Abstract: After passing in a deformed shape through bending device 28 provided between validator 24 and stacker 25, a bill 23 recovers its initial flat shape due to its own elasticity and provides a face which intersects blocking edges 31. After the bill 23 passes through the bending device 28, although a string attached to the bill 23 is extracted, it is impossible to return the bill to the passageway 27 to prevent any unauthorized extraction of the bill 23.

Abstract: An automated retail checkout system includes scanning terminals operable by either customers or store personnel, and payment terminals which service a number of scanning terminals. The scanning terminal communicates with a central processor for determining prices from the coded identities of products. Electronic payment can be optionally accepted at the scanning terminal, or a transaction is opened there and closed when payment is accepted at a payment terminal, also coupled to the central processor. Video monitoring allows the image of the products being scanned to be compared with the image expected from their scanned code, for identifying any discrepancy.

Abstract: A checkout device includes first and second stationary scanners forming central portions of first and second scanning lanes set in parallel with each other, each for reading an article code affixed to an article which is moved from an upstream side to a down stream side in a corresponding scanning lane, and a settlement section arranged between the first and second scanning lanes for performing a settlement process based on article codes sequentially supplied from each of the stationary scanners. In particular, the checkout device further includes a position adjusting mechanism for variably setting a position of the settlement section along the first and second scanning lanes.

Abstract: Coin processing apparatus electromagnetically tests an inserted coin, separates genuine coins from counterfeit coins by a first pathway switching mechanism, and stores genuine coins in change tubes and a cash-box by a second pathway switching mechanism, according to the type of coin. The pathway along which the coins pass is provided with pass sensors at two positions therein, where one pass sensor detects the coins and the other pass sensor controls the operation of the second pathway switching mechanism in such as manner as to prevent passing coins from becoming trapped therein. The second pathway switching mechanism is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the fall of a detection signal from a pass sensor, to end the flow of current through and thereby prevent overheating of a solenoid therein.

Abstract: A video game cable storage device for storing the cable extending between a control pad and the video game unit. The inventive device includes a main body having a control cable reel rotatably supported by a cable reel axle. The cable reel is rotatably biased by a spiral spring so as to wind the control cable of the video into the main body and about the reel. The control cable communicates with a plurality of movable contacts positioned in electrical contact with a stationary pickup to permit simultaneous rotation of the reel and the electrical communication between the control cable and the video game unit.

Abstract: A coin queuing and sorting arrangement comprises a coin queuing device and a coin sorting device. The queuing device receives coins of the same or mixed denominations and delivers the coins to an outlet of the queuing device in single file, in a single layer, and with a radially inner edge of each coin positioned at a common reference location. The queuing device includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, and a stationary queuing head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the top surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the queuing head forms a queuing region for aligning the radially outer edges of coins of all denominations at a common radius, and an exit channel for receiving the queued coins. The exit channel includes a radially inner wall spiralling outwardly relative to the center of rotation of the disc to engage the radially inner edges of the queued coins.

Abstract: A coin checker and card reader for use with a vending machine includes a housing having a coin slot and a separate card slot which merge into a chute that communicates with a first coin channel and a card channel. A coin inserted into the coin slot rolls through the chute into the first coin channel and passes sensors which determine whether the coin is accepted or rejected. A door is actuated to direct an accepted coin into a coin retainer through a second coin channel. A rejected coin is directed to a return tray through a third coin channel. A subscriber card with a memory inserted into the card slot is guided into the card channel to actuate a switch to activate a microprocessor for exchanging information with the subscriber card memory and processing a transaction. The microprocessor checks the data being exchanged to prevent loss of data should card be removed before the transaction is completed and to vend an article only after valid data has been exchanged.

Abstract: A collection and issuing apparatus for round parking cards which exhibit an identification and/or communication element and are intended for the charge-related actuation of a parking barrier. The apparatus includes a supply container which exhibits, on the base side, a separation device for the parking cards, having an adjoining vertical shaft with at least one central guiding shaft and side shafts which branch off from the guiding shaft. The shafts exhibit a respective inclination and are intended for issuing and collecting parking cards in a rolling manner under the force of gravity. The apparatus also includes a measuring point which is located in the central shaft, intended for reading the parking cards, which are to be issued and/or collected again, and which is connected to a control device for actuating the parking barrier.

Abstract: A paper money recognition and transmission system including a housing with a paper money slot, an upper mainframe and a lower mainframe detachably connected together and mounted inside the housing, a transmission unit mounted on the lower mainframe and consisting of a step motor, a belt transmission mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, a plurality of caps, and two rubber rollers, a paper money recognition circuit, the paper money recognition circuit including sensors controlled to detect and recognize inserted paper money and to turn the step motor forwards, when a true paper money is recognized, causing the inserted paper money to be delivered forwards, the step motor being turned reversely when a counterfeit paper money is detected, causing the counterfeit paper money to be delivered backwards out of the system.

Abstract: An automated drive-up vending facility (10) and method utilizes a plurality of automatic transaction machines (12) located around the periphery of a storage building (14), whereby customers can drive their vehicles along side the building, insert an account/debit card into a card reader (16), and make product selections via a touch screen display terminal (18). The products are stocked within building (14), and an automated picking/sorting subsystem (20) retrieves the selected products for deposit into a dispensing chute (22). Selection and product information is provided at the display terminals (18) via an interactive menu driven program. Selection of products subject to sales restrictions automatically actives video conferencing equipment (26) so that a sales attendant can confirm customer authorization to purchase the selected product.

