Abstract: An automatic transaction machine (ATM) prints on both sides of a document having a first side and a second side. A printer rotates about a printer axis allowing the printer to move between a first positon and a second position. A transport moves a document adjacent the printer in the first position. While in the first position the printer is configured to print on a first side of the document as the document passes the printer on the transport. A document spool with a spool axis receives the document from the transport and at least partially rotates the document so the first side of the document is facing toward the spool axis. The printer rotates about the printer axis to the second position to print on the second side of the document that is facing outward away from the spool axis.

Abstract: An automated machine 1 is provided to comprise a communications device 5 for receiving remotely operable signals emitted from a mobile terminal 10 to produce monetary signals corresponding to money amount data in the remotely operable signals, a bill acceptor 4 for validating bills inserted from the outside to produce the monetary signals when bill acceptor 4 judges the inserted bill to be genuine and for relaying the monetary signals from communications device 5, a control device 8 that has built-in program software to produce drive signals of the amount corresponding to the monetary signals in accordance with the program software when control device 8 receives the monetary signals from bill acceptor 4. In another aspect, communications device 5 may receive the remotely operable signals emitted from mobile terminal 10 to produce the monetary signals corresponding to the money amount data in the remotely operable signals and receive the monetary signals from bill acceptor 4 and send them to control device 8.

Abstract: A validator having multiple modes of operation is contemplated. The validator may be operable in a standard mode where notes are escrowed and subsequently directed to a secure storage area depending on validity and a note-verify mode where notes are escrowed and subsequently returned to a user regardless of validity.

Abstract: A paper sheet storage device includes a supply reel that supplies a rolled tape; a winding drum around which a banknote is wound together with the tape supplied from the supply reel; a first detection unit that detects a supply amount of the tape supplied from the supply reel; and a second detection unit that detects the winding drum of which the outer diameter becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined outer diameter when the banknote is wound around the winding drum together with the tape.

Abstract: A media processing device has a roller conveying section having an upper conveying guide that is electrically non-conductive, and forms one side surface of a bank note conveying path, and has an internal space; a frame that is electrically conductive and holds the upper conveying guide; a pushing spring that applies pushing force that urges pushing rollers toward driving rollers; and a supporting point shaft that is electrically conductive, and whose position in a front-rear direction is positioned by the upper conveying guide in vicinities of both end portions in a length direction of the supporting point shaft, and that supports the pushing spring in a vicinity of a central portion in the length direction, and that abuts laterally long upper end surfaces of the frame by receiving reaction force that arises in a direction of separating from the bank note conveying path in accordance with the pushing force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for reading/authenticating banknotes. The invention also concerns handheld devices, particularly those which may be used by visually impaired persons, to identify different banknote denominations. The present invention is aimed at providing a banknote validator that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art. The validator according to the invention may as well be used for validating a security document including a marking (like luminescent ink or pattern printed on said document, luminescent security thread or strip, for example) operable to glow with a specific color luminescence under appropriate UV light illumination. The invention further describes a method for identifying a denomination of a banknote having a test zone including a marking operable to glow with a specific color luminescence according to the denomination under appropriate UV light illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing fraudulent withdrawal of a bill from a bill acceptor after credit has been given. The device includes a cash box, a punch plate and a security device. The security device includes at least one bill-cutting edge and at least one string-cutting surface. A method uses a security device to cut a bill when a fraudulent withdrawal of the bill is attempted.

Abstract: A charcoal dispensing apparatus dispenses charcoal into a bag. The apparatus includes a base and a post attached to and extending upwardly from the base. A drawer frame is coupled to a top end edge of the post. A hopper is attached to the drawer frame and is configured to store and dispense a plurality of charcoal briquettes. A slot is positioned in the drawer frame. A second drawer is slidably insertable into the slot and is configured to receive charcoal from the hopper when the second drawer is positioned within the slot. The second drawer is configured to dispense charcoal outwardly therefrom when the second drawer is extended outwardly of the drawer frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the provision of receipt, validation and collection of banknotes or tickets which are input by a user, typically as payment for a service which has or is to be provided. The apparatus allow for the accurate location of the banknote or ticket as it passes through the apparatus and the accurate validation of the same. In one embodiment a printer assembly is provided which allows the apparatus to print tickets and to pass the same in the reverse direction to input banknotes or tickets, to be provided to the user as, for example a credit which can be cashed subsequently by the user.

