Abstract: A cash handling machine, such as a vending machine, includes various components, such as cash store, that are located within the housing. The machine is operable in a normal mode, in which a credit value is accumulated in response to cash received, and a float mode in which cash received is directed to the cash store without giving credit to the user. The machine can be switched between the normal mode and the float mode in response to an operation by a person, wherein the operation can be performed by the person without the person having access to internal components of the machine.

Abstract: A currency handling apparatus is arranged to perform a float operation at the end of which a store holds coins of various denominations in appropriate quantities such that their collective value is equal to a predetermined value, wherein the respective proportions of the different denominations may vary depending upon various conditions.

Abstract: A cash handling machine, such as a vending machine, has a housing, cash receiving means for receiving cash deposited by a machine user, and a cash store located in the housing and thus inaccessible to the user, and from which cash can be dispensed to the user. The machine is switchable in response to an operation external of the housing between a normal mode, in which a credit value is incremented in response to cash received by the receiving means, and a float mode in which cash received by the receiving means is directed to the cash store without giving credit. Therefore a “float” operation can be carried out without requiring the presence of an authorized serviceman.

Abstract: A currency handling apparatus is arranged to perform a float operation at the end of which a store holds coins of various denominations in appropriate quantities such that their collective value is equal to a predetermined value, wherein the respective proportions of the different denominations may vary depending upon various conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling the dispensing of money in the form of units available in a plurality of denominations includes selecting the units for a dispensing operation by considering the rate of change of the number of stored units for at least one denomination.

Abstract: A movable gate member (34) of a coin gate (24) is provided with lugs (70) which extend downwardly from the gate member (34), at least partly in the direction of travel of a coin through the gate. The lugs (70) trap a tethered or captive coin by hooking the coin if the coin is pulled back towards the gate by its tether. The lugs (70) may have a ramp shape for urging the coin progressively away from the open edge of the gate member, and slots (76) may be formed in the gate member for receiving the tether.