Abstract: A banknote storage apparatus for easily removing banknotes stored therein includes a push bar, placed in an input port into which a banknote is inputted in a perpendicular direction, for providing stroke-operating toward a target storage part into which the banknote is determined to be stored; a driving motor for driving the stroke operation of the push bar; a pair of push plates for applying a pressure toward the input port in order to hold the banknotes perpendicularly stored according to the stroke operation of the push bar; and a detecting part for detecting an opening status of the door so that the driving motor is controlled to make the push bar move into a removing position for either one of the storage parts when detecting the opening status of the door.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet housing the apparatus. The apparatus has a controller and at least one dispenser for dispensing coins. The apparatus is for dispensing a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from the at least one dispenser to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space is arranged within the cabinet. The closeable dispense space has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of the specific composition of coins from the at least one dispenser into the portable coin receptacle while shielding the closeable dispense space from user access during the dispensing.

Abstract: A side open-and-close type cash transaction machine is provided. A cash transaction machine includes: a body including an opening on a side of the body; a door being mounted on the body to open and close the opening; a first financial module being integrally formed with the door in the door to be externally exposed when the door is opened; and a second financial module being provided in the body, separate from the door to move toward the opening when the door is opened. Since the second financial module may be provided and be exposed separate from the first financial module, it is possible to easily manage the financial modules and also reduce the size of the side open-and-close type cash transaction machine.

Abstract: A highly secure bill handling device that can essentially prevent bill removal includes a bill container for storing a bill inserted through a bill insertion slot, an exit through which the bill container projects out of a housing, an openable/closable shutter for closing the exit, a shutter drive module for opening and closing the shutter, a lock member movably supported between a locked position where the shutter is not allowed to open and an unlocked position where the shutter is allowed to open, and a lock member moving module for moving the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.

Abstract: An apparatus for accepting and for outputting documents of value is provided with a checking device for checking the authenticity of fed documents of value, a storage unit, which comprises at least two storages for storing at least two different types of documents of value, so that a document of value of each of the two types, independently of the order of input of the documents of value into the storage unit, can optionally be outputted from the storage unit, a temporary storage unit for a, preferably singled, temporary storage of at least one, preferably at least two checked documents of value, and a transport system, with the help of which documents of value coming from the checking device can be transported to the storage unit, wherein the storage unit is held in a rotatable and/or swiveling fashion between an operating position and an open position in such a way, that in an operating position receiving and/or outputting documents of value is possible, and in the open position the portion of the transport

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe device for collecting coins. It comprises a support receiving a coin box comprising a hatch controlled by an internal mechanism. The coin box comprises includes a locking means making it possible to authorize its introduction and its extraction in the support. The locking means making it possible to authorize the internal mechanism to open the hatch. The internal mechanism acts on the hatch by opening it when the locking means authorizes it and the coin box is introduced into the support; and by holding it closed otherwise. The subject of the invention is also a safe method for emptying coin boxes. The invention is applied to the transfer of coins without contact.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: A vending machine housing assembly includes a housing body having plural sides assembled one to the next in an end-to-end angular relationship so as to provide the housing body with a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. Each side define a wall portion and a corner portion in a one-piece construction in which the corner portion is rigidly and integrally connected to the wall portion and has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration determining the angular relationship between the sides of the housing body. The housing assembly also has an upper collar and a lower base respectively disposed above and below the housing body and having polygonal cross-sectional configurations like that of the housing body, and elements interconnecting and fixedly clamping the housing body between the upper collar and lower base to provide the housing assembly as a rigid construction.

Abstract: An apparatus with a stereoscopic three-dimensional video display. The video presentation is divided into left and right views for the left and right eyes, respectively. A face plate with left and right ocular apertures is disposed on an exterior surface of the vending machine in an optimal position for viewing. A divider plate is centered between the left and right views and the left and right ocular apertures so that a viewer's left eye can only see the left view of the video presentation and vice-versa. In one embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated in a vending machine. When a purchaser buys a product from the vending machine, the purchaser may view a short video presentation through the stereoscopic display, which depicts something of interest to the viewer. In another embodiment, the apparatus in incorporated in a housing associated with media player.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus with a metal control panel includes a cabinet, a control panel formed of a metal and mounted to one side of a front surface of the cabinet, one or a plurality of installation members mounted at a rear surface of the control panel and disposed within the metal control panel, and at least one of a payment unit, a display unit and a manipulation unit disposed within the control panel, wherein the at least one of the payment unit, the display unit and the manipulation unit is fixed to the installation member.

