Abstract: An improved anti-stuffing coin return for a telephone paystation, which is highly resistant to explosives due to front and rear openings, has a pair of diverging side walls and at least one internal movable plate, all made from a high strength material. The outer casing may include a push button that cooperates with the movable plate to help move any materials stuffed therein and allow coins to flow to a coin retrieval area adjacent an open front area. Additionally, a coin slide in the coin path may pivot to substantially block the force and gases of any explosive materials detonated therein.

Abstract: A coin return apparatus, for use with a pay telephone, which provides a discontinuous coin return path between the coin return structure and the coin discharge opening of the pay telephone and which resists "stuffing", "stringing", and "pinning". The coin return apparatus includes a housing which is mountable within the pay telephone and a movable door mounted to the housing. The housing includes a chamber therein and a first opening which is communicable with a passageway of a coin return structure of the pay telephone and which is selectively communicable with the chamber. The housing further includes a second opening which is communicable with the environment about the pay telephone and which is selectively communicable with the chamber. The movable door is movable between first and second positions relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing apparatus for weighing coins accumulated in a coin hopper using a load cell and automatically taking a periodic readings of the number of coins accumulated in the hopper. By periodically monitoring the hopper and automatically calculating the number of coins in the hopper, theft of coins and other irregularities can be easily and timely detected. The unauthorized removal of coins during an actual or purported maintenance procedure can be detected by automatically determining a count of coins before a hopper access door is opened, automatically counting the number of coins once the door is closed, and using those two counts to determine the change in the number of coins in the hopper at the time of the change.

Abstract: An anti-vandalizing device prevents removal of the coin-return bucket through the coin-retrieval window of the lower-housing cover of a coin-operated telephone while still accommodating coin vault security involving use of one key by the coin collector and of a differently coded key for the upper housing by the maintenance person responsible for fixing the bucket in the lower housing. A guard ring mounted inside an aligned window of a guard wrap reduces the effective size of the guard wrap window to where the bucket cannot be retrieved therethrough even after being crushed against the anti-rocking screw while still accommodating user coin retrieval of his unused deposited coins. The guard ring is slidably mounted on the back side of the guard wrap so as to be retrievable from above in the space between the lower housing cover and the guard wrap when the upper housing is removed. In one embodiment a ridge about the perimeter of an installed guard ring window seats within the guard wrap window.

Abstract: An automatic product dispensing device including a coin mechanism for the insertion of at least one coin, tokens or the like and a mechanism for discharging extraneous items. A mechanism is provided for checking correct operation acting upon a mechanism for controlling the discharge. The discharge mechanism is formed by a chute having a body formed by at least one portion including two flaps of which one is articulated. At least one electromagnet acts upon the articulated flap.

Abstract: A system for the secure transportation of articles such as cheques and bank notes comprises first and second docking stations at different locations, and a secure container which mates with the docking stations. The container has a number of lockable doors into which bank notes are fed by a feeder mechanism at the first docking station. The container has its own microcontroller which monitors the status of the doors and the integrity of the container, and which can respond to external control signals while it is in transit. Once the container has been loaded at one docking station, it is transported to the second docking station at a different location, where it can be unloaded. A one-time code is generated each time the container is loaded, and must be communicated to the second docking station before the container can be unloaded. Any attempt to tamper with the container while it is in transit results in the activation of a dye dispenser, which marks the contents of the container.

Abstract: In a case where a succeeding coin has arrived at a coin discriminator (110) before a preceding coin passed through the coin discriminator (110) arrives at a disposition position of a true/false coin distributor (120), the true/false coin distributor (120) is shifted to a false coin side to distribute both of the preceding and succeeding coins to the false coin side. When the preceding coin passed through the coin discriminator (110) is true one and if the succeeding coin has already arrived at the coin discriminator (110) immediately after passage of the preceding coin through the true/false coin distributor (120), the true/false coin distributor (120) is shifted to the false coin side to distribute only the succeeding coin to the false coin side.

Abstract: The device for storing money in a cab is distinguished by the fact that it exhibits, in a lockable housing, one or more openings for the introduction of notes and/or coins, mechanisms for dispensing notes and/or coins, mechanisms for determining the amount to be dispensed and mechanisms for invalidating at least the notes in the event of forcible tampering.

