Abstract: An electrically operated coin exchanger has a shallow slot into which a coin is inserted. A motor is actuated by the coin, the coin exchanger vibrates, a lid on the normally closed top of the device opens, and a simulated hand appears which grasps the coin and pulls it inside the box as the lid closes. A coin or token unlike that inserted into the slot then appears from an opening near the bottom of the coin exchanger.

Abstract: A coin validating apparatus having a coin carriage for moving the coin along at least one coin track. The coin carriage has at least an electrically conductive portion in contact with the coin. The coin track has at least one cam at a predetermined location, the cam having at least a substantially non-conductive base portion attached to the coin track and an electrically conductive top portion. A component for detecting current is connected in series with the top portion in a first terminal of a voltage souorce. A second terminal of the voltage source is connected to the electrically conductive portion of the coin carriage. The coin completes an electrical connection between the electrically conductive portion of the coin carriage and the top portion of the cam when the coin carriage has positioned the coin over the cam and when the coin is electrically conductive. When the coin comnpletes the electrical connection, the component for detecting provides a signal indicative thereof.