Abstract: The present application provides a vendor for vending a number of products. The vendor may include a cooler and a vending device positioned within the cooler. The vending device may include a number of product shelves with a number of product gates and one or more product locking systems that permit the removal of only one product at a time from the product gates.

Abstract: A medium recovery device for medium processing device may provide a barrier that is internally provided to be inclined, and may increase a storage amount of uncollected media stacked in the media retraction device.

Abstract: A cash recycling machine (10) has an input hopper (19) for feeding batches of mixed coinage to a coin sorter (21) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34). From there, the coins are fed into a plurality of smaller dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) equipped with sensors (88) for counting the coinage as it is dispensed. A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a first operating cycle of the machine to cause the dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) to dispense an amount of sorted coinage into one of several receptacles including a cash drawer (15) or coin bags (40). A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a second operating cycle of the machine to receive, sort and count a batch of coins that is loaded into the input hopper (19) and stored in the bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34).

Abstract: A cost effective latch and alignment mechanism for a banknote cassette and a cassette receiving frame uses a magnetic latch providing a magnetic force cooperating with the cassette to move it to and be releasably maintained in a final aligned position. Preferably a permanent magnet attached to the cassette receiving frame cooperates with the metal of the cassette to provide the magnetic bias and locking force.

Abstract: A label (200) is configured to be disposed in an installed position on a vending machine (100) vendable-product support shelf (104). This label has a horizontally-oriented first portion (201) and a vertically-oriented second portion (202). The horizontally-oriented first portion can be oriented directly beneath an area that vertically corresponds to a given row of vendable products (106). This first portion has first promotional content (203) (comprising, for example, graphic content such as alphanumeric material and/or images) that is visible to a consumer viewing the interior of the vending machine through the transparent front portion (at least when the given row of vendable products is empty). The second portion can similarly have second promotional content (204) (again comprising, for example, graphic content such as alphanumeric material and/or images) that is visible to the aforementioned consumer regardless of whether the given row of vendable products is empty.

Abstract: A currency dispensing machine including a cabinet and a bill presenter located therein. The bill presenter includes a presenter having two side plates and at least one drive gear having a plurality of drive teeth. The bill presenter is located in a bill presenter housing having a mounting face, two retention plates extending from the mounting face and receivable of the presenter therebetween, and a longitudinally extending retention hook disposed in each of the two side plates. Two retaining pins are each insertable through one of the two retention hooks and through one of the retention plates. Two latch arms are slidably located in the bill presenter, each at one of the retention plates, and include a latch hook engageable with one of the retaining pins. The currency dispensing machine includes a bill dispenser slidably disposed in the cabinet and including a plurality of gear teeth engageable with the plurality of drive teeth and at least one locking slot.

Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.

Abstract: A cassette for storing bills is described. The cassette includes a shutter, a link which engages the shutter; and a helicoidal drive shaft which engages the link. As the cassette is inserted or removed from a chassis, an actuator fixed to the chassis actuates the drive shaft such that the shutter opens or closes. In some embodiments, the cassette may prevent persons without proper authorization from accessing bills inside the cassette.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and method of vending a product. Embodiments of a vending apparatus include a dispense mechanism configured to dispense a product, the dispense mechanism including a chamber that is rotatable relative to an opening of the dispense mechanism for aligning the product with the opening and dispensing the product therethrough. Further embodiments of a vending apparatus include a coin mechanism for receiving at least one coin before the vending apparatus dispenses a product, the coin mechanism including a delay mechanism configured to slow movement of an actuating device for avoiding jamming of the at least one coin in the coin mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.

