Abstract: A coin store comprising a helical structure for receiving coins and storing them between turns so that they can be moved in either of two directions by rotation of the structure, drive for rotating the structure in either of two corresponding directions, and an access enabling gate which is operable to selectively enable a cash access point of the store in response to operation of the drive.

Abstract: A telephone circuit is provided for distinguishing between a normal incoming telephone call and a test telephone call. When the telephone is polled from a central station to cause it to undergo a self-test routine, a ringing signal is used which consists of a series of three ringing signals each lasting less than a predetermined time. Consequently, when such a ringing signal is received, a relay remains open so that there is no audible ringing tone. The system thus enables a testing routine to be carried out by the telephone without causing the telephone to ring.

Abstract: A coin handling system includes two coin escrows which receive respectively high and low denomination coins. Each escrow comprises a helical structure with coins individually supported between successive turns of the helix. Each helical structure can store coins of any denomination in any location, and has exits at both ends to allow control over the sequence in which the coins are sent to a cash box.

Abstract: An automatic test equipment for the functional testing of electrical printed circuit board assemblies is constructed as the combination of a programmable controller based upon a microcomputer and selected interface modules which can be plugged into the controller system backplane in any of a number of module interconnection locations and in any combination of module types with the controller being adapted to interrogate the modules as to their type and location and organize its routines accordingly. The controller has an advantageous bus structure for resource sharing within the equipment, and provides facilities for various forms of input/output modules as well as for analog stimulus/response modules, programmable waveform generator modules, signature analysis and frequency measurement modules, real time emulation modules, etc., and for the connection of computer standard utilities such as keyboard, light-pen graphics, printer, etc.