Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein the base, and any coin tray therein, incorporate a substantially maximized coin receiving footprint, with or without coin tray, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: An enhanced bezel intended for use with a bill acceptor. The enhanced bezel includes a processor to monitor detailed information about the status of the bill acceptor, and other information related to its operation. The processor displays this information through multiple indicators on the enhanced bezel.

Abstract: A token-operated game machine enabling continuous insertion of tokens without stop of a game such that a player can enjoy the game without troublesome motions such as crouching or reaching out. A game is played by inserting a token into a token entrance, and a token is paid out based on the game result. The token-operated game machine 10 has a token receiving section for receiving paid-out tokens, and a entryway 40 for slidably moving tokens from the token receiving section to the token entrance.

Abstract: A metal bezel with replaceable inserts allows for operation of a validator in one of two orientations. The metal inserts of the bezel provide an upwardly angled banknote feed path having two opposite transitions to reduce the possibility of coins being jammed in the pathway. Preferably, the metal bezel includes its own sensor and drive arrangement for moving of a banknote through the bezel to the drive of the validator.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving system is constructed to include a paper currency take-up unit adapted for taking up paper currency inserted therein, a paper currency storage cabinet mounted in the paper currency take-up unit to collect paper currency, a paper currency holding down mechanism installed in the paper currency take-up unit and controlled to hold down inserted paper currency onto a spring-supported bearing plate in the paper currency storage cabinet, the paper currency holding down mechanism including a rack set driven by a motor through a transmission gear train to move a linkage in an out of the paper currency storage cabinet for setting collected paper currency in a stack, and a transmitter receiver module, which automatically cuts off power supply when a predetermined amount of paper currency collected in the paper currency storage cabinet.

Abstract: The invention includes a bill processing unit into which a bill is fed and in which the bill is examined. The bill that has been examined and approved by the bill processing unit is received and stored by a storage unit. The bill processing unit and the storage unit are separated by a partition. A passage opening is formed in the partition through which the bill passes. According to the invention, even if the bill processing unit is destroyed, the bills in the storage unit may not be stolen. That is, protection against theft may be improved.

Abstract: A bill acceptor assembly for accepting bills, vouchers, scrip, tickets and/or currency at a gaming table. The bill acceptor assembly includes a validator assembly capable of accepting a stack of individual notes in a receiving slot mounted to the gaming table, processing the notes one at a time, and passing valid notes through a hole in the gaming table or along the back edge of the gaming table to a cash box located below the gaming table.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving system is constructed to include a paper currency take-up unit adapted for taking up paper currency inserted therein, a paper currency verification unit inserted into the paper currency take-up unit at a bottom side and adapted for verifying authenticity of inserted paper currency, the paper currency verification unit having two coupling spring plates adapted for securing the paper currency verification unit to the paper currency take-up unit, and a paper currency storage cabinet attached to the paper currency take-up unit at a back side and adapted to collect paper currency from the paper currency take-up unit, the paper currency take-up unit having a spring latch adapted for locking the paper currency storage cabinet and a control button adapted for disengaging the spring latch from the paper currency storage cabinet.

Abstract: A coin collecting cart for collecting coins from parking meters. A plurality of bins are used, each bin being limited to a certain quantity of coins which quantity of coins is electronically sensed. When the first of the bins is full of coins, the coins pass to the second of the bins and so on. When the bins are full, they are individually removable from the cart and mountable within a frame located remotely from the cart. The bins are unloaded by manually rotating the frame together with the bin about an axis.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a bill receiving/dispensing machine in view of service of securing a quick response to a user in operator's operation when a failure such as a bill jam occurs during user's operation, and security of cash controlling, as well as usual supply and collection of a bill to and from a bill storing room. In order to achieve the object, the machine is constituted from an upper unit including a receiving/dispensing port, a bill identifying portion, a temporary storing room and an upper bill conveying passage, and a lower unit including a bill storing room and a lower bill conveying passage. The upper unit includes a slide mechanism which can be pulled out both forward and backward. There is also provided a connecting conveying passage which connects a bill conveying passage in the upper unit with a bill conveying passage in the lower unit.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a note or bill acceptor having a bezel adapted to display detailed information about the status of the bill acceptor, and other information related to its operation. The bezel is positioned at the intake slot of the bill acceptor. The bezel employs multiple indicators to visually display information. For example, the enhanced bezel may include indicators to display error conditions such as “note box full” or “transport path jammed” conditions, and other information useful for maintenance and diagnostic purposes. Additional visual indicators may display set up information, such as which denominations the bill validator of the machine is programmed to accept, display prompts or instructions to assist the player, such as a display of the denomination of the last bill accepted, or even simple decorative patterns. The bezel may provide additional status information, such as a jammed transport path or full note box, for use by attendants.