Abstract: A bill discriminating apparatus for a bill handling machine including an ultraviolet ray lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays toward bills, a light detector for photoelectrically detecting visible light emitted from phosphor materials contained in bills upon being irradiated with ultraviolet rays and producing visible light detection signals, a visible light detection signal amplifier for amplifying the visible light detection signals produced by the light detector, an ultraviolet ray detector for photoelectrically detecting ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet ray lamp and producing ultraviolet ray detection signals, a CPU for receiving the visible light detection signals amplified by the visible light detection signal amplifier and the ultraviolet ray detection signals produced by the ultraviolet ray detector and discriminating bills, the CPU adjusting an amplifying factor of the visible light detection signal amplifier in accordance with levels of ultraviolet ray detection signals input from the ult

Abstract: A coin bank which sorts coins and deposits them in containers is disclosed. A coin or a group of coins is dropped into a coin receiver. Each coin is removed one at a time from the coin receiver and dropped into a helical coin path by a motorized separator mechanism. The coins roll on edge along the coin path where they encounter apertures of varying sizes. When a coin encounters an aperture larger than its diameter, it falls out of the path to a container. A mechanical coin sensor mechanism is provided to start the separator when a coin is sensed in the coin receiver. The sensor mechanism also delays the shut-off of the motor when coins are no longer sensed in the coin receiver. The housing and most parts of the bank are transparent to permit viewing of the sensor mechanism and the coin path.

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: A coin handling device for handling a plurality of coins comprises a coin-driving member having a resilient surface and a stationary coin-guiding member having a coin-guiding surface opposing the resilient surface of the coin-driving member. The coin-guiding surface is positioned generally parallel to the resilient surface and spaced slightly therefrom. The resilient surface of the coin-driving member is constructed and arranged to move the coins along the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The coin-guiding member includes lubricant-filled cavities, self-lubricating inserts, or a gall-resistant coating to reduce friction between the coins and the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member.

Abstract: An electrical railroad switch stand is disclosed in which a handle connected to a switching device is moved between a first position and a second position by use of an actuator powered by a motor. The direction of rotation of the shaft of the motor is controlled to control the position of the handle. Lights are provided to indicate the status of the switching device.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter for sorting coin mixtures which include coin denominations of substantially similar diameters, the sorter has a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, a motor for rotating the disc, a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent to the upper surface of the disc and having an opening in the central region thereof for feeding coins between the opposed surfaces of the disc and sorting head, the lower surface of the sorting head being contoured to align the coins in a single file and single layer of coins, the contoured lower surface extending downwardly between exit channels at a common radial position providing a positive guide wall which maintains the radial alignment of coins as they pass between exit channels. The lower surface also has an adjustable insert forming an inboard wall of a radially innermost end of at least one of the exit channels.

Abstract: A coded railway track circuit apparatus is disclosed having the capability of operating during periods of low vehicle activity in a reduced power standby mode. This is accomplished by switching circuitry which interrupts power to most of the components within the track circuit apparatus in response to the recognition by standby initiation circuitry of a preselected standby initiation signal. Power to fail-over indicators which would normally be activated due to a power failure is also interrupted by fail-over interrupt circuitry. During the standby mode, monitor circuitry remains active to recognize occurrence of a preselected wake-up signal. When the wake-up signal is received, full power is restored, thus resuming normal operation. Operation of the fail-over systems is also then re-established.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing system comprises a plurality of plates that rest on selected ties. The plates have two or more upstanding projections with threaded openings extending through them. The plates are positioned at the intersections of adjacent elastomeric grade crossing panels that have recesses defined in their lower surfaces that receive the projections. Bores extending through the panels coaxially with the recesses permit bolts to be installed through the panels into threaded engagement with the projections. Since adjacent panels are attached to a common plate, they become interconnected so that the weight of an entire crossing element will resist movement of the panels. In a typical application there are three crossing elements; a gauge element between the rails, and a field crossing element between each rail and the adjacent roadway. Typically, the gauge panels only extend half-way between the rails so that each gauge plate is coupled to the inner corner of four adjacent gauge panels.

Abstract: A sheet discriminating apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a plurality of lines perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. A plurality of light receiving elements are positioned so that each faces an associated one of the light emitting elements. When a sheet is conveyed by the light emitting elements, at least one of the light receiving elements is partially screened by the side edge of the sheet. Length detection circuitry is provided for detecting the length of the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction based upon outputs of the light receiving elements. Also, pattern detection circuitry is provided for determining pattern data of the sheet based upon outputs of the light receiving elements. The determined pattern data is compared to stored, reference pattern data. The outcome of the comparison and the determined length are used to discriminate the kind of sheet.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle transportation system in which a steerable electrically powered automotive vehicle receives electrical power from electrified conductors located above a roadway or affixed to the roadway, through an electrical pickup on the vehicle having electrical contacts engageable with the roadway conductors in a manner which permits steering movement of the vehicle laterally of the roadway and switching of the vehicle from one traffic lane to another with no interruption, or only momentary interruption, in the flow of electrical power to the vehicle. An electrically powered vehicle and electrical pickup for the transportation system.