Abstract: A parking meter assembly (10) including a base (11) that is to be fixed to or embedded in a ground surface, typically adjacent the curb that which a car is to be parked. The assembly (10) also includes a parking meter (13) having a front face (17) that includes a coin slot (25) a card slot (20) and a control panel (21). The parking meter (13) further includes a rear face (27) having a window aperture (28) that provides for the transmission of light to a solar panel (29) behind the aperture (28).

Abstract: A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier moveable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position spaced apart from the first card hopper. The card carrier is configured to lift the first card off the second card when the card carrier is in the first position. The card carrier is further configured to release the first card toward an outlet when the card carrier is in the second position.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes a housing having a first section coupled to a second section to form a substantially cylindrical opening therebetween. At least one of the first section and the second section has a first opening in fluid communication with an ice making machine and a second opening in fluid communication with an output chute. A rotating sleeve is positioned within the substantially cylindrical opening of the housing. The rotating sleeve has an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending therebetween. The sleeve is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position. The opening has a geometry and size that directs ice within the sleeve and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position and dispenses the regulated amount of ice into the output chute when the sleeve reaches the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relating to a secure bag assembly to secure cash in transit (“CIT”). In some implementations, the secure bag assembly is installed in a lockable, removable cassette that is fitted to a bill validator. The cassette and bill validator can be installed in an enclosure like those found in retail kiosks, self-checkout terminals, retail safes or gaming machines. In such an implementation, bank notes are deposited in the bill validator and once identified and validated, are securely stacked in the bag assembly within the cassette. The bag assembly can be used for capacities of one banknote up to the maximum capacity allowed by the cassette. The bag assembly is secured in place when installed and is sealed automatically upon removal from the cassette.

Abstract: A banknote transporter includes a carrier and a lid. The carrier is adapted to receive bank notes and has side channels into which the lid can be slid to prevent access to the bank notes in the carrier. The side channels of the carrier engage with side portions of the lid, at least a component of the engagement providing resistance to or permanent indication of flexure or relative separation of the lid and carrier in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A currency collection and processing apparatus including a housing, a coin processing module disposed in the housing and configured to store a plurality of coins, and a banknote processing unit disposed in the housing. The banknote processing unit including a banknote inlet, a banknote recognition unit, at least one banknote storing unit, and a transport unit configured to transport a banknote along a transport path connecting the inlet, the recognition unit, and the storing unit. The currency collection and processing apparatus further including an input interface, a processing control unit configured to calculate at least one of a first value representing the plurality of coins stored in the coin processing module and a second value representing the received banknotes, and to process at least one of the inputted data and the first and second calculated values, and an output device configured to output information to a user.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A two door electronic safe is described wherein a bill acceptor, as well as other electronic control circuitry, and a banknote canister are partitioned in first and second compartments with access by first and second access doors, respectively, so that a service call can be made to service the bill acceptor or other electronics without having to allow access to the banknote canister thereby facilitating service calls and allowing the separation of the service call function from the cash collection function.

Abstract: A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a currency processing device for receiving and processing a stack of currency bills is described. The currency processing device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles for receiving bills after the bills have been processed, a transport mechanism for transporting the bills from the input receptacle to the output receptacles, and a discriminating unit for examining the bills. The output receptacles are arranged such that a center of at least one output receptacle is laterally offset from a center of the input receptacle. The discriminating unit includes a detector positioned between the input receptacle and the output receptacles and is adapted to determine the denomination of bills.

Abstract: A vending machine for discharging merchandises by inserting a coin to operate a discharge merchandise retention member by a handle. The vending machine includes: a notch provided at a front face of a body to open upward, and a control panel attached with the notch in a detachable manner, the control panel including the handle and a coin sorting unit.

Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.