Abstract: A pre-collection device (4) for pre-collecting coins, intended for a payment terminal (1), the pre-collection device (4) including a frame (6), a bucket (8) having an inlet opening (14) for inserting coins into the bucket (8) and an outlet opening (26) for removing coins stored in the bucket (8). The pre-collection device (4) further includes at least one cutting blade (36) that is movable relative to the frame (6) between an idle position and an active position and that is at least partially movable across the inlet opening (14) between the idle position and the active position, and a mechanism for moving the movable cutting blade (36), capable of moving the movable cutting blade (36) from its idle position to its active position so as to cut the object engaged in the inlet opening (14) of the bucket (8).

Abstract: An anti-fishing device is located in close proximity to a location where coins are inserted into a parking meter, or other vending or metering machine. The anti-fishing device does not require any moving parts and presents an obstacle in the coin path that impedes the withdrawal of inserted coins from a coin chute. The anti-fishing device may comprise one or more fingers that extend into a coin channel. The fingers of the anti-fishing device may extend backwards into the coin channel. The anti-fishing device may be made from a single piece of material and may be incorporated into new coin chutes as well being retrofit into existing coin chutes, parking meters, or other vending or metering machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A sheet paper storage and dispensing device stores and dispenses sheet paper, and includes a first reel drum onto which a tape is wound; a second reel drum on which sheet paper is stored; a motor which drives the first and second reel drums via a drive system; an electromagnetic clutch which switches between transmitting and interrupting drive force from the drive system; an electromagnetic brake which applies a brake to the drive system; a trigger sensor which detects supplying of the sheet paper; a tape speed detection section which detects a transporting speed at the intake/discharge port; a motor speed variation control unit which controls changes in a rotation speed; and a winding control unit which causes winding by controlling the electromagnetic clutch so as to transmit the driving force when supplying of the sheet paper to the intake/discharge port is detected by the trigger sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing unauthorized removal of currency items from a currency handling apparatus is provided. A removable security gate mechanism (500) is provided that comprises a housing (501), a rotatable gate (510), a drive wheel and a positioning member. The positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate (510).

Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing an action of drawing out a paper sheet such as a bill is provided. A bill processing apparatus of the present invention has an insertion slot into which a bill is inserted and a traveling route through which the bill inserted into the insertion slot is conveyed. The traveling route has a first traveling route (3A) connected to the insertion slot and a second traveling route (3B) extending downstream from the first traveling route (3A) and being inclined relative to the first traveling route (3A). The second traveling route (3B) is provided with a shutter member (200) for preventing conveyance of the bill toward the insertion slot.

Abstract: A pre-collection device (4) for pre-collecting coins, intended for a payment terminal (1), the pre-collection device (4) including a frame (6), a bucket (8) having an inlet opening (14) for inserting coins into the bucket (8) and an outlet opening (26) for removing coins stored in the bucket (8). The pre-collection device (4) further includes at least one cutting blade (36) that is movable relative to the frame (6) between an idle position and an active position and that is at least partially movable across the inlet opening (14) between the idle position and the active position, and a mechanism for moving the movable cutting blade (36), capable of moving the movable cutting blade (36) from its idle position to its active position so as to cut the object engaged in the inlet opening (14) of the bucket (8).

