Abstract: In a neutral section (1) for use with an overhead railway conductor line, which neutral section (1) is disposed between the ends of the conductor line when in use and comprises an insulator (10) to isolate the ends of the conductor line from each other, the neutral axis of the neutral section (1) being such that when the neutral section (1) is in use the neutral axis is aligned closely with the neutral axis of the conductors on its either side and the height of the insulator (10) is chosen so that the stiffness and the dynamic mass of the neutral section (1) closely match those of the conductors on its either side in both the vertical and horizontal planes.

Abstract: Coin validation apparatus comprising a coin path (2, 5, 6); an impact element (14) disposed in the coin path to be contacted by a coin (10); an impact transducer (8) arranged to generate an output signal in dependence on vibration of the impact element (14); and control means (7) for determining a coin parameter based on the output signal; characterised in that the impact element (14) is shaped to create multiple impacts with a passing coin (10).

Abstract: A last-in-first-out coin store comprises a tubular housing (21) in which a coin stack support (22) is driven upwardly or downwardly by an endless belt (28) driven from a motor (23). A coin dispensing mechanism comprises a bar (37) positioned above the tubular housing (21) between a pair of beams (A, B) of light mutually normal, axially displaced along the coin store axis by half the width of a coin, and crossing the center of the coin stack. A control circuit (80) raises and lowers the coin support (22) automatically so as to maintain the uppermost coin at a position where one, but not both, of the light beams are broken so that a coin is ready to be dispensed by the bar (37). A count is kept of the number of coins by a counter circuit (90) responsive to an encoder on the drive belt (28). Useful in gaming machines or change giving coin freed machines.

Abstract: In a coin handling apparatus, a single sensor (30) detects impacts of the coin at different positions within the apparatus, and uses the output to determine the route taken by the coin through the apparatus, and the speed of the coin.