Abstract: An image can be captured from an imaging device. A gaming chip tube can be identified in a gaming chip tray. A first position can be determined that corresponds to a bottom of the gaming chip tube. A spacer can be identified by recognizing a predefined pattern on the spacer. A second position can be determined corresponding to the spacer. A count of gaming chips can be determined based at least in part on the first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for demonstrating in a simulated reality of a person's reaction and response time to an object dropped from an elevated working platform even when the person is notified the moment the object is dropped.

Abstract: In a coin depositing and dispensing machine 10, a plurality of storing and feeding apparatuses 50 disposed below a deposited-coin transport unit 20 are arranged vertically on plural levels. A transport direction in which a coin is transported by the deposited-coin transport unit and a feeding direction in which a coin is fed out from each storing and feeding unit are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A coin separating device has a conveying device for conveying coins along a conveying section in a conveying direction from an input container, a checking device arranged on the conveying section for checking a coin conveyed along the conveying section and for providing a check result signal, a coin collecting device for collecting coins and a coin bridge device that is arranged between the coin collecting device and the conveying device and is realized to receive the check result signal and, in dependence on the check result signal, either to take over a conveyed coin from the conveying device by means of a movably arranged slide and supply it to the coin collecting device by means of the slide or not to take over a conveyed object from the conveying device such that the conveyed object passes from the conveying device to a return means of the coin separating device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for optimizing a usable volume of a coin receptacle associated with a coin-processing device includes receiving a plurality of coins in a coin input area of the coin-processing device, obtaining data for each coin from at least one sensor, associating the data for each coin with a denomination, depositing all of the received plurality of coins with an associated denomination into the coin receptacle of the coin-processing device, the coin receptacle being configured to accept, but not dispense, deposited coins until a maximum number of coins occupy the coin receptacle and to securely store the coins in the coin receptacle until removal of the coin receptacle from the coin-processing device and adjusting, responsive to the data, an upper limit of the maximum number of coins which may be deposited into the coin receptacle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for optimizing a usable volume of a coin receptacle associated with a coin-processing device is provided. This method includes the steps of obtaining data from at least one sensor and adjusting, responsive to such data, an upper limit of coins which may be input into the receptacle or an available number of coins which may be input into the receptacle.

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: An electrical discharge produces an acoustic impulse, and a reflection of the impulse from the upper coin in a coin stack is sensed so that the level of the coin stack can be determined from the time taken for the reflection to be received. Alternatively, or additionally, the acoustic impulse can be used to detect coin jams, the presence and/or width of a coin store, the state of a coin routing gate or the quantity of a vendible product.

Abstract: A method of charging for use of a facsimile apparatus, using an information processing unit provided therein, is disclosed that includes the steps of (a) the information processing unit obtaining the amount of facsimile transmission; (b) the information processing unit obtaining a transmission condition specified by a user; and (c) the information processing unit calculating a charge for the facsimile transmission using the amount of facsimile transmission and a charge corresponding to the transmission condition. The information processing unit stores data on the charge corresponding to the transmission condition for the facsimile transmission.

Abstract: A method for operating a coin dispensing device, the coin dispensing device having a plurality of coin dispensing modules, wherein at least one coin tube for holding coins of a predetermined nominal value is assigned to each dispensing module, each dispensing module being adapted to dispense a coin held in the coin tube assigned to the dispensing module in a dispensing cycle and in response to a control signal, wherein at least two coin tubes assigned to different dispensing modules contain coins of the same nominal value and in one dispensing cycle, a plurality of coin dispensing modules are being activated.

Abstract: A coin bar storage of the invention includes: a casing; a coin bar tray that is provided in the casing so as to be drawn out from and stored into the casing, and that has a plurality of set sections in which set coin types are respectively pre-set to assign a coin type to each of the set sections; a set coin type presence confirmation section that is provided in all of the set sections of the coin bar tray, that respectively confirms whether or not coin bars of the set coin types is set, and that outputs a confirmation result; and a management section that manages a present amount of coin bars in the coin bar tray based on the confirmation result from the set coin type presence confirmation section.