Abstract: A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector includes means defining a note path and gate means in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate means and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate means. The gate means is biased towards the fully closed position. The foreign object detector also includes sensing means for detecting when the gate means is in the fully closed position. In the fully closed position, a leading edge of the gate means extends outside the note path and is received within a recess in the means defining the note path, whereby a foreign object in the note path obstructing the recess prevents the gate means from reaching the fully closed position, the sensing means thereby detecting the presence of the foreign object in the note path.

Abstract: A paper sheet or bill processing apparatus capable of reliably detecting a paper sheet or bill present in a traveling route. The paper sheet or bill processing apparatus includes: a motor for a paper sheet or bill conveyance mechanism which can be driven to convey a paper sheet or bill along a traveling route; a discharge sensor which detects whether or not the paper sheet or bill is present in the traveling route; and control means which carries out a redetection process to detect whether or not the paper sheet or bill is present in the traveling route again by the discharge sensor after the motor is driven if the paper sheet or bill is not detected by the discharge detection sensor in a detection process in a condition that driving of the conveyance mechanism is stopped.

Abstract: A foreign object detecting apparatus in bill passageway includes a laser light source, a first light detector and a second light detector. The laser light source is arranged in a first lateral side to emit a coherent laser beam toward a second lateral side. The first light detector is arranged in the second lateral side to receive the coherent laser beam and to measure the intensity of the coherent laser beam. The second light detector is arranged in one of a top side and a bottom side, wherein when a foreign object is presence in the bill passageway, the intensity of the coherent laser beam received by the first light detector is decreased by the blocking of the foreign object, and at least a portion of the coherent laser beam which is reflected, refracted, diffracted or scattered by the foreign object is received by the second light detector.

Abstract: A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.

Abstract: A rotary anti-pullback unit is provided which comprises a rotor 22 and a frame 43 for rotatably supporting the rotor 22. Rotor 22 comprises a plurality of disks 25 arranged coaxially in a line and in axially spaced relation to each other, and a plurality of fletched fins 26 axially protruding from at least one radial surface 25a of disks 25 toward an opposite radial surface 25a of the other adjoining spaced disk 25. Rotor 22 is rotated concurrently with a bill 70 transported along each outer periphery of disks 25 in contact to transported bill 70 to radially inwardly move a flexible extracting tool 71 connected to bill 70, and bring tool 71 into tangled engagement with fin or fins 26 in order to prevent unduly extraction of bill 70.

Abstract: There is provided a highly secure bill handling device that can essentially prevent bill removal. The bill handling device according to the invention includes a bill container for storing a bill inserted through a bill insertion slot, an exit through which the bill container projects out of a housing, an openable/closable shutter for closing the exit, a shutter drive module for opening and closing the shutter, a lock member movably supported between a locked position where the shutter is not allowed to open and an unlocked position where the shutter is allowed to open, and a lock member moving module for moving the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: Disk-shaped object thickness-restricting means is provided in a disk-shaped object guiding path for transferring a disk-shaped object, inserted through a disk-shaped object slot, in an inclined direction. The disk-shaped object thickness-restricting means comes into contact with the inserted disk-shaped object and changes its position depending on the thickness of the disk-shaped object in the contact, restricting the thickness of the inserted disk-shaped object.

Abstract: A coin selector prevents illegal actuation of a coin sensor for real coin detection and is reduced in size and has a high coin processing rate, and which can cancel a coin to be cancelled reliably. The coin selector detects the passage of a coin based upon a signal from a coin sensor disposed downstream of a real/fake discriminating unit formed along a coin passage through which the coin moves. A moving direction changing unit for a coin is provided on the coin passage downstream of the real/fake discriminating unit and the coin passage downstream of the moving direction changing unit is disposed on a plane different from a plane on which the moving direction changing unit is present.