Abstract: A security device for a bill changer that greatly reduces the risk of the coinage within the changer from being robbed. The security device includes a support having a bill insertion slot therethrough. The support is adapted to be securely attached to a front surface of a bill reader with the insertion slot aligned with a corresponding slot of the bill reader. A moveable blade is mounted on the support and detaches foreign objects extending from an inserted bill. An actuator member, preferably comprising two solenoids, is connected to the blade for moving the blade across the insertion slot in response to validation of an inserted bill by the bill reader to detach any foreign objects therefrom.

Abstract: A gaming machine has internal coin container sensors (110, 112) that sense the weight, and therefore, the number of coins contained in the internal coin containers (104, 106). The gaming machine also has mechanical and/or optical sensors (102, 114) to monitor the inflow and outflow of coins. By comparing the number of coins, as determined by weight, with the number of coins detected by the mechanical and/or optical sensors, fraud is readily detected.

Abstract: An improved coin slide for use in a coin chute assembly is disclosed in which the coin slide has a handle portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the slide. The handle has an inwardly facing inclined surface which is defined in terms of a line positioned at an obtuse angle to a second line defined by the upper surface of the slide. The configuration is such that the obtuse angle defined by these two lines, and the radius of curvature at the corner between the inwardly facing sloping surface of the handle and the upper surface of the slide, are sufficiently large to cause a prybar applied to the inwardly facing surface of the handle to ride up the sloping surface without being able to exert a force sufficient to move the coin slide outwardly to its retracted position against the action of a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the integrity of a vehicle test procedure insures that the vehicle to which a varying test parameter is applied is the same as the vehicle whose response is required. A random variation to the test parameter is introduced, and the response of a chosen vehicle characteristic to the variation is monitored and correlated with the variations. A high correlation confirms that the vehicle whose response is being monitored is in fact the vehicle to which the parameter is applied. The method may advantageously be used in connection with EPA-sanctioned exhaust emission test protocols.

Abstract: A coin acceptor which accepts authentic coins includes a main plate and a side plate pivotally attached to the main plate for allowing coins to pass therebetween when the side plate is in a first position. An opening lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin formed from the main plate. Upon rotation, the opening lever pivots the side plate into a second position. A leaf spring biases the opening lever into a rest position corresponding to the side plate being in the first position. The opening lever has a shoulder which moves in rotation with the opening lever. The main plate has a slot for passing the shoulder therethrough to the other side of the plate. The leaf spring engages the shoulder for biasing the opening lever into the rest position. The shoulder also engages a switch arm of an electrical switch for switching the switch upon rotation of the opening lever from the rest position.

Abstract: A mechanism prevents explosion damage to coin pay telephones by providing an almost horizontal offset in the coin path so that a wad of paper cannot be moved by the weight of subsequently inserted coins. For existing phones, a retrofit provides a horizontal offset by locating a horizontal slot to one side of the existing coin chute entrance and having in back of it a relatively horizontal slippery surface for sliding the coin sideways and then downwards into a tunnel in alignment with the existing coin chute. The tunnel has a sloping bottom surface so that the coin rolls therein under the force of gravity into the existing coin chute. In another embodiment, the horizontal slot is further arranged perpendicular to the existing slot and the relatively horizontal slippery surface slides the coin back towards the horizontal slot and then downwards into the tunnel with a bottom sloping surface operative to roll the coin into the existing coin chute.

Abstract: A parking meter coin box receptacle retrofits into an existing parking meter while increasing the interior volume of the coin box receptacle, so that more coins can be accumulated between periodic emptying of the box. Moreover, the coin box receptacle includes an exterior display portion to hold a seal, in a secure visible position for locking with a bore within an interior rod within the receptacle. A fastener is in positional register with the seal, and a bore within the fastener accommodates a fiber optic strand within the seal fastener, to hold the locking rod in place and to indicate tampering when the fiber optic strand is cut. The exterior display portion of the coin box receptacle includes an outwardly facing window, so that the bar code on the seal fastener can be easily viewed while the seal fastener is in place in a locked position.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting and storing objects, such as coins, inserted by way of payment in a dispenser of products or services, of the type comprising a coin input unit connected to a selector adapted to sort the coins. The outlet of the selector is connected to a tray and to holder for the coins. The coins are directed either to the tray or to final storage box for the coins or to a removable recycling dispenser adapted to store the coins temporarily and to direct them either to the tray or to a cash box. The recycling dispenser includes at least two vertical tubes. A device is provided to prevent visual and physical access to the interior of the tubes when the latter are in position.