Abstract: A vending machine provides a warning indication that insufficient change may be available if the total amount of available change is less than the value of the highest-denomination monetary unit which is not refundable. An insufficient change indication is also provided in response to inserting a coin or instructing a vending operation which would result in the amount of refundable change being less than the correct amount by a value which is greater than a predetermined, alterable overpay amount.

Abstract: A money changer for automatic coin machines, comprising a casing in which a plurality of serially arranged tubes are mounted to store coins in a column shape, light barriers associated to the tubes at least in the upper and lower regions with each light barrier having a light-emitting element and a light sensitive receiving element which are superposed on the same side of the coin tube whereas the opposite side of the coin tube has arranged thereon a prism which reflects the received light back to the receiving element, and a control circuit for the money changer into which the output signals of the light receiving elements are entered, wherein the casing has a wall portion in parallel with the series of the coin tubes, a printed circuit board for the control circuit is mounted on the opposite side on the wall portion and carries the light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements which are directed towards the respective coin tube via holes in the printed circuit board and in the wall portion.

Abstract: An improved coin hopper that can be provided as original equipment or as a conversion member for a coin dispensing apparatus is provided. The coin hopper includes a housing member having a cavity for storing coins when mounted in a coin dispensing apparatus and a movable member operatively connected to the cavity of the housing member for increasing and decreasing the storage volume available for coins in the housing member. One or more movable members can exist about a storage bowl. An actuator unit can be activated by a detector unit responsive to the number of coins in the bowl to move the auxiliary movable members into a coin release position. Alternatively, a spring-biased actuator unit can be used for automatically moving the movable member for storing and releasing coins.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting when a coin hopper in a gaming machine is low on coins and alerting the operator that service is required. An exemplary embodiment employs a system, which includes a probe for detecting the coin level and providing a signal to a detection circuit, and a circuit that receives the probe signal for determination of the low coin hopper condition. The circuit also provides a signal for illuminating an enunciator to inform the operator of the status of the gaming machine; and a signal to inform a central computer system of the status of the gaming machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided to count tokens on a gaming table. A sensor senses a characteristic of each token in a plurality of tokens in a token holder on the gaming table. The characteristic represents a valuation of each token. A token processing unit coupled to the sensor to process the sensed characteristic to determine a count of the plurality of tokens.

Abstract: A currency handling apparatus is arranged to perform a float operation at the end of which a store holds coins of various denominations in appropriate quantities such that their collective value is equal to a predetermined value, wherein the respective proportions of the different denominations may vary depending upon various conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided to count tokens on a gaming table. A sensor senses a characteristic of each token in a plurality of tokens in a token holder on the gaming table. The characteristic represents a valuation of each token. A token processing unit coupled to the sensor to process the sensed characteristic to determine a count of the plurality of tokens.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided to count tokens on a gaming table. A sensor senses a characteristic of each token in a plurality of tokens in a token holder on the gaming table. The characteristic represents a valuation of each token. A token processing unit coupled to the sensor to process the sensed characteristic to determine a count of the plurality of tokens.

Abstract: A coin retrieval system for coin operated machines, such as slot machines, which comprises a drop bucket containing a self closing lock which is held open while the drop bucket is in the machine but springs closed when the drop bucket is removed. The bucket contains a full opening bottom. The system contains a system for weighing and emptying the drop bucket.

Abstract: A changegiver having: an acceptor for accepting coins for payment; a number of coin stores each for storing coins; a control circuit; a dispense outlet; and a dispenser for dispensing coins from the stores into the dispense outlet, under control of the control circuit, in which, in a single payout operation involving the payout of multiple coins, the control circuit is arranged to pay out a first number of coins, and to pause until the occurrence of a predetermined condition before paying out a second number of coins. The first number may be sufficient to occupy a substantial portion of the payout tray but not to overfill it. The predetermined condition may be the elapsing of a predetermined time, or the entry of a predetermined command.

