Abstract: A currency handling device for rapidly processing a plurality of currency bills comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive the currency bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles adapted to receive the bills after the bills have been processed, a transport mechanism adapted to transport the bills, one at a time, along a transport path from the input receptacle to the plurality of output receptacles, an evaluating unit that is adapted to determine information concerning the bills, and a controller. The evaluation unit includes at least one sensor positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the plurality of output receptacles. The controller is adapted to operate the currency handling device according to a mode of operation wherein the mode of operation designates the output receptacle to which each of the bills are transported based on the determined information concerning the bill.

Abstract: An automatic coin input tray is disclosed. In one embodiment, the automatic coin input tray includes a coin-staging section, a delivery disk section and a ramp section. A user pours coins onto the coin-staging section, which are then delivered to the delivery, disk section under the force of gravity. The delivery disk section automatically meters the coins provided to the ramp section by providing a rotatable disk that sinks into a coin-input buffer, based upon the weight of coins placed thereupon. Accordingly, instead of all coins being fed to the ramp section at once, a more limited number of coins are provided to the ramp section. In addition, a controller circuit is provided to stop rotation of the rotatable disk and, hence, delivery of further coins, upon sensing various conditions including, for example, a coin jam.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A coin acceptor produces an output or operates a switch or vending mechanism when a coin acceptor slide reaches a certain point of advance relative to a housing. The slide receives coins or tokens tendered by a customer (“coins”) and carries the coins into a discriminator responsive to size, shape or the like. The discriminator can have feeler levers, a limited passage size or similar features that permit the slide to advance if all the correct coins are present, or obstruct movement of the slide if coins are missing or are the wrong type. The discriminator is breakable with sufficient force, which could break away the feeler levers or other test structures the obstruct movement unless the correct coins are in place, which would permit the slide to be operated repeatedly without the correct coins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling bill jams within a currency processing device is provided. The device includes a transport mechanism adapted to transport bills along a transport path, one at a time, from the input receptacle past an evaluation unit into a plurality of output receptacles. At least one of the output receptacles includes a holding area and a storage area. A plurality of bill passage sensors are sequentially disposed along the transport path that are adapted to detect the passage of a bill as each bill is transported past each sensor. An encoder is adapted to produce an encoder count for each incremental movement of the transport mechanism. A controller counts the total number of bills transported into each of the holding areas and the total number of bills moved from a holding area to a corresponding storage area after a predetermined number of bills have been transported into the holding area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: An electrical discharge produces an acoustic impulse, and a reflection of the impulse from the upper coin in a coin stack is sensed so that the level of the coin stack can be determined from the time taken for the reflection to be received. Alternatively, or additionally, the acoustic impulse can be used to detect coin jams, the presence and/or width of a coin store, the state of a coin routing gate or the quantity of a vendible product.

Abstract: An automatic coin input tray is disclosed. In one embodiment, the automatic coin input tray includes a coin-staging section, a delivery disk section and a ramp section. A user pours coins onto the coin-staging section, which are then delivered to the delivery disk section under the force of gravity. The delivery disk section automatically meters the coins provided to the ramp section by providing a rotatable disk that sinks into a coin-input buffer, based upon the weight of coins placed thereupon. Accordingly, instead of all coins being fed to the ramp section at once, a more limited number of coins are provided to the ramp section. In addition, a controller circuit is provided to stop rotation of the rotatable disk and, hence, delivery of further coins, upon sensing various conditions including, for example, a coin jam.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a plurality of documents from a first compartment to a second compartment. The apparatus comprises a plunger assembly having a paddle adapted to contact the documents, and at least one outwardly extending arm hingedly connected to the plunger assembly. A gate is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment forming a document supporting surface. The gate has an open position and a closed position. At least one lever extends from the gate, the lever being in a first position when the gate is in the closed position and the lever being in a second position when the gate is in the open position. The gate moves from the closed position to the open position when the paddle urges the documents against the gate from the first compartment towards the second compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bill receiving/processing machine, which has a simple configuration having no temporary reserving section, and has no need of manually sorting the approved bill even in the case where a fault is generated, and can rationally carry out cancel processing with respect to a transaction such that a bill has been already sent to a stacker after money kind discriminating/counting handling is completed.