Abstract: A cash drawer insert is disclosed which includes a paper currency receiving and storage area and a coin receiving and storage area, each of which can be selectively reconfigured to accommodate paper currencies and coins of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, dimension and denominations. Each of these areas is provided with opposed ribbed walls that are adapted to removably receive the ends of divider partitions having locking tabs and locking toggles that secure to such dividers at any desired transverse location. Bill weights having mounting flanges with locking tabs for selective placement along a rearwall of the till as well as a pivotable auxiliary paper currency tray that permits storage of two different paper currencies in a single paper currency compartment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure maintains a gap in a paper money discriminating apparatus that may be provided in an automatic teller machine. The structure may include a paper money discriminating sensor that is provided in an upper body to discriminate whether a paper money to be conveyed along a conveyance path is counterfeit money, a lower body that is provided so as to face the paper money discriminating sensor with a predetermined gap therebetween, and spacing protrusions that protrude upward from an upper surface of the lower body and come in contact with both end portions of the paper money discriminating sensor so as to maintain a constant gap between a lower surface of the paper money discriminating sensor and the upper surface of the lower body.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying a cashbox, fare-box or the like, wherein the apparatus includes a right-parallelepiped-shaped casing and a cashbox including at least one slidable wall, wherein the casing has a container for inserting the cashbox so that this is positioned with the slidable wall facing downwards on a slider located in the casing of the apparatus, wherein the slider includes: a handle, a connecting apparatus for connection with the wall of the cashbox, and a blocking apparatus which allows the slider to be withdrawn from the casing into a withdrawn end position and then pushed in into a fully inserted end position but prevents any pushing in of the slider from any withdrawn position which does not correspond to the end position.

Abstract: Grouping assembly of coin validation and return/payment mechanisms, in such a way that said compact assembly is useful to be included in automatic vending machines and especially recreative prize machines. In this way the assembly (1) comprises a coin selector (2) with a top duct (3) for conveying the coins from the coin slot of the machine to the selector (2), some deposit tubes (4) of the coins for payment, a remover (5) of the coins from the deposit tubes (4), a coin separator (9) for separating the coins towards two money boxes (10) and (11) and a lifting mechanism (7) for conveying the coins to be returned/paid to the receiving box of the machine connected to a small top duct (8) arranged close to the top duct (3) for conveying the coins to the coin slot of the machine to the selector (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card reader assembly. The card reader assembly can be mounted in a variety of vending equipment, arcade game equipment, and other suitable equipment. Furthermore, the card reader assembly can be mounted in a standard size vending machine bill validator opening. The card reader assembly can provide for the optional mounting of a card reader, a card reader interface circuit board, a payment module board, a communication board, and or a printer. The printer mechanism is mounted on a printer bracket. The printer bracket can be slid over the edges of and fastened to the support bracket. A paper exit slot can be provided in the card reader assembly faceplate to allow the printer paper to exit through the faceplate such that a user can receive the printer paper. In addition, the printer mechanism, card reader, and or a pushbutton can be electrically connected to the card reader interface board.

Abstract: An angled arrangement of a currency document handling device and a second unit and an angle arrangement of two currency document handling devices, components of the same, and methods of coupling and using the same. For example, a currency document processing system for processing currency documents including currency bills comprises a currency handling device, a first currency document receiving unit, and a first angular transport unit. The first currency document receiving unit is adapted to receive at least some bills processed by the currency handling device. The first angular transport unit is adapted to receive bills from the currency handling device and transport bills to the first currency document receiving unit. The angular transport unit is adapted to be coupled between the currency handling device and the first currency document receiving unit such that the currency handling device and the first currency document receiving units are angled relative to each other such as by ninety degrees (90°).

Abstract: A system and method for integrating devices and equipment into self-service kiosk devices is disclosed. Hardware configuration kits are provided which allow for a less complicated implementation of specific and customized functionality for quick service restaurant (QSR) environments. In certain embodiments a kiosk door is coupled to the kiosk body to form a kiosk cabinet in which devices and equipment used to operate the kiosk are housed. Certain interior kiosk components and devices, such as coin dispensers, bill acceptors, and the like, may be configured to extend or protrude through the kiosk door so that they may be accessed by the customer. The kiosk door may have a hollowed out center or aperture which allows access to the interior cabinet. The aperture may be substantially covered by a removable door inlay which cooperatively includes cutouts corresponding to the components protruding through the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) for packing banknotes (2) that are received in a closed cassette (3) which is capable of detachable attachment to an emptying machine (5). In accordance with the invention, a path leads from the emptying machine (5) for the transfer of banknotes (2)to a packing machine (6) for banknotes (2). The aforementioned packing machine (6) comprises a holder for supporting security bags and a banknote conveyor which comprises a casing capable of displacement relative to the bag holder and extending internally in the bag in question prepared for receiving. In order among other things to force out air from the bag, movable jaws arranged relative to one another are present, situated to either side of a bag receiving space, and the aforementioned jaws are so arranged as to drive a bag threaded around the case in a downwards direction.