Abstract: The number of coins stored in a coin tube is retained in RAM 13 which is backed up by a battery, the states of empty switch 22 and full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube to be detected by cassette detection sensor 21 are retained in the battery-backup RAM 13, and when the power supply is intercepted and turned on again, the states of the empty switch 22 and the full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube detected by the cassette detection sensor 21 which are stored in the battery-backup RAM 13 are compared with their current states, and if any of them does not agree, the number of coins retained in the RAM 13 is initialized.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting when a coin hopper in a gaming machine is low on coins and alerting the operator that service is required. An exemplary embodiment employs a system, which includes a probe for detecting the coin level and providing a signal to a detection circuit, and a circuit that receives the probe signal for determination of the low coin hopper condition. The circuit also provides a signal for illuminating an enunciator to inform the operator of the status of the gaming machine; and a signal to inform a central computer system of the status of the gaming machine.

Abstract: The large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus of the present invention is directed to increasing the coin storage capacity of a hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus using a rotary disc to dispense coins one at a time. The coin storage capacity of the hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus is limited by the storage capacity of a hopper used to supply coins to the rotary disc. To increase coin storage capacity, the present invention uses a first tank to supply coins to the rotary disc and a second tank to hold a large supply of coins. As the coins in the first tank are depleted, coins are transported from the second tank to the first tank using a conveyor. The addition of the second tank increases coin storage capacity and reduces the frequency at which coins have to be loaded into the large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A token management system for a amusement arcade is capable of always managing tokens even during the business hours of the amusement arcade and temporarily keeping tokens deposited by players. The system has wireless account units and a collecting cart. The wireless account unit is provided for each of game machines and token dispensing machines installed in the amusement arcade, for detecting the number of tokens or coins inserted into a slot of the machine and the number of tokens or coins returned to players through a return mouth of the machine and transmitting the detected numbers to a wireless account unit attached to a management computer of the amusement arcade. Each of the wireless account units is provided with an identification number specific to the corresponding machine. The collecting cart collects tokens and coins from the game machines and token dispensing machines.

Abstract: A vending or merchandising machine is provided which includes a bulk-loaded coin hopper for providing change to a user of the machine. The vending machine may be operable in a change mode, wherein change is dispensed from the bulk loaded hopper in an amount equivalent to the amount of credit input into the machine by user, or a vending mode, where a user may select an item to be purchased, and receive the item and change in an amount equal to the input amount less the purchase price of the item. Preferably, the vending machine automatically switches to the change mode in response to an input threshold amount being inserted into the vending machine. Preferably, the vending machine further may be selectively switched to the change mode in response to a user input on a keypad or the like on the merchandising machine.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus includes a coin storage container having conductive electrodes disposed along sides of the coin storage container. The coin handling apparatus also includes a voltage generator. A processor controls the voltage generator to provide output signals to excite the electrodes at multiple frequencies. The processor is configured to determine a resonant frequency based on levels of reflected power resulting from the output signals and to estimate a number of coins in the container based on the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A coin discharge device has a removable coin tube cassette and an empty sensor 5 for accurately detecting the presence of coins within the coin tubes. A sensor mounting 30 is designed to withdraw the sensor 5 from the cassette accommodation part 22 when the coin tube cassette is removed from the device. However, when the coin tube device is inserted into the cassette accommodation part 22, the sensor mounting 30 moves the sensor 5 into the accommodation part 22 so that it abuts one side of the coin tube cassette to sense coins therein.

Abstract: A coin processing device is capable of accommodating a maximum number of coin tubes within a predetermined width. The coin processing device includes a device body (2), a coin sorting mechanism (3) for checking an inserted coin and identifying the kind of coin inserted, and a coin dispensing mechanism (39) for storing the identified coins according to the kind of coin and for selecting and dispensing coins for change. The coin dispensing mechanism (39) includes a coin accommodating device (34) that can accommodate many kinds of coins, sorted by kind, within a predetermined width (L).