Abstract: The number of coins stored in a coin tube is retained in RAM 13 which is backed up by a battery, the states of empty switch 22 and full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube to be detected by cassette detection sensor 21 are retained in the battery-backup RAM 13, and when the power supply is intercepted and turned on again, the states of the empty switch 22 and the full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube detected by the cassette detection sensor 21 which are stored in the battery-backup RAM 13 are compared with their current states, and if any of them does not agree, the number of coins retained in the RAM 13 is initialized.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a system for detecting the status of a bill validator in a gaming device. The system includes a credit detector for receiving a signal from the gaming device and generating a credit detector signal indicating whether the gaming device has one or more credits. A bill validator enable detector receives a signal from the gaming device and generates a bill validator enable signal indicating the status of the bill validator. A coin lockout detector receives a signal from the gaming device and generates a coin lockout signal indicating whether the gaming device is ready for play. A logic unit generates an error signal indicative of a malfunction in the bill validator in response to the credit detector signal, the bill validator enable signal and the coin lockout signal.

Abstract: An ATM is provided with a loudspeaker and a microphone. The loudspeaker generates white noise which is picked up by the microphone. The detected signal constitutes an acoustic signature which changes if the ATM is tampered with, for example by inserting some fraudulent mechanism into the ATM to intercept banknotes before they reach the output slot of the ATM. If any such change is detected then an alarm can be raised.

Abstract: A coin escrow device has a coin jam detection mechanism that uses a magnetic switch. Magnets are connected to supports which move close to and away from the magnetic switch as a result of a coin deposit and the movement of the escrow device's gates. When a coin jam occurs, the magnets are positioned such that the magnetic switch is on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper-leaves discriminating apparatus (sensor mounting construction) which is capable of detecting a characteristic quantity at a point conforming to a discriminating way while easily coping with a change of the way. Thus, in the paper-leaves discriminating apparatus according to this invention, a sensor is made up of a plurality of characteristic quantity detecting heads, and a plurality of head mounting holes are made in a frame installed along a conveyance plane of paper leaves for mounting the plurality of characteristic quantity detecting heads on the frame so that the plurality of characteristic quantity detecting heads face the conveyance plane, and further, each of the characteristic quantity detecting heads is detachably fitted in the head mounting hole, of the plurality of head mounting holes, corresponding to a position at which the characteristic quantity remarkably develops.

Abstract: A coin discrimination device which provides for positive transport of coins past a sensor is provided. In one embodiment, a rotating disk, slightly inclined to the vertical, includes a plurality of pockets for receiving coins from a hopper bowl. The disk and bowl are configured to efficiently load the pockets with no more than one coin per pocket. As the disk rotates, the coins, which are thus registered in a desired location in the pockets, are transported by the rotating disk past a sensor. When, based on the sensor data, the item in a pocket is recognized as an acceptable coin, a controllable ramp is lowered to divert the coin out of the pocket and into a path to place the coin in an acceptance bin or bag.

Abstract: A coin jam detection system for detecting a coin jammed in a coin runway of vending machines, or other coin operated machines is described. The system includes a coin runway sensor attached to a coin runway, a coin sensor and a microprocessor. A timer in the microprocessor is used to measure the time elapsed between when a coin is sensed by the coin runway sensor and by the coin sensor in the coin mechanism. If the timer exceeds a certain predetermined time limit, a jam condition is assumed and a repair signal may be generated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing coins in a host machine including a coin validator, a switch and a processor. Coin validation and coin credit to a host machine are effectuated by generating an opto-emulation sequence. The occurrence of coins being stolen is minimized by an application of a temporary inhibit signal when the system determines that parity between the number of valid advance credit signals and a predetermined maximum setting is reached.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing tokens in a Point-Of-Sale ("POS") transaction. The system and method include sensing errors in the token-dispensing operation whereby a POS terminal operator can be notified if a token is jammed in the token dispenser or if the token dispenser is empty.

Abstract: An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.

Abstract: A gaming facility having a plurality of coin game machines (100) and a coin handling mechanism (200) for supplying coins to the coin game machines and collecting coins therefrom is disclosed. The coin handling mechanism comprises a coin collection transporter (210) for collecting coins input for playing games, a coin replenishment transporter (230) for transporting coins with which the coin game machines are replenished, a replenishment coin supply unit (240) for supplying coins to the coin replenishment transporter, coin branch units (250) for making coins transported by the coin replenishment transporter branch therefrom into the corresponding coin game machines, and a controller (300) for at least controlling coin replenishment.