Abstract: An auto-bill-dispensing machine is provided. The auto-bill-dispensing machine comprises bill receiver having a plurality of security hooks positioned axially between two positioning plates formed on the two sides of the upper chassis of the bill receiver, and the security hooks are against within a plurality of blocking grooves of the lower chassis to block the bill passage. When the bill enters into the bill passage and being held against on the security hooks, the security hooks of the bill receiver will be out of the blocking groove of the lower chassis to let the bill pass through, and after the bill passes the security hooks, the security device will return to the original position to make the security hooks support within the blocking groove of the lower chassis to prevent the bill being pulled back by a string, a tape, a steel wire or a glued metallic plate.

Abstract: The bill validator disclosed is provided with a plurality of pathway selectors at a position nearer to the inlet than the outlet, wherein the selectors select the pathways in respective different phases for the pathways to form a cross between the plurality of pathway selectors in every pathway selection.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for preventing extraction of a bill from a money exchange machine. This apparatus uses a main roller, an auxiliary roller, two supporters, a lead board and a protection board. The two ends of both the main roller and the auxiliary roller are set in the two supporters for rotation. The main roller and the auxiliary roller rotate in opposite directions and a channel exists between them. The main roller is made of a plurality of round boards. A bump is extends from part of the surface of each round board. A lead board is located behind the main roller. A channel is formed between the main roller and the lead board.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing an improved coin acceptor are described. In one aspect, an electronic coin acceptor exaggerates relatively small differences in coin diameters. A coin deposited into the coin acceptor passes along a coin path through two sensing beams, with at least one of the beams positioned at a nonperpendicular angle to the coin path. Timing information relating to the coin's passage through the beams is recorded and utilized to identify the coin. In another aspect, the thickness of the coin is determined as the coin passes through the sensing beams.

Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving apparatus includes a body with a bill-receiving opening in a front end thereof, a detecting device mounted in the body and defining a bill passage through which a bill inserted into the bill-receiving opening passes, and a bill-collecting box for receiving the bill. The genuineness of the bill is discriminated by the detecting device. In a case that a fraud operation is attempted by bonding an end of a string to a side of the bill and inserting the bill into the bill-receiving opening, the string is severed by one of a plurality of cutting edges on the detecting device.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving apparatus includes a body with a bill-receiving opening in a front end thereof, a detecting device mounted in the body and defining a bill passage through which a bill inserted into the bill-receiving opening passes, and a bill-collecting box for receiving the bill. The genuineness of the bill is discriminated by the detecting device. In a case that a fraud operation is proceeded by bonding an end of a string to a side of the bill and inserting the bill into the bill-receiving opening, the string is severed by one of a plurality of cutting edges on the detecting device.

Abstract: A system for detection of fraud upon a coin or token accepting device is disclosed. In one embodiment the system operates in a coin path, the coin path being configured to accept and direct a coin. Prior to credit being provided for a coin or other item of value, the system detects and analyzes behavior of objects in the coin path. In one embodiment, one or more emitter/detector pairs are located in the coin path. The emitters transmit a form of energy across the coin path for detection by a detector. A fraud perpetration device in the coin path can be detected by the emitter/detector pairs. The emitter/detector pairs may utilize complex signal schemes, such as signal modulation, random signaling generation, velocity, acceleration, displacement, coin material physics, and the like to detect fraud.

Abstract: A hook array for use with a currency validator is described. The hook array includes a plurality of tree-shaped teeth that form restricted openings between them. In an implementation, the teeth may span a currency passageway of a bill acceptor and be angled such that any string-like member attached to a bill will be trapped within a restricted opening to prevent extraction of the bill.

Abstract: A mechanical coin checker is proposed having a coin channel which has a running rail for the coin to run down, in or at which channel checking arrangements are provided to check the properties of the coins, having a coin acceptance shaft and a return shaft, disposed below the running rail, to return coins which are not accepted. The running rail has in the running direction of the coin a recess into which coins which are too thin slide and possibly fall into the return shaft. In front of the coin acceptance shaft is disposed a detent pawl, which is rotatably mounted at a flap forming a part of the coin channel. A detent wire, which is pivotable about a portion of its longitudinal axis, co-operates with its one end region with the detent pawl and is disposed with its other end region below the recess, in such a way that when a coin slips through the recess, the detent wire pivots and takes the detent pawl with it into the coin channel to engage at least one integrally formed arm.