Abstract: A coin handling assembly includes a coin vault loaded completely within an appliance cabinet. The coin vault is positioned to receive coins from the coin drop and a locking member is movable from a closed position keeping coins within the coin vault to an open position permitting the coins to drop by gravity to the outside of the cabinet walls.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vending machine with the ability to accept both coins and paper currency. The system includes a housing that is mounted to the side of a vending machine. The housing defines an enclosed interior area that is adjacent the vending machine. A door is provided on the housing for selectively accessing the enclosed interior area. At least two access openings are present in the door. A paper currency validation mechanism is mounted in one of the access openings in the door. A coin currency validation mechanism is mounted in a second access opening in the door. Since both the paper currency validation mechanism and the coin currency validation mechanism are mounted to the door of the housing, both mechanisms are removed from the housing when the door of the housing is opened or removed.

Abstract: A stand is provided for supporting at least one gaming device having a bottom through which coins may be released. The stand has an interior area divided into at least two compartments, one compartment comprising a drawer area and the other comprising a coin compartment. A drawer is moveably positioned in the drawer area. An opening is provided through the top for allowing coins released from the gaming machine to be directed into the coin compartment. In one embodiment, the stand is configured to accept two pairs of gaming machines facing in opposing directions and includes a pair of drawers at each end and a centrally located coin compartment and electrical area. In other embodiments, the stand is configured to support two gaming machines and includes a drawer at each end, or is configured to support a single gaming machine and includes a single drawer and coin compartment located side-by-side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective cover for the bill validator and storage box of a vending machine, such as a soft drink vending machine. A substantially hollow box, having one open face and having the remaining faces configured to the dimensions of the bill validator and storage box is frictionally fitted over the bill validator and storage box to reinforce the housing of the bill validator and storage box in the event a vandal or thief is able to partially pry the door of the vending machine open and probe the interior of the machine.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus includes a first coin storage member with a coin dispensing unit operatively connected for dispensing coins. A second coin storage member is connected to the first coin storage member for receiving an overflow of coins. A coin transporter unit is operatively mounted in the second coin storage member to receive coins from a bottom surface below the first coin storage member and to translate the coins to a coin guide member that operatively lifts the coins back to re-charge the first coin storage member.

Abstract: An in-wall coin bank with novelty face. The bank features a novelty face with an entertainment feature. The entertainment feature responds when a deposit is made, amusing or entertaining the user. The face may be detachable, different types of faces with entertainment features are possible. Methods of using the bank for saving are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving system mounting arrangement includes a housing defining an upper open chamber and a lower open chamber, a paper currency transferring unit inserted into the upper open chamber, the paper currency transferring unit having two spring plates, which are forced into engagement with respective retaining holes of the housing to lock the paper currency transferring unit after insertion of the paper currency transferring unit into the upper open chamber, a paper currency receiving cabinet detachably inserted into the lower open chamber, and a locking structure adapted for locking the paper currency receiving cabinet, the locking structure including two stub rods fixedly bilaterally provided at the paper currency receiving cabinet, two spring-supported locking plates pivoted to the housing at two sides and adapted for hooking the stub rods to lock the paper currency receiving cabinet, and two push bars adapted for moving the locking plates from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: The modular validator includes a frame body which acts as an intermediary for releasably securing and releasably electrically connecting a series of modular components. In particular, a releasable power interface cooperates with the frame body and a releasable validating head. The frame body allows each of the components to be separately removable and also provides electrical connection between the validator and a host device.

Abstract: The device for the processing of bank notes has a modular design. It has at least one inlet (311) and at least one outlet (361,1, 361.2). The device contains a fixed part (1) and interchangeable mobile modules (31-36) each for performing a complete processing function upon the bank note-like objects to be processed. The modules (31-36) arc insertable into the fixed part (1) in such a manner, that a desired work sequence for processing the bank notes is performable. To such an extent as is possible, electric lines, components and motors (41) are mounted on the fixed part (1); the forces and/or torques required by the modules (31-36) are transmitted to the modules by means of transmission (51,1, 52.1). The modules (31-36) are pluggable into pins (2.1, 2.2, . . . ) attached to the fixed part (1), so that they are easily insertable, removable or interchangeable.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant door for a vending machine includes a conventionally-positioned product delivery port, a cash box vault positioned adjacent the delivery port for receiving a cash box, a coin return chute positioned at an upper corner of the delivery port, and a coin changer of conventional design positioned over the delivery port and the cash box. A changer vault partially encloses the coin changer. The cash box vault (and the cash box placed therein) are relocated away from their conventional position on the non-hinged side of the main door to a location adjacent the product delivery port on the hinged side of the door, while the coin changer is relocated away from its prior art position adjacent the non-hinged side of the main door to a central location above the product delivery port and the cash box vault. An elongated coin chute connects the coin return slot with the coin inlet of the coin changer. A first section of the coin chute is in communication with the coin slot.

