Abstract: A currency validator with a cash cassette for use in vending machines has an acceptor module for receiving various sizes and denominations of currency, a sensor which confirms the validity of the currency and a drive unit which transfers the currency to a stacker mechanism for inserting the currency into a cassette cash box that is securable and tamper resistant. The currency validator also has a screw drive mechanism operative with the stacker wherein the screw drive mechanism controls the movement of the stacker to insert the currency into the cassette cash box. A processor controls the stroke or movement of the stacker mechanism depending upon the size of the currency inserted into the currency validator. Moreover, the cassette cash box is structured such that the stacker is included within the cassette cash box and is operatively controlled by the rotation and movement of the screw drive mechanism which may also be included in the cash cassette.

Abstract: An antiretrieval device for a currency validator of the slot acceptor type. A set of teeth is interposed between the cash box and the note path and in operative engagement with a punch plate. The punch plate and teeth define a shear to cut any string or tape which might be attached to a piece of currency tendered for validation. The teeth are maintained at the end of a spring-biased portion of a plate which is clamped and otherwise secured to a portion of the housing of the currency validator.

Abstract: A can vending machine provides a pair of vertical serpentine passages which can be loaded from a single access area. Serpentine passages are defined by cantilever declined shelves which are interleaved from pairs of walls defining the passages and storage areas. Beneath each of the storage areas is a rotating disc maintained upon a stationary disc or plate, the two discs having similar passages therethrough adapted to accommodate a can. A single motor or solenoid is interconnected with each of the rotatable discs to selectively dispense a can from the associated stack. The serpentine passages prevent the full weight of the can stack from being imposed upon the dispensing discs, but rather upon the cantilevered shelves themselves.

Abstract: A bulk coin hopper and dispensing system is provided. A loading disc and a dispensing disc are fixedly secured to a motor driven shaft in spaced apart relationship to each other. A dispensing blade is interposed between the two discs. Bores in the loading disc are loaded with coins from a bulk hopper, the lower most coin in each of the bores resting upon the dispensing disc. As the discs rotate, the blade engages the coins thereon and urges them out of dispensing slots within the dispensing disc. Ball plungers are provided to restrict movement of the coins upon the dispensing disc until contacted by the blade.

Abstract: A coin hopper and dispenser is provided for receiving coins in bulk and singularly and reliably dispensing them. A rotating disc is received within a housing bore below the hopper, the disc having a number of coin receiving bores passing therethrough. On a bottom surface of the disc, riding upon a bottom plate surface within the housing bore, is a dispensing wheel having a thickness slightly greater than the thickness of the coins to be dispensed. The dispensing wheel has arms thereon extending between the coin receiving bores of the disc, the arms urging coins against a deflection spring which directs them through a coin slot. A spring retention plate is provided at the exterior of the coin slot to assure that the coins are overtly dispensed by rotation of the disc.

Abstract: A cassette cash box for a currency validator prevents unauthorized removal of cash therefrom and evidences any attempt at such removal. The cash box is totally enclosed but for a front panel which has a window through which a punch can move. A continuous sleeve is maintained within the cash box, having a window corresponding to the window in the box itself. When the cash box is to be removed and replaced with a new one, a torsion spring within a barrel causes the continuous sleeve to rotate and lock in a position such that the sleeve window is at the rear of the cash box and a continuous sheet of material covers the cash at the window in the front panel of the box. The sleeve is constructed of a metallic or plastic film which readily evidences tampering or any attempts to make access to the currency within the box.

Abstract: Transport system for a currency validator in which an infeed belt makes frictional engagement with a vertical belt and is driven by a bite generated therebetween. The bite exists at an area of directional change in a note path such that a piece of paper tendered as valid currency changes its direction of movement from horizontal to vertical in that area. Maintained in that area is a magnetic reading head which arcuately engages a third belt. As the note passes along the note path, it is urged between the third belt and magnetic reading head such that it makes arcuate engagement with the reading head to increase the resolution and accuracy obtain thereby.

Abstract: A trolley wire suspension hanger includes a rod bent to form two loops at opposite ends with a substantially straight portion in between, one loop being to go over the messenger wire and the other for holding a clip. The clip includes a V-shaped member bent from sheet bronze with a C-shaped latch member passing through a T-shaped opening in each leg of the clip. The ends of the clip are bent inwardly toward each other to engage grooves in the trolley wire, whereupon the latch member is rotated to clamp the ends of the clip member in place.

Abstract: A trolley pole is supported on a vertical shaft so as to be rotatable from side to side while in its elevated, operating position. The shaft is supported on a support structure which is tiltably mounted on a base plate on a vehicle. The base plate can be tilted by extending the arm of a linear actuator. When the base plate is tilted, the pole is lowered and centered and a gravity operated latch structure comes into effect to maintain the pole centered whenever it is not in its operating position. A control circuit coupled to the actuator extends and retracts the actuator arm to pivot the support structure between an upright and a stowed position.