Abstract: A vault defines a cavity wherein openings define the vault and are open into the cavity. A token box is disposed within the cavity of the vault. A cover feature has a shell and a base. The base is slidably coupled to the vault to transition between a first position and a second position. The shell is hingedly coupled to the base to hinge between a covering position and a servicing position when the base is in the second position.

Abstract: An enrichment system and method for animals in captivity is disclosed. Generally speaking, the system includes an automated dispenser and a plurality of tokens to be placed about an animal enclosure. The dispenser includes a suitable housing, a reservoir for containing animal-suitable rewards, a token receptacle, a reward output connected to the reservoir, and a mechanism for releasing animal-suitable rewards from the reservoir into the reward output when tokens are deposited into the receptacle. The mechanism for releasing animal suitable rewards is activated by the deposit of a token in the token receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening arm muscles, including a framework, a tabletop on the framework, an elbow pad and a touch pad on the tabletop. A hinged lever with a handle is coupled to a horizontal shaft, which in turn is coupled to a vertical shaft. A grooved wheel is disposed on the vertical shaft under the tabletop, and a wire is laid in the groove of the wheel. One end of the wire is fixed to the wheel and the other end of the wire is detachably fixed to a counterbalance weight, so that when the counterbalance weight is in a lower extreme position, the lever is in an initial position, and when the lever is in a reclined position, the counterbalance weight is in an elevated position relative to its lower extreme position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for dealing cards includes: selecting a respective card distribution configuration from a plurality card distribution configurations stored in a card distribution configuration table, each card distribution configuration being defined by a respective set of meld types and a respective number of occurrences for each of the set of meld types, the respective number of occurrences specifying a total number of times that card combinations matching the meld type occur in a game round; according to the respective number of occurrences for each meld type in the selected card distribution configuration, randomly selecting from a deck of cards a corresponding number of card combinations matching the meld type; distributing the selected card combinations for all of the meld types in the respective card distribution configuration to a plurality of game roles; and distributing a remainder of cards in the deck to the plurality of game roles.

Abstract: A recirculating bath includes a reservoir for receiving a working liquid, a recirculating pump, and at least one thermal element. The recirculating pump and thermal element are located externally to the reservoir so that the reservoir has an unobstructed working space. The thermal element may be thermally coupled to the working liquid through an interior surface of the reservoir, or the working liquid may be circulated over the thermal element by the recirculating pump in a chamber external to the reservoir. The recirculating bath may also include a lid that provides access to the reservoir by pivoting on a latching hinge. When open, the lid may provide a working surface adjacent to the reservoir. The lid may also include a selector that unlatches the hinge so that the lid can be removed. The recirculating pump may be fluidically coupled to the reservoir via a manifold.

Abstract: A shopping trolley is provided, including a shopping basket (1) having a grab bar (2) and wheels (3), a chain lock (4) and a coin deposit lock (5), the shopping trolley having a docking station (6) for a portable electronic device with a holder (7) for the device, a power source (8), and means (9) for transferring energy from the power source (8) to the device. The docking station (6) includes a detector for detecting when the device is inserted into the holder (7) and when the device is connected to the energy transfer means (9). The coin deposit lock (5) includes an electromagnetic locking mechanism. The detector is able to emit an electrical or electromagnetic signal to the electromagnetic locking mechanism of the coin deposit lock (5), which has a receiver that is able to trigger the unlocking of the chain lock (4).

Abstract: A charging device for use with a power storage device includes a housing, a power conduit configured to deliver current to the power storage device, and a cable reel assembly coupled to the housing and to the power conduit. The cable reel assembly is configured to permit extension of a portion of said power conduit from said housing and to retract the portion of said power conduit into said housing.