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 low cost fare collection system includes a removable farebox having an integral collection box. The farebox can be installed in a temporary installation at a fare collection location for the collection of fares and can be removed to a secure location for emptying and reconciliation. The farebox can include an integral collection box for receiving fares deposited in the farebox. The farebox can be configured such that the collected fares can be emptied only when the farebox is removed from the temporary installation to reduce tampering and theft. A fare validator can be used to verify the amount and value of a fare deposited in the farebox to eliminate human validation of fares. Electronic monitors can collect data relating to fares deposited, total revenue collected, time of fare collection, and other data items that can be retrieved when the farebox is removed and emptied.

Abstract: A cash box system with a cash container for receiving cash is described. The cash container has an inlet opening which can be closed by a cover and a locking mechanism having a locked state in which the cover is locked in a position closing the inlet opening, and a release state in which the cover is unlocked and can be brought in a position to release the inlet opening. The locking mechanism is configured such that it is forcibly transferred from the locked state to the release state when the cash container is emptied. The cash box system is preferably for a vending machine in which the cash container is inserted.

Abstract: The invention concerns a service and/or product dispensing apparatus comprising a coin-receiving device, a coin-storage box (5) and said chute (7) transferring coins from the receiving device to the box (5). The invention is characterised in that said chute (7) co-operates with a closing device (8) comprising a trap (82) mobile between a position closing and a position opening said chute (7), said device (8) co-operating with control means (40) adapted to trigger the displacement of the trap (82) into its closing position when at least part of the coin-receiving device (4) is being dismantled.

Abstract: A method of redeeming coins using a self-service coin redemption machine is provided and includes the act of printing on a blank substrate, using a self-service coin redemption machine printer, indicia associated with a coin processing transaction before the initiation of the coin processing transaction or prior to a completion of a processing of a batch of coins in the self-service coin redemption machine to determine a redemption value thereof. The method also includes the acts of dispensing the substrate, processing a batch of coins in the self-service coin redemption machine to determine a redemption value thereof, and transmitting the redemption value from the self-service coin redemption machine to an EPOS terminal using a communication device. The method further includes inputting the indicia printed on the substrate into the EPOS terminal using a data input device, verifying, using the EPOS terminal, that the indicia input into the EPOS terminal corresponds to an open transaction.

Abstract: A cash receiver installed in an amusement machine for controlling the operation of the machine, including a face panel that has a coin slot, a coin-return slot and a vertical bill slot, a coin receiver unit that is affixed to the rear side of the face panel and has a coin entrance passage connected to the coin slot and a coin-return passage connected to the coin-return slot, and a bill receiver unit that is affixed to the rear side of the face panel and abutted against one side of the coin receiver unit and has a bill passage connected to the vertical bill slot. The client can insert a coin or a bill into the cash receiver to play the amusement machine.

Abstract: A two door electronic safe is described wherein a bill acceptor, as well as other electronic control circuitry, and a banknote canister are partitioned in first and second compartments with access by first and second access doors, respectively, so that a service call can be made to service the bill acceptor or other electronics without having to allow access to the banknote canister thereby facilitating service calls and allowing the separation of the service call function from the cash collection function.

Abstract: A vending machine system having the advantages of field configurability to achieve satisfying customers' product variety demands at a given vending sales location is disclosed. In general, a plurality of low cost, “dumb” application-specific slaved vending modules may be attached to and controlled by a host vending module possessing a sophisticated electronic control capability, the purpose of said system being to economically address the storage, sale and delivery of an expansive variety of vended goods while utilizing the least available space and financial resources needed to achieve this goal.