Abstract: A low power coin discriminator detects and identifies the denomination of a coin to activate a parking meter, telephone, or vending machine device. Initially the device is in a low power, dormant state. Insertion of a coin into the discrimator trips a switch which produces a wake-up pulse which turns on a microprocessor. The coin falls upon a piezoelectric element, a signal from which causes the microprocessor to activate a photoelectric sensor. The coin moves through the photoelectric sensor which determines the net cross-sectional area of the coin. The microprocessor samples the output of the photoelectric sensor to detect the minimum light incident upon the sensor at the point of maximum eclipse of the light beam. The microprocessor also samples the output of an integrator which integrates the output of the piezoelectric element to produce a numerical value proportional to the mass of the coin.

Abstract: A coil collecting apparatus including a coin container defining a receiver housing. The housing is designed to receive a coin box taken from a parking meter or vending apparatus, and the box defines a closure which opens when the box is received in the housing and rotated. The housing defines a passage adapted to register with the coin box opening upon such rotation whereby the coins in the box can be discharged into the coin container. A cover is provided for the receiver housing, and the cover carries a coin box engaging head which engages the box when it is located in the housing and when the cover has been closed. A rotatable cover handle is provided for rotating the head and the engaged box. A locking bar is operatively connected to the cover, and this bar interfits with a blocking sleeve located within the receiver housing to hold the blocking sleeve in blocking position when the cover is open and until the cover is closed.

Abstract: A coin acceptance shuttle for electronic parking meters adapted to receive coins, one at a time, from a predetermined family of permitted coins and to laterally transport such coins to the channel inlet of the electronic coin acceptance apparatus. The shuttle includes a manually operated plunger having a coin recess therein defined between the body of the plunger and a pivotally mounted gate. Coins enter the recess through a replaceable housing slot member selected in accordance with the family of coins to be used. The gate member pivots to facilitate full and proper coin exit from the shuttle plunger in the event of a coin jam or the premature return travel of the plunger. The gate includes an offset pivot axis and opposed coin stop bosses whereby the gate may be installed in alternative orientations according to the preselected family of coins to be used.

Abstract: A revenue receiving farebox having a mechanism for receiving and transporting bills and tickets includes a first conveyor mechanism disposed adjacent a bill receiving slot for engaging bills and transporting same along a guide to a second conveyor mechanism. The first conveyor mechanism is disposed relative to the second conveyor mechanism such that a bill will simultaneously be engaged by each. The speed of the first conveyor mechanism is less than that of the second conveyor mechanism so as to accelerate a first bill relative to a second overlapping bill to effectuate a separation of the bills.

Abstract: An electronic interlock for providing improved security in a revenue collection receptacle includes a mechanism on a removable cash container for generating a coded electronic signal which is coupled to a mechanism for decoding the coded signal mounted to the receptacle, and a mechanism responsive to the decoding mechanism which prevents revenue from being transferred to the cash container unless the decoding mechanism detects the presence of the coded electronic signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving currency which includes a housing having a deposit section and a recess for removably receiving a box for holding the currency. Passages for the currency are defined within the deposit section, and entries are defined by the box communicating with the passages. The box includes a blocking plate normally closing the entries with first and second locking means holding the plate in blocking position to prevent access. Lock operating means are positioned within the housing recess, and one lock is associated with the box to unlock the blocking plate when the box is properly positioned within the recess. A second lock on the box must be unlocked to enable operation of the lock operating means within the recess. The passages for the currency comprise at least two passages for separately receiving bills and coins, and the entries to the box comprise separate openings communicating with the respective passages.

Abstract: A coin operated electronic parking meter is disclosed. The meter employs a storage memory and two sets of counters. Responsive to the insertion of one or more coins, signals are generated which cause the memory to load a selected number into the first set of counters. The second set of counters are counted up while the first set counts down to zero to load the second set. After loading the meter shifts to a timing mode in which the second set of counters count down at a one count per minute rate. When the second set reaches zero, a flag is tripped indicating that the parking meter is in overtime. A maximum revenue producing circuit is also disclosed which displays the amount of time present on the meter only for the period immediately after the insertion of a coin.

Abstract: A turnstile construction wherein arms normally block the path of movement of persons passing through the turnstile, the arms being engaged when authorized passage is available resulting in movement of the arms either by the force of the person passing through. A brake is provided so that bi-directional speed control is automatically provided in all modes of use. The brake mechanism is associated with a support for the arms to limit the speed of movement of the arms, particularly at the conclusion of the movement required for the passage of one person through the turnstile. A cam structure is drivingly connected to the support to disable the brake means during a substantial portion of the arm movement. As the arm movement approaches the end of a cycle, the cam structure provides for repositioning of the brake means whereby the brake means are able to slow down arm movement, for example, if the person using the turnstile is attempting to move too fast.

