Abstract: A processor may identify that a first device is in a first state. The first device may be paired with a second device that is configured to analyze one or more physical characteristics of an object. The processor may identify, using the second device, a physical characteristic of the object while the first device is in the first state. The processor may determine that the first device has transitioned to a second state. The processor may identify the physical characteristic of the object while the first device is in the second state. The processor may compare the physical characteristic of the object when the first device was in the first state to the physical characteristic of the object when the when the first device is in the second state. The processor may alert a user of the comparing.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive and lightweight carrying mechanism in which side frames and a guide plate are not required to be formed separately and assembled and a small number of components are required. A pair of right and left side frames (2a, 2b) and a medium guide (3) are integrally formed to form a frame structure body (1). On one surface side of the medium guide (3) of the frame structure body (1), a carrying belt (8) for carrying a medium is disposed, and on the other surface side of the medium guide (3), a driven roller (10) for holding the medium between the carrying belt (8) and itself is disposed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.

Abstract: An automated transaction apparatus is disclosed, which includes an identification section that, when a plurality of types of currency having mutually different currency units have been inserted, identifies the inserted currency; and a controller that effects control of a transaction with a user based on identification results determined by the identification section.

Abstract: A method and associated security apparatus for providing security to an automatic teller machine (ATM) having a cash capture device in a presenter area of the ATM. The cash capture device is detected by a proximity detector in the security apparatus in the ATM. A detecting signal is generated by the proximity detector in response to the cash capture device being detected. The detecting signal is received by control circuitry in the security apparatus and in response, the control circuitry causes a dispensing shutter of the ATM to remain in an open position. Each proximity detector is electrically connected to the control circuitry. The dispensing shutter in the open position is configured, in an absence of the cash capture device in the ATM, to dispense paper currency processed and stored in the presenter area of the ATM. security apparatus includes the proximity detector and the control circuitry.

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 paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing an action of drawing out a paper sheet such as a bill is provided. A bill processing apparatus of the present invention has an insertion slot into which a bill is inserted and a traveling route through which the bill inserted into the insertion slot is conveyed. The traveling route has a first traveling route (3A) connected to the insertion slot and a second traveling route (3B) extending downstream from the first traveling route (3A) and being inclined relative to the first traveling route (3A). The second traveling route (3B) is provided with a shutter member (200) for preventing conveyance of the bill toward the insertion slot.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a security grate for limiting access to a coin bin is disclosed. The security grate comprises a plurality of generally parallel upper slats and a plurality of generally parallel slats disposed below the upper slats. The plurality of first slats receives coins and directs coins moving under the force of gravity in a first direction. The plurality of lower slats receive coins from the upper slats and direct the coins moving under the force of gravity in a second direction.

Abstract: A storage system includes storage units for securely retaining articles therein. The storage system includes an electronic user identification system to insure that the individual storing articles therein is the same individual removing the articles there from. The user identification system also compares the user identification information with database information to determine if the user is permitted to use the storage unit or not. The storage system provides such information to security personnel so that improper use of the storage system can be identified and appropriate action taken.

Abstract: A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector includes means defining a note path and gate means in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate means and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate means. The gate means is biased towards the fully closed position. The foreign object detector also includes sensing means for detecting when the gate means is in the fully closed position. In the fully closed position, a leading edge of the gate means extends outside the note path and is received within a recess in the means defining the note path, whereby a foreign object in the note path obstructing the recess prevents the gate means from reaching the fully closed position, the sensing means thereby detecting the presence of the foreign object in the note path.

Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.

Abstract: A financial self-help service device for preventing plugging by foreign objects and damage by mucilage glue is provided. It has a panel, and a cash inlet-outlet (1) is set on the panel. The financial self-help service device further includes a gate (2) for opening or closing the cash inlet-outlet (1). POM (polyoxymethylene) plastic convex points (9) are provided at the edge of the gate (2) matched with the cash inlet-outlet (1), so as to form a flow guide gap between the gate (2) and the panel when the gate (2) closes the cash inlet-outlet (I).

Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.

Abstract: Provided is a bill processing apparatus capable of preventing a bill contained in a bill housing part from being drawn out. The bill processing apparatus comprises: an insertion slot (5), into which the bill is inserted; a bill housing part (100) capable of housing the bill inserted from the insertion slot (5); an opening (110A), through which the bill housing part (100) receives the bill; and a pressure plate (115) capable of passing through the opening (110A) to house the bill in the bill housing part (100). The bill processing apparatus further comprises a sensor to detect the bill inserted into the insertion slot (5), so that the pressure plate (115) is moved to regulate the passage of the bill from the opening (110A) till the insertion of the bill is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A rotary anti-pullback unit is provided which comprises a rotor 22 and a frame 43 for rotatably supporting the rotor 22. Rotor 22 comprises a plurality of disks 25 arranged coaxially in a line and in axially spaced relation to each other, and a plurality of fletched fins 26 axially protruding from at least one radial surface 25a of disks 25 toward an opposite radial surface 25a of the other adjoining spaced disk 25. Rotor 22 is rotated concurrently with a bill 70 transported along each outer periphery of disks 25 in contact to transported bill 70 to radially inwardly move a flexible extracting tool 71 connected to bill 70, and bring tool 71 into tangled engagement with fin or fins 26 in order to prevent unduly extraction of bill 70.

Abstract: The product is released by means of a mechanical push-button that releases a ratchet system (18) where the coins rest and, once the counterweight (20) has been overcome, the locking system is composed of a series of balls (12), spacer cylinders (3), compression springs (5) and a stop shaft (11) inserted inside a cylindrical tube (1) which, being unlocked, allow the insertion, between said balls (12), of a pusher rod (7), thereby allowing the movement of the rod (7) responsible for releasing the stacked product. A shaft stop (17) prevents malicious dual actuation, since there is no space between the pusher rod (7) inserted between the balls (12). Unlocking the shaft with return lever (6) effects a deposit in the collection box. The return comprises a return spring (16) that actuates the shaft with return lever (6) and the latter in turn actuates the push-button rod (7), the machine thereby being readied for the next operation.

Abstract: A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.

Abstract: A bill acceptor includes a bill acceptor main unit having a bill insertion slot, a bill transfer mechanism for transferring each inserted bill through a bill passage to a bill outlet, a bill recognition unit for recognizing the authenticity and value of each inserted bill and a bill pusher for pushing each inserted bill out of the bill outlet, and a bill box having a front opening facing the bill pusher, two elongated stop members disposed at two opposite lateral sides of the front opening in a parallel manner, a bill-receiving bearing board supported on spring members inside the box body of the bill acceptor for receiving each bill that is pushed away from the bill outlet into the bill box and a baffle pivotally mounted in the box body at the top side of front opening adjacent to the bill outlet and biasable for letting each inserted bill be pushed by the bill pusher out of the bill outlet onto the bill-receiving bearing board and reversible to hold down each received bill on the bill-receiving bearing board

Abstract: Provided is a bill processing apparatus capable of preventing a bill contained in a bill housing part from being drawn out. The bill processing apparatus comprises: an insertion slot (5), into which the bill is inserted; a bill housing part (100) capable of housing the bill inserted from the insertion slot (5); an opening (110A), through which the bill housing part (100) receives the bill; and a pressure plate (115) capable of passing through the opening (110A) to house the bill in the bill housing part (100). The bill processing apparatus further comprises a sensor to detect the bill inserted into the insertion slot (5), so that the pressure plate (115) is moved to regulate the passage of the bill from the opening (110A) till the insertion of the bill is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An anti-fraud system for a car wash station that includes a moisture sensor for sensing moisture within the car wash station, and a sensor controller adapted to operatively connect a power source with a timer of the car wash station. The sensor controller performing the following program: disconnecting the power source from the timer upon sensing moisture via the moisture sensor; waiting a period of time; sensing whether the moisture sensor detects moisture; and waiting another period of time and repeating if moisture is sensed, or reconnecting the power source to the timer if no moisture is sensed.

