Abstract: A gaming machine and game coupons are disclosed for allowing an operator to redeem winning game coupons by inserting them directly into the gaming machine rather than by taking them to a cashier. The game coupons are coded with a machine-readable prize code which represents a number of prize game credits. The gaming machine includes a bill validator for accepting currency and winning game coupons from an operator. It also includes a code reader for reading the coupon prize codes as the coupons are inserted into the bill validator. The gaming machine issues game credits to the player depending on the prize codes of the submitted game coupons. The gaming machine also incorporates a fraud prevention scheme to guard against fraudulently copied or duplicated winning coupons. Each winning coupon is coded with a unique coupon identification code. The code reader reads and records the coupon identification code of each winning coupon as it is submitted.

Abstract: An electronically controlled dispensing machine for articles such as video cassettes has a plurality of individual lockable compartments. The compartments have transparent doors through which the articles can be identified. A customer presents a coded data storage token with a credit amount stored on it to the machine, and selects and removes one or more articles. The machine reduces the credit amount on the token accordingly. The articles can be returned to a vacant compartment in due course, and if the article is returned late, a further amount is deducted from the credit amount on the token. Sensors in each compartment ensure that the cassettes are inserted correctly by sensing an electrically conductive portion of the cassettes.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatic verification of genuineness of a banknote or a document comprising a watermark is described. A two-part, doubly active capacitive sensor device (4, 6, 7) is used. A symmetry property of the sensor output signal is changed in a predetermined manner when a correct watermark is present in a coinciding position with shape-adapted capacitor electrodes (4, 6).

Abstract: A system for retrieving shopping carts at a store having a plurality of shopping carts is disclosed. The system includes a counter which can be preset to a first determined count. A target is mounted to each shopping cart while a sensor detects the return of each shopping cart to a designated area. As each shopping cart is returned to the designated area, the sensor generates an output pulse which changes the count in the counter. Whenever the count in the counter achieves a second predetermined count, an alarm is activated indicative that a prize is awarded to the person returning the shopping cart to the designated area.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling coins and tokens comprises a coin validator (4) arranged to detect whether a received item is one of several different coin denominations or a data-storing token, and thereafter to direct coins and tokens to escrow gates (18,22). A token interrogator (6) has antenna coils (24) disposed adjacent one of the escrow gates in order to read data from a token located adjacent the gate. The escrow gates can selectively direct items either to a return chute (16) or a coin store (26).

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorption of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification purposes in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for capacitively detecting the presence of a tape cassette within a vending machine or the like. The testing system within the machine employs an ac source connected to a source electrode and a detector connected to a detector electrode. A coded pattern is provided along the side wall of the cassette with a pair of series connected electrodes arranged to oppose the electrodes of the testing system. When aligned, the capacitances formed between the testing system electrode and the coded pattern complete an electrical circuit from the source to the detector through the cassette. The completing of the circuit indicator the presence of the cassette.

Abstract: A scrap metal collection system having apparatus for separating ferrous from non-ferrous material for which the weight exceeds a pre-determined amount and separating metallic materials from non-metallic materials. The resulting material remaining after these separations is typical aluminum cans. The cans are compacted by a crushing apparatus weighed and distributed in a storage area. Coins are returned to the operator of the apparatus determined by the weight and rounded to the nearest penny for the cumulative weight. Apparatus is disclosed for determining the excessively heavy material by allowing the excessively heavy material to fall and impact a plate. The separation of ferrous material has been implemented in a manner to avoid jamming of the conveyor belt. The distribution is of the compacted material in the storage compartment. Other improvements in the apparatus and in the control of the apparatus relative to prior scrap metal collection systems are described.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine provides for the separation, counting and crushing of beverage containers of a predetermined size range and composition. The machine includes an in-feed station for receiving multiple, disarrayed containers, an on-load station, and an in-feed conveyor operable to transport multiple, disarrayed containers from the in-feed station to the on-load station. A separator/conveyor is provided for separating, singularly, a container from the disarrayed containers, and for transporting a container so separated from the on-load station to the off-load station. Mechanisms are provided to reject unacceptable containers between the on-load station and the off-load station. A counter is provided for counting the number of acceptable containers. The containers pass into a crusher which reduces the volume of the containers. A receipt printer is provided to print a receipt indicating the number of acceptable containers processed by the machine. A microprocessor coordinates machine operating cycles.

Abstract: An unattended apparatus for collecting aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of said aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited, including a microprocessor-based control system which controls the energization of various system components, monitors system data, monitors alarm signals, operates a display, controls the weighing cycle, controls the compensation cycle, and the like. The apparatus includes a heavys detector which measures the weight of an incoming object as a function of the displacement of the platform it strikes. A second metal detector is used to separate non-ferrous metals from non-metals. A trapdoor is provided for dropping out non-metals and heavys and closed to pass aluminum cans to the input of the crusher hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling cans is disclosed. After separating magnetic material from the material input and separating conductive material from the remainder of the material input, overweight magnetic and/or conductive material is removed. The remaining metallic portions are then recombined for storage.