Abstract: A turnstile construction wherein arms normally block the path of movement of persons passing through the turnstile. The arms are engaged when authorized passage is available, and this results in movement of the arms either by the force of the person passing through or in a motor-assisted fashion. The head supporting the arms includes a control system including a drive gear tied to the arms for rotation during movement of the arms. Rotatable locking members are connected to the drive gear, and engaging arms are movable into and out of engagement with the locking members for purposes of controlling use of the turnstile. The engaging arms are normally controlled by the deposit of a proper fare whereby in the course of normal use, only persons paying a fare can pass through the turnstile. When locked, the system automatically protects against breakaway even when an extreme load is applied.

Abstract: A collection receptacle for receiving valuables which are contained in a box having a discharge opening whereby the box can be received within the receptacle, unlocked thereby, and then moved to a position so that the valuables therein are discharged into the receptacle. The door of the receptacle carries drive means engageable with the box to achieve the movement necessary for the discharging operation. A locking arrangement comprising a movable blocking member is associated with the receptacle, and this blocking member is moved into a blocking position relative to an arm associated with the door when the driving action is commenced. The blocking member is mounted on a rod which extends to the rear of the receptacle, and a mounting plate for the box at the rear of the receptacle is operatively connected to the rod to achieve movement of the blocking member into blocking position.

Abstract: A construction for securing valuables such as currency wherein the currency is deposited in a housing which removably holds a storage box for the valuables. The storage box is provided with a door which is normally locked in the closed position but which is unlocked and movable to an open position when associated with the housing. Movement of the door between open and closed positions is controlled by a pivotally mounted arm which is freed for movement when the storage box is located in the housing. The arm is controlled by a handle exposed on the exterior of the storage box, and the locking means provided determine the capability of handle movement. A separate acceptance receptable is provided for the discharge of valuables from the storage box into the receptacle. The operation of a separate storage box door is controlled by drive mechanisms associated with the acceptance receptacle, and the locking means of the storage box also determine the capability of movement of the drive means.

Abstract: A meter construction such as a parking meter wherein time is purchased upon insertion of coins into the meter. A time indicator means is movable over a dial face for displaying the amount of time purchased. Cam follower means are connected to the indicator means so that the indicator means is held in displaying position after purchase of time when the follower is held in engagement with a cam connected to the clock mechanism. Once time has been purchased, and the follower is not manually held in engagement with the cam, the time indicator disappears from view. Manually operated means are provided for moving the indicator and associated cam follower so that if the previous purchaser or a new purchaser arrives at the meter, it will be possible for either one to determine the amount of previously purchased time remaining on the meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving checks including coins and the like whereby checks deposited in fareboxes or similar mechanisms can be inspected by detecting means for recording the value of the checks and for determining the authenticity of the checks. The apparatus particularly includes a movable disc and adjacent wall arrangement for separating checks one from the other when the checks are deposited in a manner such that one or more checks is held in overlying relationship with another check. The separating arrangement comprises a first surface on the disc, which may define friction means, for engaging the side of a check with an opposed surface of the wall being provided in the apparatus for engaging the side of a check stacked against the other check. A drive is provided for achieving relative movement between the surfaces whereby the check engaged by one surface will be moved away from the check engaged by the other surface to automatically eliminate the stacked relationship.

Abstract: A system for handling coins and the like which includes a storage housing having a discharge opening with the discharge opening being normally closed by a locked door. A coin transfer mechanism including a tubular housing is adapted to be attached to the storage housing and held firmly in place on this housing. A key structure is associated with the transfer mechanism whereby the door can be unlocked and pulled to an open position at which time the coins are discharged into a collection area associated with the transfer mechanism. The design of the transfer mechanism and the means for holding this mechanism in place on the storage housing prevent any access to the coins during the collection operation.

Abstract: A coin handling construction including a housing provided with a cap for closing access to the interior of the construction. Locking means are provided for securing the cap in place on the housing. These locking means comprise a rotatable rod positioned within the housing. First locking elements are mounted on the cap, and second locking elements are mounted on the housing. The locking elements define a surface for inter-engagement of the elements which prevents separation of the cap and housing. The rod is rotatable between a first position for maintaining the locking element surfaces in the engaged condition, and a second position which frees the cap for separation from the housing.