Abstract: An anti-vandalism device in a coin-operated actuation mechanism includes a stop movably extendible and compressible in length and mounted on a coin retainer plate in alignment with a bore therein for moving between a forward blocking position and a rearward unblocking position relative to the bore and to a coin receiving recess in a coin carrier wheel on an opposite side of the retainer plate depending upon whether or not the recess is devoid of a valid coin, and a cam surface actuator defined on a ratchet gear wheel disposed adjacent to the coin retainer plate in a position to engage the stop and cause it to move from its rearward unblocking position to its forward blocking position when the coin receiving recess is devoid of a valid coin and in response to the ratchet gear wheel moving with the coin carrier wheel.

Abstract: An acceptor for money items such as coins or banknotes produces a money item parameter signal (x1) depending on a sensed characteristic of the money item. A store (12) provides window data corresponding to normal acceptance ranges of values of the parameter signal for a money item of a particular denomination (NAW), as well as restricted acceptance windows (RAW). A processor (11) determines when an occurrence of the parameter signal (x1) may represent a fraudulent money item and then for subsequent sensed money items compares the value of the parameter signals (x1) with the restricted acceptance range (RAW). The RAW range is used until n successive true coins are inserted or a time t has lapsed. After a fraudulent attempt, the values of n and t are increased so that a fraudster cannot then insert n true coins or wait a time t and attempt another fraudulent coin insertion. Also, a focused rejection window (FRW) rejects coins with suspiciously close parameter signals, which could form part of a counterfeit set.

Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising cycles, each of which carries a blocking device and an electronic circuit; a cycle storage area serving to receive the cycles while they are not being used; and a control device adapted to authorize, selectively, cycles to be borrowed from the storage area. The control device and the cycle are each provided with a respective short-range wireless communications interface, and the cycle includes an electrical lock device adapted to lock the blocking device in the blocking position.

Abstract: A coin selector prevents illegal actuation of a coin sensor for real coin detection and is reduced in size and has a high coin processing rate, and which can cancel a coin to be cancelled reliably. The coin selector detects the passage of a coin based upon a signal from a coin sensor disposed downstream of a real/fake discriminating unit formed along a coin passage through which the coin moves. A moving direction changing unit for a coin is provided on the coin passage downstream of the real/fake discriminating unit and the coin passage downstream of the moving direction changing unit is disposed on a plane different from a plane on which the moving direction changing unit is present.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising a housing and a service chassis. The housing has an interior, a front face and a rear door pivotally connected to the housing. The front face of the housing includes at least one front opening for allowing a vended product to be removed from the housing. The service chassis is at least partially located within the housing and includes at least one money collecting container. The service chassis can be slid into and out of the interior of the housing for allowing access to the at least one money collecting container. A method of loading the vending machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securely monitoring the sales transactions in bulk vending machines are disclosed, the apparatus operable with at least one bulk vending machine having a coin mechanism that conventionally includes a coin plate, a selectively rotatable handle having a shaft extending radially therefrom, and a coin shuttle. The apparatus of this invention includes a lobe bearing cam mountable at the shaft and an adapter/sensor having first and second switches and an output interface mounted thereon, the switches oriented relative to one another so that the maximum amount of normal backlash (reverse rotation) of the coin plate during vending is accommodated (is less than the angular spread between the switches). The apparatus further includes a microprocessor connectable with the switches through the output interface for counting and recording sales indicated by activation of both of the switches in order, and circuitry for identifying occurrences of apparatus tampering or fault.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved rotary coin mechanism that prevents the theft of vending machine items by preventing the maintained presence of a theft tool used by a thief to interfere with the operation of a coin detector so that a coin slot without a coin of the prescribed size can be rotated past the coin detector to allow product to vend without the insertion of a coin of the prescribed size. The invention closes a gap between the rotating coin disc and the mechanism casing after a coin slot has entered into the rotary coin mechanism casing so that the theft tool cannot be maintained in an inserted position for a sufficient range of rotation of the rotary coin mechanism handle. The invention applies to rotary coin mechanisms that require one or more coins in order to obtain the vended item.

