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 improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A receptacle for catching and containing coins being disgorged by a slot machine or similar gaming apparatus is disclosed. The receptacle eliminates the necessity of transferring coins from a disbursement pan into a container. The receptacle includes a bucket having a mouth and a lid having a flexible conduit extending therefrom. The conduit has an inner diameter suitable for the passage of gaming tokens or coinage upon the receptacle being positioned within the disbursement pan of the slot machine. The lid is secured to the bucket. The receptacle is optionally modified to include a handle or a strap to facilitate conveyance thereof.

Abstract: A vending machine (10) having a coin receiver (14) for actuating a water spray nozzle (16) in a self-serve car wash. A coin tray (18) is disposed adjacent the coin receiver (14). The machine is characterized by a heater (20) for heating the coin tray (18) to heat coins disposed in the coin tray (18) to prevent moisture from freezing on the coins.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods immediately alert a telephone company or other owner/host or operator of a payphone that a vandalizing stuffing has occurred, thereby enabling it or him or her promptly to dispatch a maintenance person to the particular payphone or station to fix it. Stuffing sensing switches are advantageously mounted in a coin return mechanism, and in electromechanical payphones electrically connected to the telephone company central office over one of the existing RING and TIP wires connecting the stuffed or compromised payphone with the central office. Conventional testing techniques periodically employed in the office by the telephone company over the existing wit. installation will then sense whether a payphone has been compromised or stuffed. In electronic payphones, a payphone computer monitors the sensing switches and calls the owner/host or operator to report a problem or gives a local alarm.