispenser transmits the signal to indicating which direction the coins should be dispensed. Upon receiving the signal, the PCB generates a pulse to the appropriate drive solenoid consisting of an initial short, high voltage part that initiates motion, followed by a longer, low voltage part that maintains ramp position during coin ejection.

Abstract: A detachable PCMCIA memory card incorporating a smartcard integrated circuit for storing a password value and logic circuitry for preventing access to information stored on the memory card unless the user of the host computer to which the memory card is connected can supply a password matching the stored password. The smartcard integrated circuit may also be used to store public and private key values used to encrypt and decrypt data stored on the card or elsewhere on the host computer or exchanged with a remote computer.

Abstract: A modem suitable for transmitting encrypted data over voice-grade telephone line. The modem is implemented by the combination of integrated circuit components including a microprocessor, a serial communications controller which communicates with connected data terminal equipment, and a modulator/demodulator for translating between voice band tone signals and digital data. Pseudo random number generators are employed at both the transmitting and receiving stations to supply identical sequences of encryption keys to a transmitting encoder and a receiving decoder. An initial random number seed value is made available to both stations. The random number generators are advanced at times determined by predetermined characteristics of the data being transmitted so that, after transmission has taken place, the common encryption key can be known only to the transmitting and receiving stations.

Abstract: A coin dispenser adapted for use with an electronic cash register or point-of-sale terminal which includes a key sensor for accepting a coded identification key which identifies a particular sales clerk and which maintains a record of the number of coins dispensed during that clerk's job shift. At the end of an appropriate accounting period, the stored information may be transferred to a host computer, either by a conventional data channel through a connected point-of-sale terminal, or by using a "manager's key" which serves as a data carrier between the dispenser and the host computer. The accounting functions in the automated dispenser provide the data needed to successfully employ "cash drawer accounting" procedures preferred by many retailers.

Abstract: A coin roll opener for opening a plastic wrapper packaging about coins in the form of a roll includes an insert having an elongated, relatively narrow upper surface and at least one corner formed by intersection of the elongated upper surface with a second surface of the insert. In preferred embodiments, the insert is mounted to extend from a body, and two opposed corners are provided. A method for opening a coin roll with the device is also described, whereby a coin roll is rotated in engagement with the corner for initiation of an opening in the plastic wrapper packaging for release of coins.