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 coin dispensing apparatus which is simple in structure and can prevents rise in cost and money exchange fraud. The apparatus comprises an inserting aperture 2 which is provided at the upper part of the body 1 and into which coins 3 are put, a sorting unit 4 which comprises a coin discriminating device 40 discriminating genuineness of coins 3 put into it through the inserting aperture 2, and sorts the coins so discriminated, a coin storing unit 6 which is located under the sorting unit 4 and stores coins 3 sorted every coin kind, a holding unit 5 which is provided between the coin storing unit 6 and the sorting unit 4, and holds temporally coins 3 sorted by the sorting unit 4 every coin kind, and a coin repayment unit 7 which is provided at the lower part of the body 1 and returns coins 3.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: In order to prevent fraud in coin-operated or banknote-operated vending machines, in particular vending machines dispensing goods or services, in which the sale transaction after inserting coins and/or banknotes is initiated when a sufficient credit value is reached and the service is provided, it is proposed to determine the coin or banknote denominations, i.e.

Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: A mechanical coin checker is proposed having a coin channel which has a running rail for the coin to run down, in or at which channel checking arrangements are provided to check the properties of the coins, having a coin acceptance shaft and a return shaft, disposed below the running rail, to return coins which are not accepted. The running rail has in the running direction of the coin a recess into which coins which are too thin slide and possibly fall into the return shaft. In front of the coin acceptance shaft is disposed a detent pawl, which is rotatably mounted at a flap forming a part of the coin channel. A detent wire, which is pivotable about a portion of its longitudinal axis, co-operates with its one end region with the detent pawl and is disposed with its other end region below the recess, in such a way that when a coin slips through the recess, the detent wire pivots and takes the detent pawl with it into the coin channel to engage at least one integrally formed arm.

Abstract: A vending machine capable of preventing fraudulent use of false coins of a plurality of kinds. The number of slotted coins acceptable in one vending operation is preset in setting unit (112). The coins slotted into a coin slotting unit (101) are counted based on the sensing output from a counting sensor (104). When a refund operation is carried out while the number of coins slotted into the coin slotting unit(101) is equal to or larger than the preset acceptable number of coins set in the setting unit (112), the coin return in response to the refund instruction is inhibited as a fraudulent use.

Abstract: Security apparatus for preventing deception of a coin acceptor unit by use of a moving magnetic field which a thief may produce by moving a hand magnet near the coin acceptor unit to induce currents in the mechanism's circuitry to cause a false determination that a proper coin has been received and allow unpaid operation of the controlled machinery; said apparatus having circuitry elements to detect a moving magnetic field and upon detection of said field to turn off power needed for operation of the coin acceptor unit and the machinery, and to keep said power off for a predetermined time out period, and to restore the coin acceptor unit to normal settings, allowing normal operation of the coin acceptor unit and machinery after expiration of said time out period, until such time as a moving magnetic field is again detected.

Abstract: A data generating device 300 for use in combination with a coin mechanism 100 of a bulk vending machine 10, is provided. The combination uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine. The coin mechanism has a selectively rotatable shaft 110 extending axially therefrom, which has mounted therearound, a portion of the data generating device.

Abstract: A coin return assembly having enhanced protection against stuffing or ignition, is disclosed. A flapper member is hingedly attached to the upper portion of the coin return chute such that it is biased against displacement against the flow of coins through the coin chute. The hinge allows movement of the coins from the upper portion of the telephone through to the lower bucket area. The flapper seals substantially the entire coin path thereby preventing the insertion of stuffing material into the coin return chute or the passage of flames therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a money sorting method and unit that can detect such a counterfeit as foreign money for which material, outer diameter and other features are very similar to a genuine coin, and that can decrease damage caused by the continuous trial of entry of counterfeit money. Sensors detect the material of a coin entered from a coin entry section, and at the same time, the outer diameter of the coin is detected by three sensors with a highly accurate method utilizing time ratio, pattern on the surface of the rolling coin is detected by converting output of the sensors to a basic pattern, and genuineness of the entered coin is judged based on these detection results.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus having a storage member for holding bulk coins that are introduced through an opening of the top of a storage member as provided with a detector assembly to determine any intrusion into the storage member. Detector assembly can create a grid pattern of radiation, such as light or infrared light that can be monitored by a computer system to determine if the object intruding into the storage base warrants the activation of an alarm.