Abstract: A system for managing electric energy exchange devices is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of predefined parameters for electric energy exchange for a vehicle using an electric energy exchange device for a time increment. The set of predefined parameters comprises price levels associated with levels of customers. The processor is further configured to receive a set of transaction specific parameters. The processor is configured to determine a price for electric energy exchange based at least in part on the set of predefined parameters and the set of transaction specific parameters. The processor is configured to determine whether a level of a customer meets predefined parameters for free electric energy exchange. The processor is configured to, in the event the level of the customer meets the predefined parameters for free electric energy exchange, provide for free electric exchange.

Abstract: A system for dispensing consumer products includes a product bin unit; a product ejector; a product trigger; and a controller. The product bin unit includes a product bin; an ejector aperture; and a trigger aperture. The product ejector is coupled to the product bin unit through the ejector aperture and adapted to drive the product package from the product bin upon receipt of a dispensing signal. The product trigger is coupled to the product bin unit through the trigger aperture. The controller is in communication with the product ejector and the product trigger and includes at least one memory and a processor. The memory stores a dispensing module. The processor is adapted to execute the dispensing module, and the dispensing module is operable when executed to receive a dispensing instruction and transmit the dispensing signal to the product ejector based, at least in part, on the dispensing instruction.

Abstract: A data generating device for use with a coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, is provided. In all of the embodiments, the invention uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine, and a data generating device in working relation with the coin mechanism. The data generating device, will be able to receive, store and generate various types of information relevant to owners/operators of bulk vending machines, including but not limited to, day and/or time of particular vends, particular machine from which the vend took place, particular location/owner/operator of machine from which each vend originated, and the identity of the person collecting the money from the machine, while also allowing for the multiple hook-up of numerous data generating devices positioned on numerous machines found in one location so as to achieve a report on all vends from all machines.

Abstract: A coin counter is provided for push-pull coin vending machines, arcade machines and pay-per-use appliances. The counter comprises a bracket assembly having first and second chambers. The first chamber for receiving, processing and expelling a coin, and the second chamber having a switch assembly which is interactive with the coins moving through the first chamber by means of an actuator arm so as to register counts on a connected numeric display. The counter further comprises a stop which receives the weight of the coins processed through the machine and also redirects the coins, allowing the actuator arm to rotate in a reduced arc than the prior art.

Abstract: A parking meter mechanism is described that may include a front housing, having a display opening for viewing a display through, connected to an internal structure. Additionally or alternatively the parking meter mechanism may include a contactless payment reader located behind the display. The parking meter mechanism may be secured to a lower housing. A back housing may be secured to the lower housing as well. The front or back housing may include a solar panel compartment and solar panel mounted therein.

Abstract: A tracking system counts events in the operation of multiple machines or devices over a wide geographic area. For example, for bulk venders the system counts each vend responsive to rotation through a cycle of the coin mechanism, and preferably records the date and time of each vend. An active tag has a memory for storing data representing a vending event, for example the date and time of the event. The data is periodically read by an interrogator, which downloads the data stored in the tag memory and erases the memory to reset the tag for continued monitoring of the vender. With this information an operator can reconcile revenues, track when sales take place and over what period of time, and track the work habits of service personnel.

Abstract: A new rotary switch and new rotary switch assembly kit which has two normally open terminals and two normally closed terminals outside the surface of the switch, and also has two arm actuate steel wires and two separate electric circuits to be used in association with coin drop units that operate coin machines and similar equipment, comprising a new rotary switch and a new rotary switch assembly kit having one common terminal and two arm actuate steel wires and two separate electric circuits in an open position, which when activated by a coin will complete the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A device for accurately adjusting the position of a sensor unit relative to a driving member. The driving member is moved by a coin dispensed by a coin dispenser. The sensor unit is mounted on a movable base plate that is positioned on a fixed base plate attached to the coin dispenser. The relative position of the sensor unit to the driving member is adjusted by a screw unit that can adjust the position of the movable base plate relative to the fixed base plate. A fixing unit secures the movable base plate from moving relative to the fixed base plate once the desired sensor unit position is selected using the screw unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely monitoring the sales transactions in bulk vending machines, said apparatus comprising at least one bulk vending machine having a coin mechanism. The coin mechanism includes a coin plate; a selectively rotatable shaft extending radially therefrom; a coin shuttle, a cam-bearing lobe and a coin mechanism adapter plate co-axially and collectively located around the selectively rotatable shaft; and a first switch and a second switch. The first and second switches are fixedly mounted and oriented on the coin mechanism adapter plate so that the maximum amount of backlash in the coin mechanism is less than the angular spread of the switches.

