Abstract: A method of determining a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises determining a plurality of different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. For combinations which in sum are equal to the same amount, the most favorable combination is the one determined to leave the greatest number of coins available for change according to a predetermined criterion which takes into account the number of currently-available coins of at least one denomination. If two combinations are evaluated to be the same so far as change availability is concerned, the combination which comprises the least number of coins is selected.

Abstract: A method of determining a combination of coins to be dispensed as change comprises determining a plurality of different possible combinations and selecting the most favorable one. For combinations which in sum are equal to the same amount, the most favorable combination is the one determined to leave the greatest number of coins available for change according to a predetermined criterion which takes into account the number of currently-available coins of at least one denomination. If two combinations are evaluated to be the same so far as change availability is concerned, the combination which comprises the least number of coins is selected.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus has a single motor for causing coins to be dispensed selectively from either one or two stores. Rotation of the motor shaft in the first direction is transmitted via a one-way clutch to cause movement of a dispensing arm associated with the first store, and rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction is transmitted via a second one-way shaft to cause movement of the dispensing arm associated with the second store. If a jam is detected, the direction of rotation of the motor shaft is repeatedly reversed to clear the jam, the amount of reverse movement of the shaft being less than the lost motion in the associated one-way clutches so that the other motor dispensing arm is not substantially moved.

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 coin testing mechanism of the kind provided with a removable and replaceable cassette is described. The coin testing mechanism includes a plurality of coin storage tubes and means for dispensing coins from the storage tubes, and the removable cassette is an assembly which comprises a plurality of storage tube modules. Each of the modules comprises at least one storage tube, and the modules are retained in the assembly by releasable and reusable retaining means to enable exchanging one module of the cassette for another.