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: A coin box unit used in a coin-box apparatus, for example, a coin-box telephone, which includes a base having an oblique plate, an actuating board pivoted to the oblique plate. and a switch hook, wherein the oblique plate has a coin inlet at the top, a through hole in the middle, a coin-return passageway and a coin-receiving passageway at the bottom, the coin-return passageway having an elongated top opening obliquely and downwardly extended to the coin-receiving passageway; the actuating board has a sloping bottom edge, and a rail disposed at the backside along the sloping bottom edge, which defines with the oblique plate and the actuating board a coin guide way extending toward the coin-return passageway and the coin-receiving passageway when the actuating board is closed on the oblique plate; the switch hook is pivoted to the oblique plate and forced to open the actuating board from the oblique plate.

Abstract: A coin return chute structure adapted to be incorporated in a payphone includes two spaced wall plate and an outer chute member fixed between the two wall plates and defining therein a coin holding space. The coin return chute structure has a front side on which a front opening is formed for access to the coin holding space. The wall plates are each provided with three pivot holes to selectively receive therein a pivot pin for rotatably supporting lids of different sizes on the wall plates for closing the front opening. Cover plates of different sizes selected in accordance with the lid size used may be selectively fixed to the front opening for covering the portion of the opening that is not closed by the lid. An inner chute member is selectively mounted between the two wall plates to bypass the coin holding space by directing the returned coin directly out of the chute structure.

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: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided.

Abstract: A lower casing structure of a payphone is disclosed, including an outer casing member fit over the lower portion of the payphone and having threaded rods fixed thereon, a reinforcement plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods, a coin container shield having a plate portion which has holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods and a flange having securing slots formed thereon and a support plate having holes corresponding to and fit over the threaded rods so as to sandwich the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate between the support plate and the outer casing member. Nuts engage the threaded rods for securing the support plate, as well as the coin container shield and the reinforcement plate, to the outer casing member. The support plate has a locking mechanism arranged thereon, comprising a rotatable member operable by a key to be rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A gaming device is provided with detectors configured to substantially reduce the potential for unauthorized manipulation of a coin output system. A pair of detectors can be used to output an error signal when the sequence or timing of detector blockages departs from that which would be expected from normal coin movement. A second optical detector is configured to provide a signal used to output an error signal when the second detector detects radiation or light during a time that a first detector is also detecting light from a paired radiation source. An error signal is preferably output when an optical detector is blocked for a period of time which exceeds a maximum blockage threshold, and preferably the threshold may be dynamically adjusted.

Abstract: A control circuit of a money-handling unit receives an input from a coin sensor, and detects whether liquid is present by detecting the occurrence of a false signal caused by liquid shorting the output of the sensor. Two different thresholds of conductivity can be used to detect whether liquid is present and to distinguish between high conductivity liquids and low conductivity liquids. The control circuit carries out different courses of action to respond to the liquid depending on the conductivity. Either a temporary or permanent shut down is selected.

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: Apparatus and methods for minimizing incorrect coin registration in a coin-operated telephone. The apparatus includes a coin diverter having a top plate, a coin hopper mounting bracket, and a coin impact plate attached to the top plate. The coin impact plate is positioned in a coin hopper entry path to alter the orientation of a coin entering the hopper. The methods include attaching a coin diverter to a coin hopper and diverting coins entering the coin hopper to prevent impacts on an edge of a trip lever.