Abstract: A slot machine has a coin sensor, which is connected to a CPU via a signal line, and generates a coin-detecting signal upon insertion of a coin. The slot machine stands by for execution of a game in response to the coin insertion, under the control of the CPU. A reel-stop switch is connected to the CPU via a signal line, and generates a reel-stop signal in response to a button depression. A test signal generator outputs a test signal to the signal line of the reel-stop switch. The CPU checks the signal line of the coin sensor. If the test signal is detected through the signal line of the coin sensor, execution of the game is inhibited, whereby a fraudulent operation is detected.

Abstract: An improved protective coin return for a telephone paystation having a pivoted outer sweep flap with a downwardly depending end flap and at least one pivotable inner flap, all made from a high strength material. The outer sweep flap and the at least one inner flap replace the conventional door on coin returns so as to provide an open front portion whereby a telephone user may look into the coin retrieval area. Additionally, the outer and inner flaps cooperate together to expel unwanted materials from the coin return through a rear opening having a pivotable vapor flap cooperating therewith so that substantially all forces and gasses of any explosive materials detonated therein are blocked and dissipated.

Abstract: A coin chute assembly having an anti-pry mechanism. A gate, pivotally mounted on a baffle, pivots upwardly to allow passage of the coins on the inward stroke of the coin slide. On retraction of the coin slide, the gate abuts the peripheral edges of the coins to form a stop, thereby preventing retraction of the slide. A plurality of gate elements may be employed, each having a different length.

Abstract: An improved protective coin return for a telephone paystation having a pivoted outer sweep flap and at least one pivotable inner flap, all made from a high strength material. The outer sweep flap and the at least one inner flap replace the conventional door on coin returns so as to provide an open front portion whereby a telephone user may look into the coin retrival area. Additionally, the outer and inner flaps cooperate together to expel unwanted materials from the coin return and substantially block and dissipate the force and gasses of any explosive materials detonated therein.

Abstract: A device for use with a machine, such as a vending machine, automatic teller machine, change machine, cash register, game machine, personal or business machine or the like, having a cabinet containing machine electrical circuits and a door and at least one possible point of entry through the cabinet and door by foreign substances into contact with the machine electrical circuits to cause their operation in violation of machine protocol, minimizes the damage caused by such protocol violations. The device interrupts the AC power to the machine electrical circuits in response to sensors disposed as close to the points of entry as possible. Thus, all machine circuits are shut down before damage can occur. At least one sensor proximate each of the points of entry detect the penetration of the foreign substances and initiate generation of an electrical control signal for operating the interrupt to disconnect the machine circuits from the AC power source.

Abstract: In a coin mechanism for a vending machine, the inner face of the coin mechanism body is provided with a raised edge over which the coin projects slightly. As the coin mechanism is rotated, the coin travels along this raised edge. A portion of the raised edge is ramped inwardly, so that the coin is separated from the coin receiving recess with an axial force, thereby overcoming any attempt to circumvent the coin mechanism by adhering the coin to the coin receiving recess using tape or glue.

Abstract: A protective cover for the coinbox-containing portion of pay telephones of generally box-like construction, comprises a front panel flanked by a pair of parallel, rearwardly-extending side walls to define a generally U-shaped construction. The construction closely abuts the front and side panels of the telephone. The front panel is adapted to be permanently fastened to the coinbox cover of the telephone, such as by welding, and has an entryway to the telephone coin return slot and an integral raised portion positioned to overlie the top portion of the coin return door plate of the telephone.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture-detecting apparatus for bill validators and coin mechanisms used in vending machines. Vandalism by "salting" of these types of machines results in loss of product, monies, and damage to the mechanisms. Therefore the reason for the present invention. Which consist of moisture-detecting probes and the ability to instantly shut off the logic lines and power to the bill validator, stopping damage to the bill validator, power supply, and coin mechanism power side. Thereby stopping the "jack pot" rejecting effect of coins, and the free vending of products, when moisture is detected.

Abstract: A coin selector has a coin passageway wherein coins are inserted. A magnetic sensor inspects the coins in the coin passageway, and generates an inspection signal, which a controller evaluates to generate an acceptance or rejection signal. A gate plate responds to the acceptance or rejection signal, and selectively provides access to one of two chutes for the inspected coins, namely, an accepting chute for acceptable coins and a return chute for unacceptable coins. A photo sensor detects the acceptable coins in the accepting chute, and generates a detection signal. Counters are adapted to count the acceptance signals incrementally and the detection signals decrementally. A controller adds together the two counts of the counters, evaluates the sum of this addition, and generates an error signal in accordance with the sum evaluation. The error signal is utilized for the detection of fraud.