Abstract: A plurality of gates with control arms and cam arms that pivot to open and close a plurality of coin stalls, so that a coin will enter the first open stall, engage the cam arm to pivot the control arm to close that stall, and come to rest on one of a plurality of support arms. A coin select mechanism includes an actuator operatively connected to a coin select member with pins that engage slots with openings in the arms. The actuator is selectively operated to slide the coin select member to align one of the pins with the opening of one of the arms, to permit that arm to pivot to release the coin in that stall. A coin release mechanism includes an actuator operatively connected to a release member with pins that engage the release the arms so that only the desired coin stall is emptied.

Abstract: Improved coin selector of the type being incorporated in any kind of machines operated by means of the insertion of coins to be validated, the selector (1) comprising an anti-thread safety mechanism constituted by a generally L-shaped lever (3) that is positioned in respect of the coin inlet opening (2), that is rotably mounted in respect of a shaft (4) by the end of one of its wings, while its other wing, in its resting position, crosses the coin passage channel (5) and interferes, by its free end, the beam of a pair of photodiodes (6), it being provided below the lever (3) with a feeler (7) of a general L-shape being rotable by its vertex, one of its wings (9) having a shape of a truncated cone that, in its resting position, crosses the coin passage channel (5).

Abstract: An adaptable string detector for currency validators has an infrared emitting diode on one side of the note path and an infrared phototransistor on the other. The phototransistor is connected to a window comparator and to an EEPOT. The EEPOT establishes a quiescent value for the output of the phototransistor to lie within the window of the window comparator. If a string or other retrieving implement is attached to a piece of currency traveling along the note path, the output of the phototransistor falls outside of the window, signaling that the note is to be rejected and no goods, services, or change is exchanged therefor.

Abstract: A security unit installed in a paper currency receiving system in a vending machine at a rear side of a paper currency passage to stop recognized paper currency from being pulled backwards with an external object, the security unit including a holder block having staggered rows of forward protruding plates, a cover plate swinging between a first position where the cover plate is closed with openings thereof coupled to the forward protruding plates to stop recognized paper currency from being pulled backwards, and a second position where the cover plate is disengaged from the forward protruding plates for enabling inserted paper currency to pass.

Abstract: Around one coin pullout prevention lever, another coin pullout prevention lever with tip position thereof being different from that of the one coin pullout prevention lever is arranged.

Abstract: A bill validator is provided which comprises a rotator with a slit and being rotatably attached to the bill validator, the slit being capable of aligning with a passageway when the rotator is in an initial position; a driving device for rotating the rotator; and a validator control circuit for judging authenticity of the bill by outputs of detective sensors and for controlling the driving device. The validator control circuit produces outputs to operate the driving device and thereby to rotate the rotator so as to wind some pulling string connected to the bill around the rotator after the bill passes the slit of the rotator, and the circuit evaluates the rotation rate of the rotator, and detects the unauthorized pulling string.

Abstract: A system to effect coin discrimination and rejection comprises an arcuate control element pivotably disposed in a coin race with respect to a rejection body. The downstream end of the element is biased across the coin race. A coin passing through the race engages the downstream end of the element, thereby pivoting the element so as to prevent the passage of additional coins down the coin race.

Abstract: A coin validator with an improved coin processing rate, performs primary validation testing on coins at a primary validation station as successive coins roll down a coin rundown path. Unacceptable coins pass to a coin reject path but coins found acceptable by the primary validation testing are deflected by a solenoid operated gate to a coin accept path. The acceptable coins pass a further sensor coil. Auxiliary coin testing is carried out by a microprocessor by analyzing the time taken for the coin to reach and move away form the further sensor. The microprocessor performs undertimer and overtimer routines FIGS. 3A, B and if the coin arrives within the under and overtimer ranges t.sub.1, t.sub.2, the coin is accepted. When the coin throughput rate is increased, the undertimer is switched off in order to permit the coin throughput rate for valid coins to be increased, without loss of security.

