Abstract: A system and method are shown for providing accounting for the collection of monies in a plurality of independently operated transaction stations. Each transaction station is provided with a uniquely identifiable secure cashbox or vault in which to store monies received in a transaction. The transaction stations include electronics sufficient to validate, verify, and tally received monies. The transaction stations record information with respect to the received monies as well as the identification of the cashbox into which it is stored. The transaction stations are probed upon removal of the cashbox in order to download the recorded information into a control system. The removed cashboxes securely contain the received monies until opened in a secure environment for emptying. When emptied, the money contents are independently verified and matched with the unique identification of the cashbox from which it came.

Abstract: A system and method are taught for receiving a plurality of different sized coins substantially simultaneously and outputting the received coins serially. The output of coins according to the preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined rate in order to accommodate systems downstream, such as a coin validator. The disclosed coin singulator system is substantially free of obstructions likely to cause jamming or miss-feeding of coins as well as to provide open access to an operator to remove coins prior to their singulation.

Abstract: A cashbox having a configurable note to coin storage area ratio is disclosed. Accordingly, the cashbox may be adjusted to accept a larger or smaller number of notes and a smaller or larger number of coins, respectively, depending on the circumstances of deployment of the configurable cashbox. Preferably, the note storage area is adapted to accept and retain notes in a tight stack suitable for easy removal and machine sorting and/or counting. In a preferred embodiment, the configurable cashbox is secure in that the cashbox locks into a housing with only limited access provided to the note and coin storage areas to allow deposit of cash into the cashbox. In order to remove the cashbox from the housing, access to the note and coin storage areas is secured such that once the cashbox is independent from the housing any unauthorized access to the storage areas is easily detectable.

Abstract: A system and method for providing automatic validation of fares collected is disclosed. An automatic validating farebox, being adapted for mobile use, such as in the cabin of a bus, and to provide convenient access to both patrons and an operator, includes validation mechanisms and circuitry to accept patron payment in both coin and note. All tendered payment is automatically validated as to acceptable tender as well as its value being electronically registered. Accordingly, the operator is freed from validating payment of a fare and may simply confirm that the registered value is the proper amount for the type of fare purchased. The automatic validating farebox also includes mechanisms adapted both to store accepted currency in an efficient manner as well as to present the collected currency in a manner readily acceptable for handling and counting.