Abstract: A change return protection device is disclosed which prevents thieves from stuffing flexible material into the change return chutes of coin-operated machines. The device prevents stuffing of the change return chute when the change return door is opened by incorporating a blocking flap and a swinging flap around which the flexible material cannot be inserted. The device also includes a reinforcement plate which more securely joins the blocking flap to the change return door and a flat plate having V-shaped notch with sharpened edges which further prevents stuffing. Finally, the device includes an adjustable screw which restricts the size of the coin return door opening. The device is suitable for use in existing change return mechanisms.

Abstract: A coin chute assembly having an anti-pry mechanism. A gate, pivotally mounted on a baffle, pivots upwardly to allow passage of the coins on the inward stroke of the coin slide. On retraction of the coin slide, the gate abuts the peripheral edges of the coins to form a stop, thereby preventing retraction of the slide. A plurality of gate elements may be employed, each having a different length.

Abstract: A special cover for the anti-stuffing device door of a paystation telephone coin chute. The cover prevents insertion of large firecrackers or similar devices inside of the anti-stuffing device.

Abstract: A cover for a coin return relay assembly used in coin-operated telephones is formed of a tough, puncture-resistent material formed into a generally U-shaped barrier. The barrier is mounted on the relay such that it overlies the relay armature and coin return chute, preventing the insertion of probe-like instruments through the telephone box to contact such elements. The side walls of the cover are offset from the planes of the adjacent telephone housing walls, while the cover is mounted to the relay in a non-rigid manner to limit the ability of penetration therethrough.

Abstract: Armor for a telephone paystation lower housing. Four elements welded in place. Three of the four elements are reversible and permit usage on different configurations of paystations.

Abstract: A protective cover for the coinbox-containing portion of pay telephones of generally box-like construction, comprises a front panel flanked by a pair of parallel, rearwardly-extending side walls to define a generally U-shaped construction. The construction closely abuts the front and side panels of the telephone. The front panel is adapted to be permanently fastened to the coinbox cover of the telephone, such as by welding, and has an entryway to the telephone coin return slot and an integral raised portion positioned to overlie the top portion of the coin return door plate of the telephone.

Abstract: A return coin discharge unit mountable in the box cabinet of a coin operable telephone apparatus has an entry opening into which return coins from the apparatus will drop and it includes a ramp in a passage down which ramp the dropped coins will slide and issue through a horizontal slot at a front end of the unit. An open ended trough having a curved inner bottom surface located on the ramp below the entry opening serves to cause dropped coins moving over its curved surface to obtain horizontal positions for sliding down the ramp. And, a flap gate pivoted in the passage and inclined forwardly with its bottom edge resting upon the ramp functions to allow one coin at a time to pass beneath it to the exit slot. Explosives and blocking material are prevented by the narrow horizontal slot against entry into the unit; and the gate curbs the extent to which damaging wires may be inserted through the slot into the unit.

Abstract: A protective cover is disclosed for coin operated telephones which includes a coin box for storage of coins and a coin return opening for providing the user with a refund of unused coins. The protective cover is constructed of heavy gauge protective steel plate and is dimensioned to extend across the entire width of the telephone while providing limited, but sufficient access to the coin return opening of the telephone by including a relatively small opening to provide such access. A door which blocks the opening in the steel plate is pivotally mounted to the rear surface of the plate and is dimensioned to pivot rearwardly when returned coins are retrieved by the user, thus preventing stuffing of the coin return area.

Abstract: An arrangement including several cashier vending-type machines for goods and services. Each machine, in addition to having at least one cash box, also has not only several replaceable and preferably self-filling coin-storing units for returning or refunding money, but also has a computer that controls the machine, produces a balance, and is provided with a random access memory that is protected against the loss of power. To prevent deceitful manipulations by operators, and to enable a clear determination of error while precluding human error during use, without requiring additional work, each coin-storing unit is provided with an electronic memory that is protected against loss of data and that, upon insertion of that unit into a machine, stores a coding that identifies the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward deterring modification of a telephone unit by drilling by inserting a drill guard in the drilling path or axis such that the drill guard defines a surface portion in the drill path or axis at a deflection angle sufficient to prevent drilling due to deflection of the drill.

Abstract: A coin receiving apparatus for a vending machine is disclosed which has a coin detector for producing an output corresponding to the diameter of a deposited coin. One or more additional coin detectors of a differential transformer type are sequentially arranged adjacent to the coin diameter detector in the coin detection path for producing an output corresponding to coin characteristics other than the coin diameter. A coin determination circuit judges whether the deposited coin is true or false in response to the detected outputs from the respective coin detectors. A coin receipt control circuit responsive to the true or false judgement output from the coin determination circuit controls the receipt or return of the deposited coin. The deposited coin is received in the receiving apparatus if the detected outputs from all of the coin detectors indicate that the deposited coin is true.