Abstract: A coin storage and dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing coins from a gaming machine includes a frame member for mounting in the gaming machine and for positioning a respective first container device and a second container device at a diagonal angle to support a surface. The first and second container devices store loose bulk coins with a coin transporting device rotably mounted in the second container device to pick up coins and to drop them in the first container device. A transitional groove structure is provided for aligning coins with the coin transporting device. A pivotable support plate is directly mounted to the first container device to support its weight and a sensor can monitor the presence of coins in the first container device and activate the coin transporting device when a predetermined presence of coins is sensed.

Abstract: A coin packaging device has a table, to which a mass of coins of identical denomination may be supplied, and a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being arranged to receive coins one by one through an open end, thereby stacking a predetermined number of coins thus received into a pile of coins. Furthermore, the device has means for distributing the coins across the table. The table is provided with a plurality of openings large enough for allowing the coins to pass therethrough. The open end of each respective cylinder is arranged to receive coins from a respective one of the openings in the table.

Abstract: An automatic hopper fill system for a coin dispensing machine. An auxiliary coin reservoir container is positioned entirely within the machine to perform the hopper fill function when the hopper becomes empty. The container includes an opening or chute which is normally blocked by an electro-mechanically controlled release door and opened electronically by a circuit which reads a hopper empty code generated to release the auxiliary coin reserve into the hopper. An indicator light is mounted on the external surface of the machine to indicate that the auxiliary container has released the coin reserve into the hopper so that the auxiliary container can be re-filled with coins at a convenient time.

Abstract: A method of determining a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises determining a plurality of different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. For combinations which in sum are equal to the same amount, the most favorable combination is the one determined to leave the greatest number of coins available for change according to a predetermined criterion which takes into account the number of currently-available coins of at least one denomination. If two combinations are evaluated to be the same so far as change availability is concerned, the combination which comprises the least number of coins is selected.

Abstract: A coin handling mechanism includes a counter for counting coins incoming and outgoing to and from a cassette-type coin storage tube. In response to detection of temporary detachment of the cassette during collection of the stored coins from the tube, the counted value of the counter is initially set to a predetermined value. Then, in response to activation of a predetermined switch during next collection of the stored coins from the tube, a determination is made as to whether the current value of the counter is greater than the initially-set predetermined value. If so, a specific number of the coins corresponding to a difference between the current value and the initially-set predetermined value are automatically paid out from the tube, but if not, the cassette is temporarily detached for manual supply of a necessary number of additional coins to the tube without the stored coins being paid out from the tube.

Abstract: A coin storage and dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing coins from a gaming machine includes a frame member for mounting in the gaming machine and for positioning a respective first container device and a second container device at a diagonal angle to support a surface. The first and second container devices store loose bulk coins with a coin transporting device rotably mounted in the second container device to pick up coins and to drop them in the first container device. A pivotable support plate is directly mounted to the first container device to support its weight and a sensor can monitor the presence of coins in the first container device and activate the coin transporting device when a predetermined presence of coins is sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing apparatus for weighing coins accumulated in a coin hopper using a load cell and automatically taking periodic readings of the number of coins accumulated in the hopper. By periodically monitoring the hopper and automatically calculating the number of coins in the hopper, preventive fills and automatic inventorying can be effected. Knowing the coin count and being able to transmit coin counts to a central location allows for central accounting. Monitoring the coin count locally or centrally allows for "preemptive fills" where a hopper running low on coins is filled during periods of inactivity prior to the hopper being completely empty. The number of coins in the hopper at any given time is determined from the combined weight of the hopper and the coins accumulated in the hopper.

Abstract: An electronic coin counter for use with cash register drawers. Coins are poured from the cash register drawer through openings in the top of a housing into sleeves that correspond to the denomination of the coins. Internal sensor tips are then brought into contact with the resulting column of coins by forcing a bar outside the housing in toward the housing. This activates a switch to supply electrical power to internal electronics and to external digital displays. The sensor tips are oriented in staggered pairs to prevent counting errors due to the presence of worn thin coins. Mathematical addition and multiplication necessary to obtain the monetary value of each denomination of coin and the total value of all the coins is performed automatically by internal logic circuitry. The monetary totals are then sent to the external digital displays while the coins are automatically ejected through holes in the bottom of the housing underneath each sleeve.