Abstract: A universal adaptor for use with electronic parking meters which provides these electronic parking meters with the ability to detect the presence of a parked vehicle and to adjust the position of the detector for accomplishing the vehicle detection, to gather statistics on the parking spaces and the meters, to alert the parking authority of meters that are expired in connection with vehicles still parked, and zeroing the remaining time off of any meter once the parked vehicle departs.

Abstract: An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.

Abstract: If the number of returned bills is two or more, the returned bills are identified as abnormally returned bills by an abnormally returned bill detector, and predetermined abnormal-state processing is accomplished by performing control operations using an abnormality processor. If a bill has jammed in the bill conveying channel, information concerning the direction in which the bill has jammed is stored in the bill jamming direction memory unit of the control unit, and, as a result of control operations performed by the bill reverse-direction conveyance control unit of the control unit, the bill is conveyed in the direction opposite to the bill jamming direction stored in the bill jamming direction memory unit when the bill jammed in the bill conveying channel is to be removed.

Abstract: A coin payout device that has been improved such that a coin jam will be automatically dislodged in the event that a coin jam occurs, and there will be no problem of overpayment. When coin payout is performed by the forward rotation of a coin payout motor (40), a coin payout controller (80) detects the occurrence of a coin jam from the operational circumstances of a carrier switch (60) up to the time when a first timer (81) runs out, and determines whether the reverse rotation of the coin payout motor (40) would cause a problem based on the current state of the carrier switch (60), so that the coin payout motor (40) is reversed and the coin jam dislodged only when no problem will be caused.

Abstract: The coin sorting device is equipped with a coin passage which guides coins that are inserted via a coin insertion opening, a gate plate for opening and closing the coin passage, a coin jamming detection sensor which is installed at an intermediate point in the coin passage, for detecting the jamming of coins passing through the coin passage, and a gate plate opening mechanism which is actuated by a detection signal from the detection sensor, and which automatically opens and closes the gate plate.

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 parking meter system comprising a low-current drain electronic parking meter and a mobile transceiver. The parking meter includes a housing including a slot for the introduction of at least one coin in the interior of the housing. Within that interior are coin detectors for providing electrical signals indicative of the presence of an inserted coin and its denomination, a slug detector, and a coin jam detector. Also within the housing is a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of a vehicle in an adjacent parking space and an infra red transceiver for communicating with the mobile transceiver. A microprocessor and an associated liquid crystal display are also provided with the meter's housing. The microprocessor responds to electrical signals provided by the various detectors to produce data which is displayable on the display and transmittable by the IR transceiver to the mobile transceiver. A touch button system is provided as an alternative to the introduction of coins into the meter.

Abstract: An electronic coin tracker for coin-operated machines, particularly video games, is retrofittable to most such coin-operated machines as produce an electrical signal upon the deposit of coins. The coin tracker is physically and electronically secure in its function to monitor both (i) the deposit of coins and (ii) the activity of the coin operated machine (whether such activity is responsive to, or only to, the deposit of coins or not). The coin tracker reports the monitored (i) coin deposits and (ii) machine activity electronically, preferably through an infrared light data link. The reported data may readily be analyzed to determine whether or not the machine operation and/or machine receipts have been subject to fraud or embezzlement.

Abstract: A transaction system comprises a plurality of components each performing a respective function, the components being interconnected by a serial data bus. Each component can initiate an information exchange operation with any other component. A component may transmit a message consisting of either a general instruction for causing the component receiving the message to carry out one of a plurality of different types of operations depending upon the nature of the instruction, or a message in the form of a direct memory access request identifying a specific location in a memory of the receiving component to which data is to be written or from which data is to be read.

Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique circuitry and components for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photo-cells. The meter also includes a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter.

Abstract: A coin mechanism comprising a testing mechanism for testing coins as to their acceptability and denomination, an accept/reject gate which is normally in a reject position but is electrically powered to an accept position in response to the testing mechanism determining that a coin is acceptable, and an electrically-actuated coin separator adapted to receive the acceptable coins from the accept/reject gate and direct them selectively towards different destinations in dependence upon their denominations as determined by the testing mechanism, characterised by mechanism adapted to provide power for electrical actuation of the coin separator, following failure of electrical power for the accept/reject gate, for a period sufficient to allow the coin separator to complete the direction towards its correct destination of a coin which has passed the accept/reject gate in its accept position.

Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique means for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photocells. The meter also includes a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter. The components of the meter are operated in three conditions or states including an off condition, an inactive condition, and an active condition, to provide further conservation of power so that the meter is entirely battery operated.

Abstract: The type of denomination of a coin inserted through a coin slot is discriminated by a coin discriminating section while the coin is being conveyed substantially horizontally by a mechanism for horizontally conveying coins, and the discriminated coin is distributed by coin distributing levers for selectively executing a first distributing operation for distributing coins to a relevant coin accumulating section and a second distributing operation for introducing the coins to an ensuing coin distributing section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vandalism and minimizing damage from liquids injected into apertures of a vending machine is described. An anti-salting module, having a housing with an integral tray for collecting liquids, is connected beneath a bill validator in a vending machine A rubber fillet is connected to the rear of the bill validator and directs injected fluids to the tray. A moisture sensor integral to the tray is connected to detection and control circuitry. When moisture is detected, the detection and control circuitry operates to interrupt power and control signals to the bill validator. Other external sensors, such as a second moisture sensor and a continuity sensor for monitoring the status of other vending machine components, may also be connected to the detection and control circuitry. After moisture has been detected, vending machine power and control signals can be restored only when moisture is no longer present, and a SET switch is depressed by service personnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting inserted coins and method thereof in units which are operated by inserting coins such as a vending machine, by using the configuration including the microcomputer for controlling the whole operation to detect the inserted coins, the quality, thickness and diameter detecting sensors for detecting the quality, the thickness and the diameter of the inserted coin and having the method comprising the steps of: counting the time required until the lastly positioned sensor senses the maximum value data after the firstly positioned sensor sensed the maximum value data; performing reset of the apparatus in case that the time required is more than the predetermined time; and discriminating the kinds of the inserted coins based on the quality, the thickness and the diameter maximum value data of the detected coins and the time required, thereby obtaining the advantage that the apparatus stops the operation and is reset when the insertion path is stopped up and

Abstract: A coin processing apparatus arranged to automatically execute a cancellation process for canceling acceptance of an inserted coin by detecting, on the basis of output levels of receiving coils in a plurality of sets of coin selecting coils disposed on a coin path, a fact that the inserted coin has been guided into a return path through the operation of a return lever, and also to judge the occurrence of coin jamming and coin counter-flow on the basis of the output levels of the receiving coils. The output level of the receiving coil in each of the plurality of sets of coin selecting coils is monitored so as to carry out the automatic cancellation process in case the output levels of the respective receiving coils concurrently exceed a predetermined threshold level and persist longer than a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to prevent fraud in a bill acceptor system utilizing a lockable, removable cassette is disclosed. A security arrangement including a security sensor and a microprocessor monitors the attachment of the cassette for proper installation, and monitors the bill pusher cycle when an accepted bill is loaded into the cassette. If the cassette is not properly installed or if a bill pusher cycle fails to complete, indicating a possible fraud attempt, then the bill validator is disabled.

Abstract: Counterfeit coin sensing apparatus including a transport system for continuously directing a plurality of successive coins along a feed path. A first coin sensor is disposed along the feed path for producing a denomination output signal corresponding to the diameter of each coin, and a second coin sensor is arranged along the path to produce a phase and amplitude displacement output signal corresponding to the metal content of the coin. The output signals from the two sensors are received by an acquisition system which converts the signals into corresponding standardized signals and then directs the standardized signals to an analysis system which compares the denomination and phase and amplitude displacement signals with stored signals representative of valid coins.

Abstract: An improved coin slide is disclosed which incorporates a transverse stop bar formed in the bottom of the slide. The stop bar is positioned to overlie the lever checking mechanism when the slide is moved to its rearward vending position whereby in the event of a broken lever, the lever will be automatically spring biased into contact with the stop bar to prevent forward movement of the slide. Additionally, the slide is provided with a pair of transversely spaced hold down pads which are positioned on the slide top surface to contact with bridge trailing surface for slide stabilization precisely when the bridge is performing its coin checking function.