Abstract: When a fare is inserted, a receipt on which a password assigned to the user is printed is issued, and a sheets each bearing a printed image is housed in a storage bin or a storage box. When the password printed on the receipt is inputted, the corresponding storage bin (storage box) is shifted to a sheet outlet, thereby allowing the user to take this out. Thus, it is possible to provide a print system that is superior in the operability and allows the user to positively obtain his or her own job, and a sheet-processing device suitable for such a system.

Abstract: A contactless-smart-IC-card receive and read-write mechanism for an on-street parking meter. The mechanism includes a nested cartridge set consisting of a card read-write unit and a card receiver. The card read-write unit further includes an outer case having an induction coil and a circuit board attached to one outer side of the outer case. The card receiver is removably nested in the outer case for an IC card to insert thereinto. The circuit board has different circuits provided thereon for controlling power supply to correctly complete card reading and overwriting. A detecting switch is mounted on the outer case to detect the existence of the IC card in the card receiver. Only when a correct IC card in the receiver is detected will a high frequency power supply circuit be actuated for the card read-write unit to read and overwrite data or amount stored in the IC card. The card read-write unit is not affected by external dust or rainwater to cause error operation.

Abstract: A data generating device 300 for use in combination with a coin mechanism 100 of a bulk vending machine 10, is provided. The combination uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine. The coin mechanism has a selectively rotatable shaft 110 extending axially therefrom, which has mounted therearound, a portion of the data generating device.

Abstract: A coin guiding device (1) is proposed which contains a coin channel (2) as well as a device for steadying coins and containing a swivelling pressing member (4) with wedge-shaped surfaces (9, 10). The pressing member (4) has an intake (6), substantially parallel to one wall (5) of the coin channel (2) and delimited by a lateral guide 7. Moreover, the coin guiding device (1) has a runner (3) disposed after the pressing member (4).

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided.

Abstract: A method of cash card billing with the aid of parking or pay meters when parking a vehicle. A pay meter system is provided which includes a plurality of pay meters, wherein each pay meter constitutes an independent operative unit and is equipped with a cash card reader. A person parking a vehicle finds a meter and with the aid of the cash card reader feeds into the pay meter information from the cash card relating at least to the cash card account number. When the cash card has been read by the first pay meter (BA1) the meter stores the account number (KN) and the parking commencement time (IT) in a memory (BA1 MEM) that is part of the first pay meter. The first pay meter (BA1) issues a parking ticket on which a transaction number (TN) and parking commencement time (IT) are recorded in a machine-readable form. When terminating the parking period, the parking ticket is read in a second pay meter (BA2), which may be any chosen pay meter in the pay meter system.