Abstract: A gaming facility having a plurality of coin game machines (100) and a coin handling mechanism (200) for supplying coins to the coin game machines and collecting coins therefrom is disclosed. The coin handling mechanism comprises a coin collection transporter (210) for collecting coins input for playing games, a coin replenishment transporter (230) for transporting coins with which the coin game machines are replenished, a replenishment coin supply unit (240) for supplying coins to the coin replenishment transporter, coin branch units (250) for making coins transported by the coin replenishment transporter branch therefrom into the corresponding coin game machines, and a controller (300) for at least controlling coin replenishment.

Abstract: A method of determining a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises determining a plurality of different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. For combinations which in sum are equal to the same amount, the most favorable combination is the one determined to leave the greatest number of coins available for change according to a predetermined criterion which takes into account the number of currently-available coins of at least one denomination. If two combinations are evaluated to be the same so far as change availability is concerned, the combination which comprises the least number of coins is selected.

Abstract: A coin supply and collection apparatus that is applied easily to an existing carousel of the type having a plurality of gaming machines, is readily installed without requiring significant alteration of the gaming machine bases or the internal components of the gaming machines. The apparatus is provided with a first belt conveyor for receiving coins from a coin-providing side and conveys them, as coins to be used in each of the gaming machines, beneath the plurality of gaming machines. A second belt conveyer receives the coins fed from the first belt conveyer and conveys them to coin carriers associated with each of the gaming machines.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing coins or coin-like articles, such as for example gaming chips, tokens or the like, wherein the coins or coin-like articles to be stored are arranged against one another or above one another in at least one column, with this apparatus having a mechanism for determining the number of coins or coin-like articles present in the apparatus. The mechanism for determining the number of coins or coin-like articles present in the apparatus is formed by a plurality of transmitter/receiver pairs such as, for example, ultrasonic transmitters/receivers, light transmitters/receivers or the like arranged in rowssubstantially parallel to the column(s) of coins or coin-like articles.

Abstract: A computer-controlled entertainment device operated with at least one of money and money equivalents includes: a housing; a plurality of viewing windows disposed on the housing; a symbol game arrangement for displaying winning and losing symbol combinations including a plurality of rotating bodies disposed in the housing behind respective ones of the viewing windows; an optionally selectable additional prize game arrangement for one of playing to completion and accumulating a prize won in the symbol game arrangement; a money processing arrangement including a value specific stacking arrangement for items of value, a prize delivery arrangement operatively connected to the stacking arrangement and comprising at least one collection bin for the items of value, the collection bin being configured such that a filling level thereof is visible from a region outside the entertainment device; a computer control arrangement for filling the collection bin with items of value up to a final total value which is one of pre

Abstract: An automatic coin discharge apparatus includes a housing which has a coin-receiving opening and a coin discharge opening, a coin-storing unit which extends in the horizontal direction in the housing and stores a plurality of coins of the same denomination in a piled-up state in one line in the horizontal direction with side surfaces of the coins facing each other, a coin-urging member which urges the plurality of coins in the coin line in the coin-storing unit toward one end portion of the coin-storing unit in a direction along the coin line, a coin transporting unit which extends in the housing from the coin-receiving opening toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit and transports coins received by the coin-receiving opening toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit, a coin inserting unit which inserts coins transported toward the one end portion of the coin-storing unit by the coin transporting unit, into a position nearest to the one end portion of the coin-storing unit in the coin lin

