Abstract: A counting device for counting mechanical inputs comprising: a rotatably mounted first counting wheel arranged to rotate by a predetermined amount for every input that is to be counted; and, a second counting wheel in mechanical communication with the first counting wheel, and at least in part overlapping the first counting wheel, wherein the second counting wheel and/or the first counting wheel are at least in part transparent; whereby the mechanical communication between the first counting wheel and the second counting wheel comprises a rotation mechanism configured to drive the second counting wheel a predetermined amount when a predetermined number of inputs has been reached.

Abstract: A parking meter includes a payment input device, an optical indicating device with optical indicating elements, actuating elements for a corresponding number of parking spaces provided for and interacting with the indicating elements, wherein the indicating elements, the actuating elements and the input device are connected in a common control device. An actuating key labeled “zero” is provided for initiating operation of the parking meter The optical indicating device includes a luminescent diadoe panel with indicating lights. The actuating device includes additional actuating keys. Only one indicating light is provided for each actuating key. A sound reproduction device with a loudspeaker is provided for an acoustic announcement of the paid parking time.

Abstract: In a vending machine for discharging one of articles by manual operation of lever after depositing a coin, a rotary plate is rotated by the manual operation of the manual lever and a driven plate is rotated through the deposited coin which is received in a pocket formed by cooperation of the rotary plate and the driven plate. The driven plate drives an article discharging mechanism. An article discharging mechanism has a package separating mechanism for separating one package from a package belt having scored lines between adjacent packages to discharge it as the article. The package separating mechanism comprises a package guide roll for guiding one package thereon during rotation and elastic fingers rotating together with the package guide roll. The elastic fingers pinch the package onto the package guide roll with bending. The fingers rapidly return to the original shape from the bent shape by their elasticity to give a tension force to the package.

Abstract: A time meter comprises a money receiving mechanism for receiving a denomination of money. The money receiving mechanism includes a movable output member which moves by an amount determined by the denomination of money received. The time meter further comprises a money signal generating device for generating a money signal. The money signal generating device cooperates with the money receiving mechanism and produces a money signal which is responsive to movement of the output member. The time meter further comprises a processing device for processing the money signal. The process device has a time signal generating device for generating a periodic time reference signal. The processing device measures time during a time interval having a duration determined by the money signal. The processing device provides a time expiry indication when the time interval has expired.