Abstract: A pin fraud and shock prevention circuit for a pay telephone which has a receiver and transmitter, a tip and ring conductor forming a current loop connecting the pay telephone to a telephone exchange, and which has a current sensor in the ring conductor, a plurality of current switches coupled to the current sensor for connecting the receiver and transmitter to the loop in response to current flowing in the loop.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided in a coin operated telephone box for inhibiting the stuffing of the coin return chute of the box with foreign materials. Coin operated telephone boxes are provided internally with a coin return chute, coin retrieval cavity below the coin discharge end of the coin return chute, and a coin return door in the front wall of the box. The return door is pivoted at its upper edge portion for swing movement inwardly toward the coin discharge end of the return chute and provides finger access to the coin retrieval cavity for the removal of coins from the box. To inhibit stuffing of the coin return chute there is provided a first gate plate, affixed to and carried by the return door proximate its lower edge portion, which partially spans the open top portion of the coin retrieval cavity.

Abstract: A telephone paystation theft inhibiting circuit for detecting the grounding of the handset circuit conductors. Protection is provided for the receiver circuit conductor by means of an isolation transformer and solid state switching devices are employed to disconnect the transmitter from its associated circuit conductors when the grounding condition occurs.

Abstract: Jam reducing apparatus for use in coin operated machines, such as telephones, acts to prevent the insertion of coins when the entryway is obstructed by foreign matter, assists in dislodging jammed coins and discourages vandals. The apparatus comprises a coin entryway which includes an inclined surface as part of a flared end of a lid. An entry slot in an entrance blocker, which is an integral part of the lid, as in substantial alignment with the coin insert slot of the front panel of the machine in normal operation. The lid is connected to a torsion spring and is associated with a coin reject lever. The inclined surface of the entryway lies opposite the blocker slot and is angled toward an exit of the coin entryway, which directs a coin into the machine. In normal use, inserted coins pass through the entryway and are directed into a coin mechanism for coin testing. Foreign matter inserted into the machine hits the inclined surface and exerts a camming force on the lid, rotating the lid about a torsion spring.

Abstract: A coin return chute for a telephone pay station wherein the throat of the chute is provided with means for inhibiting stuffing of material into the throat while allowing passage of coins.

Abstract: The objects drop into a tray (1) from which they can be removed through a dispenser opening (2), the latter being closed by a first flap (3) that gives way when one reaches therethrough. Behind this flap (3), a second flap (17) is arranged which blocks the path (14) along which the objects pass into the tray (1) once the first flap (3) has left its rest position, and maintains this path closed until the first flap (3) has returned into its rest position. For this purpose, the first flap (3) forms the driving member, and the second flap (17) forms the driven member of a lever-cam gear with a rocker mechanism (15/16). A rocker arm (16) is guided along a cam (18) in such a way that the other rocker arm (15) repels the second flap (17) during opening of the first flap until it blocks the path (14). Until then, one rocker arm (16) closes off the interspace between the lower rim (22) of the first flap (3) and the lower rim (38) of the dispenser opening (2).

Abstract: A coin-operated latch mechanism for a newspaper rack includes a coin-receiving mechanism into which coins are deposited. A coin-return mechanism is provided which, when depressed, swings the coin-receiving mechanism to a position in which the outlets of the coin slots overly a coin-return diverter. The coin-return diverter is normally disposed in a coin return mode and is moved to a coin retention position in response to the opening of a door of the rack. A key-actuated wall of the rack is mounted on hinges which permit a simplified removal of the wall from the rack. The key-actuated wall includes a latch which enables the wall to be closed and relatched without the use of a key.

Abstract: The specification discloses a coin mechanism for dispensing machines including two or more rectangular chutes for receiving and containing a given number of coins. A rectangular gate selectively directs coins into the chutes and a rocker arm is operable to move the gate from a first position directing coins into the first chute to a second position directing coins into the second chute when the coins reach a predetermined height in a first chute. A pawl is adjustably mounted adjacent to the second chute to prevent upward movement of a predetermined number of coins deposited in the second chute. A catch plate pivotally attached to the door of the dispensing machine below the chutes supports the coins therein. The catch plate receives a hook which prevents opening of the door until the coins in the second chute are high enough to engage the pawl. A number of intermediate chutes may be located between the first and second chutes.