Abstract: A system for handling coins employs a front end coin acceptor and validator that feeds a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism utilizes a substantially horizontal track module to load coins by denomination into an arrangement of bins. The coins are ejected by means of a solenoid onto the track module that provides a path according to the denomination of the coin into the proper bin.

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: 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: A system for handling coins employs a front end coin acceptor and validator that feeds a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism utilizes a substantially horizontal track module to load coins by denomination into an arrangement of bins. The coins are ejected by means of a solenoid onto the track module that provides a path according to the denomination of the coin into the proper bin.

Abstract: A sensor array is described for monitoring the status of coins in a coin dispenser canister. The sensor array is constructed to be mounted on one side of a stack of coins and generate a signal when light is reflected off the coins. Such sensor arrays may be positioned to indicate multiple conditions relative to the inventory of coins in the dispenser canister.