Abstract: A system and method of operating one or more selectively-operated devices is disclosed. The method includes establishing, by a controller, a communication channel with a communication device and receiving, by the controller, an authorization token from the communication device. The authorization token includes a verification value. The controller extracts the verification value from the received authorization token and compares the verification value of the authorization token to a plurality of stored verification value. When the authorization token is verified, the controller transitions to a programmable mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the fraudulent receipt of credit for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device is disclosed. A coin acceptor with an anti-fraud feature comprises a coin-accept channel comprising a lip to block the introduction of a non-coin object to a coin sensor and a coin-guiding surface to guide a coin downstream the lip to the coin sensor. The coin-accept channel may further comprise a blocking area, a deflection surface, and a protrusion to prevent the upstream movement of a tethered coin-like object, thereby preventing a single tethered coin-like object from receiving multiple credits for the goods or services provided by a coin-operated device.

Abstract: A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor.

Abstract: A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor.

Abstract: A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor.

Abstract: A coin separator and rejector is described. One or more magnets are positioned in a coin race to reject ferrous coins, slugs, tokens, and the like before they can be completely inserted through the coin entry slot. A coin retaining member is disposed in the coin entry portion of a coin race adjacent to and downstream of the magnet. A ferrous coin, token or slug inserted into the coin slot is immediately attracted by the magnet and forced against the coin retaining member and blocked from proceeding down the race.

Abstract: A system to effect coin discrimination and rejection comprises an arcuate control element pivotably disposed in a coin race with respect to a rejection body. The downstream end of the element is biased across the coin race. A coin passing through the race engages the downstream end of the element, thereby pivoting the element so as to prevent the passage of additional coins down the coin race.

Abstract: A coin separator/rejector system includes a plurality of coin races which are disposed in a coin separator and rejector body. The races have at least one protrusion along their length so as to deflect downwardly traveling coins and force these coins to alter both their attitude and direction of travel to encounter apertures formed between successive coin races. Coins of a selected diameter travel downwardly along any given coin race for ultimate deposit or credit. Coins of other than the selected diameter are directed into alternative races for rejection or return to the user.

Abstract: The coin receiving assembly provides a mechanism for defining a coin race through which a coin may pass, but from which fluid will be caused to exit. The coin is caused to negotiate a generally curvilinear path, while surfaces defining the coin race are configured to conduct water to locations away from the coin race. Additionally, apertures are provided toward a latter portion of the arcuate coin path to facilitate drainage of fluids otherwise adhering to surfaces defining the coin path.

Abstract: A tamper resistant coin race is provided which establishes a non-linear coin race or path for the coin to traverse. The structure defining the coin race provides communication from the coin race to the exterior to prevent the locking of the coin race by the insertion of foreign matter. Structures are also provided to further limit the insertion of probes into the coin race.

Abstract: A coin escrow unit including a first and a second body where the first body has a first and second flange, where the first flange is adapted to impart a tumbling movement to downwardly moving coins, and the second flange is downwardly distending, and where the second body has a downwardly distending flange, the downwardly distending flanges of the first and second bodies combining to form a coin retention assembly.

Abstract: A coin escrow unit including a first and a second body where the first body has a first and second flange, where the first flange is adapted to impart a tumbling movement to downwardly moving coins, and the second flange is downwardly distending, and where the second body has a downwardly distending flange, the downwardly distending flanges of the first and second bodies combining with two gates to form the coin escrow.

Abstract: A coin separator/rejector system includes a plurality of coin races which are disposed in a compact coin receiver body. The races have at least one protrusion along their length so as to deflect downwardly traveling coins and force these coins to alter both their attitude and direction of travel to encounter apertures formed in the receiver body between successive coin races. Coins of a selected diameter travel downwardly along any given coin race for ultimate deposit or credit. Coins of less than the selected diameter are directed into an alternate direction and path of travel along an alternate or secondary race where they are either credited or rejected.