Abstract: A shutter unit 17 of a bill validator comprises a blocking member 18 movable between an interceptive position for closing the through hole 74 of the shutter unit 17 and a release position away from the through hole 74 for allowing passage of the bill through the through hole 74 into a slot 13 of the validating unit 20; a control unit 48 movable between an inactive position for barring movement of the blocking member 18 to the release position and an operative position for allowing movement of the blocking member 18 to the release position; and an actuator 50 for shifting the control unit 48 between the inactive and operative positions. When the blocking member 18 is forcibly moved to the release position in an unauthorized manner, the control unit 48 in the inactive position effectively inhibits and resists movement of the blocking member 18 to the release position.

Abstract: An anti-fraud string cutter for a coin telephone instrument having a serpentine coin path. The string cutter is fabricated as a stack of notched, slit, sheet metal plates having alternately off-set flat and wavy teeth which are adapted to snag and cut, between adjacent ones of the plates, any string threaded through said coin path by a fraudulent user. String cutters are advantageously to be mounted adjacent to one of the cusps of the serpentine path and above the coin return hopper.

Abstract: A validator portion of a bill validator is disclosed comprising two different plastic materials of different colors, fused together. The first plastic material is preferably opaque, or black, and the second plastic material is preferably clear. The clear material is used to provide windows through the validator housings for light to pass from light sources, such as light emitting diodes, to photodetectors, such as phototransistors, and protects the light source and photodetectors from water, dirt and air. Prisms can be provided as well, to provide a detector for foreign matter such as string. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the validator can be formed by a two shot, injection molding process.

Abstract: A coin telephone instrument is provided with a string cutter positioned to intercept and cut the string of a tethered coin deposited by a fraudulent user. The deposited, tethered coin follows the usual serpentine path of the coin chute, along a coin chute guide. However, a "cusp" in the coin path facilitates the cutting of the string, when it is pulled back by the fraudulent user. Pulling back on the string causes it to leave the serpentine coin chute path and to enter a gap between the coin chute path and the door of the telephone instrument. The tethered coin remains in the coin chute. Once the string has entered the gap between the door of the telephone instrument it encounters the jaws of the string cutter where any further pulling of the string will cause it to be cut by a scissoring action of the jaws.

Abstract: A coin telephone instrument having a serpentine coin path is provided with string grabbers positioned at cusps in the coin path to engage the string of a tethered coin deposited by a fraudulent user. Each string grabber assembly is comprised of a pair of facing and arcuately converging lip surfaces which guide the string toward the surfaces' initial point of convergence. The grabbers, working in tandem, will stop the tethered coin during its descent before it reaches the escrow hopper, trap door and coin steering vane, thereby frustrating the fraudulent attempt. If the fraudulent user pulls back on the string to retrieve the tethered coin, the converging lip surfaces engage the string forcing it past the initial point of convergence and into the path of a sheet metal slit cutter which severs the string tether.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fraud in a coin detector is disclosed. The apparatus is provided with a coin validating device. A coin sensing apparatus, located downstream of the coin validating device and preferably including a plurality of optic emitter-detector pairs arranged to detect the passage of the coin, is also provided. The coin sensing apparatus is adapted to provide improved resistance to miscounting of coins and to traditional gimmicks used to cheat coin operated devices such as tilting the coin detector.

Abstract: A movable gate member (34) of a coin gate (24) is provided with lugs (70) which extend downwardly from the gate member (34), at least partly in the direction of travel of a coin through the gate. The lugs (70) trap a tethered or captive coin by hooking the coin if the coin is pulled back towards the gate by its tether. The lugs (70) may have a ramp shape for urging the coin progressively away from the open edge of the gate member, and slots (76) may be formed in the gate member for receiving the tether.