Abstract: A cash box proximity switch arrangement is provided for public telephones and is mounted in an upper portion of a lower housing of the telephone above the vault area. The switch is contained in a sealed housing which prevents contamination from dirt, moisture and the like. A magnet can be arranged so as to provide a bi-stable magnetic circuit between the floor of the lower phone housing and a cash box lid attached to a cash box which has been installed in the vault area of the telephone housing.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided. The combination coin mechanism and coin counter comprises a coin mechanism designed to be partially received into an opening in a bulk vending machine, having a selectively rotatable cam. The coin counter is attached to a portion of the coin mechanism inside of the bulk vending machine, and has a numeric display and a pivotally mounted switch connected to the display by at least one lead. A portion of the switch is in contact with the cam, which, due to its eccentric shape, causes the switch to pivot upon the rotation of the cam, causing the numeric display to advance one number for each full rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A system to generate large (e.g. $1 million) jackpots for live card games such as blackjack is disclosed. Multiple live card tables are placed in one or more gaming establishments. A coin acceptor is assigned to each player position on the tables and includes a sensor for determining the presence of a coin to generate a signal indicating that a jackpot side bet has been placed and to correspondingly increase the available jackpot that is being accumulated from the side bets on all tables. The coin acceptors are mounted directly to the playing tables. The acceptors have a low profile above the table top and include sloping surfaces to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of coins from them. Each coin acceptor communicates with a central computer or processor.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine is provided and is of the type having a cup station, a cup holder for holding a plurality of cups, a cup delivery for delivering one of the cups at a time to the cup station, a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverage to the cup station, and controller for controlling operation of the cup delivery and the beverage dispenser. The controller being adapted to initiate a cycle of operation of the machine upon activation of the controller wherein the cup delivery delivers a cup to the cup station from the cup holder and the beverage dispenser dispenses a predetermined quantity of beverage to the cup in the cup station. The improvement comprises a detecting mechanism for engaging and detecting the presence of a container inserted into the cup station prior to activation of the controller.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a retrofit coin measuring apparatus installed in a newspaper vending rack, and more particularly a retrofit structure which is electronically actuated. It incorporates a switch which is operated by insertion of a coin into the coin chute, switching on electrical power which is otherwise switched off to preserve battery life. The coin measuring apparatus has a removable retrofit structure which is attached by a lock bar. Inside the coin measuring apparatus, there is a switch which initiates operation of the electronic circuitry to test for bogus coins, to measure the value of the coin, and sum the total value of coins inserted until a price has been paid and to thereafter operate a door mounted on a paper receiving cabinet. The door is provided with a door hook cooperative with a door hook closure device to close and latch after the sale of a paper. After each sale, the electronic circuitry is switched off and is in a dormant state until the next transaction.

Abstract: A coin-operated locker which is impossible to be opened when the locker is unused and which is openable by means of its door and becomes usable when a coin or coins of a predetermined amount are deposited, includes a sensor for detecting the deposit of a coin or coins, a detector for detecting the locking and the unlocking of a cylinder lock, a plunger engageable with or removable from an engaging opening of the door, and a controller for retracting the plunger from the door in response to a coin deposit signal from the sensor and for engaging the plunger with the door after a predetermined time in response to an unlock signal from the detector.

Abstract: A card system for an electronic parking meter. At least one card is provided and has an electrically erasable programmable memory containing data therein. At least one coin slot in the electronic parking meter is provided and the card has at least a portion thereof dimensioned to fit into the coin slot. A card switch in the coin slot is activated only by the card and provides a card switch signal. A microprocessor in the electronic parking meter receives the card switch signal and in response thereto supplies power for the card and exchanges data with the card. An interface circuit connects the microprocessor to the card. The portion of the card has electrical contacts for engagement with electrical contacts of a power supply and with the interface circuit.

Abstract: An electronic upgrading mechanism for upgrading a mechanical timing device comprising an electrical coin sensing mechanism which is installed abutting a coin carrier mechanism of a mechanical timing device for detection of actuation of a clock winding lever in communication with a coin carriage of the coin carrier mechanism; wherein the actuation of the clock winding lever is caused by a coin placed in the coin carriage wound into primary contact with alternative abutting cam surfaces such abuttal thereof providing an electrical contact with the electrical coin sensing mechanism, having at least one compatible contact thereon, each contact dedicated to the denomination of a coin; wherein the electrical coin sensing mechanism communicates with a programmable electronic digital timing control and display device which is installed within an upgraded mechanical timing device thereby replacing clocking and flagging mechanisms of the mechanical timing device.