Abstract: A last-in-first-out coin store comprises a tubular housing (21) in which a coin stack support (22) is driven upwardly or downwardly by an endless belt (28) driven from a motor (23). A coin dispensing mechanism comprises a bar (37) positioned above the tubular housing (21) between a pair of beams (A, B) of light mutually normal, axially displaced along the coin store axis by half the width of a coin, and crossing the center of the coin stack. A control circuit (80) raises and lowers the coin support (22) automatically so as to maintain the uppermost coin at a position where one, but not both, of the light beams are broken so that a coin is ready to be dispensed by the bar (37). A count is kept of the number of coins by a counter circuit (90) responsive to an encoder on the drive belt (28). Useful in gaming machines or change giving coin freed machines.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting on a vending control device used for paying back change to a customer for a deposit in excess of the amount of a selected vend including a coin storage device located at a higher elevation than the payback coin tube, the coin storage device when energized releasing one or more coins from the bottom end thereof when it is determined that the number of coins available in the payback coin tube is less than the amount needed for a payback, and a passageway communicating the lower end of the coin storage device with the upper end of the payback coin tube for guiding coins released from the coin storage device to move into the payback coin tube.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling change payout from a plurality of coin tubes of a vending machine, each of which plurality of coin tubes has a particular coin type stored therein, including a processor for processing data and controlling vend operations, and coin level sensors for indicating the level of coins stored in each of the plurality of coin tubes, the processor programmed to determine the amount of change payback and whether one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied, including whether a first payout routine has been disabled, and if the first payout routine has been disabled, to execute a global payout routine which includes steps to effect an attempt to payout one coin only from a full coin tube, and steps to effect, if a coin is not paid out from a full coin tube, an attempt to payout one coin from a coin tube storing a coin denomination which cannot be evenly divided into the next highest coin denomination stored in one of the plurality of coin tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one form thereof, to making a coin payout from a vending machine having a processor for processing data and a plurality of coin tubes for storing coins, each coin tube having one coin denomination type stored therein. The machine further includes coin counter, coupled to the coin tubes and to the processor, for determining when a coin is deposited in each coin tube and when a coin is removed from each coin tube. In one form of the present invention, the processor is programmed to determine whether certain conditions are satisfied for a particular vend and, if such conditions are satisfied, paying out at least one coin selected on the basis of predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accepting coins of denominations that have and do not have coin tubes for making change in a coin mechanism is described. One aspect of the invention concerns a method for calculating an overpay amount. The overpay amount is set to equal the value of the lowest value coin with a tube minus the value of the lowest value non-tubed coin. Thus, when the lowest value coin tube is empty a vending machine customer will be permitted to insert low value, non-tubed coins up to the overpay value to increase the likelihood of enabling a vend of an item to take place. Another aspect of the invention relates to the acceptance of high-valued, non-tubed coins. The high-value non-tubed coins are acceptable if adequate change exists in the coin tubes to payback their value plus the value of any existing credit, if their value plus any credit value is greater than the maximum vend price, and if each of the vend prices in the vending machine permit adequate change to be returned to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention is a coin sorter apparatus for sorting a group of mixed coins by denomination and immediately terminating the sorting process in response to a predetermined operating condition, such as the filling of a coin receptacle with a predetermined number of coins. Sorting is provided by a stationary sorting head and a rotatable disc positioned sufficiently proximate to one another so that when the group of mixed coins are dropped into the center opening of the stationary sorting head, they are rotated by the rotating disc and guided by the sorting head on a outward spiral sorting path to exit channels along the periphery of the stationary sorting head. Each of the exit channels acts as an exit chute for a particular coin denomination by releasing pressure on that particular coin and freeing the coin to move outwardly along the exit channel and exit into a coin receptacle.

Abstract: An endless belt conveyor is disposed between a coin receptacle and a hopper. Coins stored in the coin receptacle fall from an outlet at the lower portion of the coin receptacle and are supported and held on the endless belt. When the endless belt circulates, coins on the endless belt are transported toward the hopper and dropped into the bucket. The bucket is provided therein with a first sensor for detecting a lower limit of the number of coins and a second sensor for detecting an upper limit of the number of coins. In response to a signal from the first sensor, the endless belt circulates, and in response to a signal from the second sensor, the endless belt stops. The coin receptacle has a supply port for replenishment with coins. A protective cover is securely fixed to the supply port, the protective cover having a lattice pitch allowing a coin to pass but preventing a human hand from entering.