Abstract: A coin mechanism having a coin storage tube and an optical sensor for sensing the level of coins in the tube, the sensor comprising a light source arranged to direct a light beam across the tube, a reflector for returning the beam across the tube and a light detector for detecting the returned beam is disclosed. The reflector for returning the beam is a concave mirror having a curvature such as to give the beam an area, where it approaches the detector, substantially greater than the effective area of the detector. This enables, in a compact sensor, the light intensity at the detector to be enhanced and at the same time the sensitivity to misalignment of components to be reduced.

Abstract: A device for guiding an arriving coin, which is travelling edgewise, to a selected one of a plurality of exits of the device, comprising a guide having a coin entry to admit arriving coins and a coin outlet, the guide being of changeable configuration, and a guide control mechanism adapted to selectively position the coin outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and to change the configuration of the guide as its coin outlet moves between exits. The device can guide coins to numerous exits spaced over a wide range yet is compact in height and width and requires only a single actuator.