Abstract: An improved coin operated vacuum cleaner canister with coin mechanism is disclosed. A blank having a polygonal or rectangular opening is rolled into a canister sidewall. A frame comprising a plurality of straps defining a polygon with an open side is mounted within the opening in the sidewall with the frame depending from the opening into the interior of the canister. A coid mechanism enclosure is detachably mounted to said frame such that a coin mechanism and coin container are receivable within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a flange which surrounds the opening of the enclosure and overlies the sidewall surrounding the opening in the sidewall. The flange is curved generally codiametrically to the sidewall. An alternative embodiment provides a coin duct disposed within the canister for passage of coins handled by the coin mechanism from the coin mechanism into a vault mounted in the base on which the vacuum cleaner is mounted.

Abstract: In the stacking chamber (9) of a stacking box (50) for superimposed coins (2, 3), a stack carrier (11) supporting the stacked coins is arranged, the top surface (18) of which is inclined with respect to the horizontal (c). For the stacking of coins, the stack carrier (11) is lowered so that the uppermost (3) of the stacked coins (2, 3) is in each case closely below the upper stacking box rim (19). For issuing coins, the stack carrier (11) is lifted, during which step respectively the uppermost (3) of the coins (2, 3) stacked in an oblique position slides along the coin lying therebelow and downwards over the upper stacking box rim once this uppermost coin has been lifted above this rim.

Abstract: A device for coupling carriers comprises a housing adapted to be mounted on the carrier and having a face with an opening forming a coupling trap. A flexible cable has one end secured to the housing and an opposite end extending out of the housing which has a plug thereon which is engageable in the coupling trap of an adjacent carrier. The housing also carries a releasable lock which is engageable with the plug to hold it in the trap when it is inserted therein. The device operates electrically under the control of a coin which passes through a coin chute in the housing and actuates an electrical switch which has an actuator portion in the chute. The switch is connected to the lock and it releases the lock and traps the coin in the chute so as to permit release of the plug from the trap and use of the carrier. When the carrier is returned and the plug is again inserted into the trap, the coin is released.

Abstract: A system for scanning and dispensing postage stamps from a roll of stamps, including a scanning circuit for optically scanning each individual stamp on a stamp roll as the stamp passes thereby in order to detect the degree of opacity of such stamp and to produce a scanning output signal representative of the degree of opacity, an examination circuit including a first circuit portion operable to determine if an individual stamp boundary has been encountered and to produce a boundary detection signal in such event, and a second circuit portion responsive to such scanning output signal to determine if the degree of opacity detected identifies a non-blank stamp and to produce a non-blank status detection signal in such event, and a dispensing control circuit responsive to an externally generated dispense request signal and to the production of one or more boundary detection signals and non-blank status detection signals to control the operation of stamp movement and detaching devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a vehicle parked in a selected location to prevent its theft. The apparatus includes a stanchion supporting a pivotally mounted bumper engaging arm. The arm includes a portion projecting outwardly of the stanchion toward the vehicle when the vehicle is to be locked in place. In this position of the arm, an extension on the end of the arm extends upwardly to fit behind the vehicle bumper for thereby preventing movement of the vehicle away from the stanchion. A drive is provided for driving the arm between an inoperative position and an operative position for securing the vehicle. A coin operated arrangement is employed for energizing the drive after the vehicle is moved into position adjacent the stanchion.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a cinch for securing a train of nested shopping carts, the cinch having a non-abrasive cart-handle coupler for securely attaching the cinch to a shopping-cart handle of a front and/or rear cart of the train. In an illustrative example, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a soft loop of braid configured to latchedly circumscribe the shopping-cart handle. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-abrasive cart-handle coupler may include a latching hook having a non-abrasive handle-engagement surface. In some embodiments, the cinch may secure both a front and a rear cart of the train of nested shopping carts. In some embodiments, a ratcheting member may be used to tighten the cinch that secures the train of nested carts. When tightened, the train of carts may bow upwardly, elevating wheels attached to carts at both the front and rear ends of the train.