Abstract: A coin counter security circuit for use in vending machines having a counter for counting the number of vending transactions. The circuit functions to detect indicia of proper counter operation (and hence that the counter has not been improperly disconnected) and serves to enable the vend transaction when proper counter operation has been so detected. The indicia of proper counter operation can be the detection of a flyback signal normally generated by an inductive element associated with the counter.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and including circuits for controlling changeable parameters, such as temperature drift, low voltage levels, aging etc. The electronic parking meter has a power source which may be a solar type power source with a low voltage control circuit. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. The microprocessor has a power-up mode, a standby mode and an operational mode. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information. A coin received in the meter causes a signal to be generated upon receipt of the coin by a sensor. The meter also has a coin detector and a microprocessor controlled circuit for adjusting a setpoint of the coin detector.

Abstract: A motor home/soldout detection scheme which can sense N motors home and/or soldout, using only a two wire interface to each motor. The two wire interface can also be matrixed by row and column to further expand the interfacing ability. By channeling the home signal from the control board through the soldout switch the detection of soldout can be assured.

Abstract: An improved coin slide is disclosed which incorporates a transverse stop bar formed in the bottom of the slide. The stop bar is positioned to overlie the lever checking mechanism when the slide is moved to its rearward vending position whereby in the event of a broken lever, the lever will be automatically spring biased into contact with the stop bar to prevent forward movement of the slide. Additionally, the slide is provided with a pair of transversely spaced hold down pads which are positioned on the slide top surface to contact with bridge trailing surface for slide stabilization precisely when the bridge is performing its coin checking function.

Abstract: A vending machine control apparatus has a product delivery motor home circuit and a DC power supply modulated in response to varying line voltage and/or load by a pulse width modulation circuit. The modulated DC power signal supplies power to one or more DC product delivery motors in a vending machine. Each product delivery motor has an associated switch which passes pulses, resulting from the modulation of the power supply, when the delivery motor is in its home position. A simple motor home detection circuit detects these pulses, and preferably a microprocessor control circuit connected to the detection circuit determines that a home condition exists.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus contains a standard reference coin and a coin validation circuit that compares an inserted coin or slug with the reference coin as it passes through a chute toward a coin gate. The coin gate deflects the coin into a first path if the inserted coin is undersized and otherwise into a second path. The validation circuit produces a "valid coin" signal that indicates a match between the inserted coin and the reference coin, a "coin present" signal if any coin is being compared with the reference coin, and a photodetector output signal, all of which are applied as inputs to a surveillance circuit that analyzes those three signals and generates an output indicative of whether the inserted coin is being "strung", an output indicative of whether the inserted coin is a slug, and an "alert" signal that indicates whether either the coin is being strung or the inserted coin is a slug.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing apparatus receives and transmits serial data between itself and a central computer. The data from the computer includes stamp dispensing commands as well as supervisory commands in a predetermined serial data format. The stamp dispensing apparatus comprises interface means for receiving the data, decoding the data, and actuating a stamp dispensing mechanism. The apparatus includes an LED-photodetector mechanism for detecting stamp perforations to allow counting of the number of stamps dispensed. Dispensing errors are detected and reported back to the computer.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus subjects a coin inserted into a coin entry (1) and rolling down an inclined track (2) to testing at a testing station (3) comprising sensors (4,5,6) which may for example be inductive sensors. If a coin is found to be acceptable an accept signal is generated and this causes gate mechanism (8) to open to permit the coin to access accept path (9), the gate mechanism (8) being normally closed so that unacceptable coins can only access a reject path (10). A post-gate detector (11) in the accept path (9) senses the passage of an accepted coin and serves to close the gate mechanism (8) and also to determine allocation of a customer credit. A pre-gate detector (12) upstream of the gate mechanism (8) has its output logically processed with the accept signal produced when an acceptable coin is tested and/or with the output of the post-gate detector (11).

Abstract: A system for collecting data from machines is particularly but not exclusively, suited for use as a vending machine audit system, and, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an audit controller which records transaction data relating to the operation of the machine and periodically is caused to transfer the data into a data storage module in the form of a non-volatile memory. The module can be removed and inserted into a down-loading machine at a central location which extracts the data and uses it to provide a transaction record.The audit controller stores in the module a predetermined indication code only after first checking that the transaction data has been correctly stored in the module. The indication code signifies to the down-loading machine that the data was correctly transferred to the module. There is thus no need to lock the module into the controller during data transfer, because removal of the module during data transfer will not result in the production of an incorrect transaction record.