Abstract: A coin-emptying device for a column-shaped slot machine. A hopper (10) is provided for storing coins and having an outlet opening (11). A coin-discharge drawer (20) is movable between a “closed” first position in which the drawer closes the outlet opening (11) of the hopper (10), and an “open” second position in which the outlet opening (11) of the hopper is cleared so as to enable coins to be transferred from the machine to the outside.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating bill acceptor for use with a gaming device. The gaming device includes a cabinet with a locking mechanism, where the bill acceptor is rotatably mounted within the cabinet and removably engages the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes one or two pins connected to the cabinet, wherein the pins are engaged by an engagement member on the bill acceptor. The bill acceptor rotates between a bill insertion position and a bill removal position and includes a cash box removably connected to the bill acceptor, which stores the bills until removed and emptied.

Abstract: An improved protective coating, for parking meters or other equipment that is subject to environmental deterioration and/or vandalism, having thereon at least a three layer coating of a composite thickness sufficiently thick to avoid pinholes and sufficiently thin to avoid crazing and cracking due to variations in the ambient environment. The coating has a conventional lower layer of zinc on or proximate to the equipment surface (in the alternative the substrate may be a zinc part); a second layer of a thermosetting polymer that has been applied by a powder coating electrostatic method, and a third, top, coating of an epoxysiloxane polymer. The total coating thickness should preferably not exceed about 6 mils.

Abstract: A parking meter includes a vault and mounting plate inside the vault. The plate and vault have contacting metal surfaces such that corrosion tends to occur in a region at and in the vicinity of the contacting metal surfaces in response to electrolysis induced electric current having a tendency to flow between the contacting metal surfaces. A spider attachment bolt passing through openings in a base of the vault is threaded to a bore in the mounting plate and a spider having legs engaging the interior wall of a hollow pole connecting the vault to a concrete structure in the ground so the vault is secured to the pole. A metal structure electrically and mechanically connected to the region and inserted into the earth in the vicinity of the parking meter shunts to the earth the current having a tendency to flow between the contacting metal surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective cover for the bill validator and storage box of a vending machine, such as a soft drink vending machine. A substantially hollow box, having one open face and having the remaining faces configured to the dimensions of the bill validator and storage box is frictionally fitted over the bill validator and storage box to reinforce the housing of the bill validator and storage box in the event a vandal or thief is able to partially pry the door of the vending machine open and probe the interior of the machine.

Abstract: A movable table is insertably and withdrawably mounted on a casing. A depositing/dispensing mechanism for discriminating the note type and genuineness of a note deposited at the entrance of a conveyance path for conveying the note, feeding the note to a storing end corresponding to the discrimination result, and dispensing note(s) from its storing end by a specified input operation is mounted on the movable table. A controller for calculating a balance by detecting the depositing/dispensing of the notes is also provided. The depositing/dispensing mechanism includes a first mechanism for holding the deposited and dispensed notes before being calculated for the balance and a second mechanism for holding the deposited and dispensed notes after being calculated for the balance. The first and second mechanisms are provided at front and rear sides of the movable table with respect to a drawing direction, respectively.

Abstract: A coin retrieval system for coin operated machines, such as slot machines, which comprises a drop bucket containing a self closing lock which is held open while the drop bucket is in the machine but springs closed when the drop bucket is removed. The bucket contains a full opening bottom. The system contains a system for weighing and emptying the drop bucket.

Abstract: The present invention features a tracking system for currency containers in a gaming casino. Currency is received in removable containers having a memory chip for storing information such as the container ID, the ID of the gaming machine, the date and time the container was placed in a gaming machine. A mobile cart or a hand-carried unit is provided to store and transport the containers to a counting room. Data in each container's memory is verified and continuously monitored by the cart. A docking station verifies, reads, and transmits data to a remote computer and also provides a printout. All temporary data is erased from memory, and the containers are ready for reuse. Each time a container is inserted into a machine or other apparatus, a date and time is written to memory so that a complete adit trail is available.

Abstract: A base structure is disclosed for the installation and support of one or more gaming machines (sometimes referred to as, but not limited to, slot machines). The base includes mounting or attachment means for attaching the gaming machine or machines, including a removable interface element between the remainder of the base and the gaming machine. A uniform attachment structure between the interface element and the remainder of the base enables ready customization of those elements to accommodate differing gaming machines and their specific attachment structures (as well as wiring and coin drop locations), permitting the ready replacement or moving of gaming machines without the need to move or change the entire base structure. The base structure can also house electrical wiring, provide a secure enclosure for money overflow (drop), and provide storage for support supplies such as bill acceptor boxes and refill coin.

Abstract: A manual currency operated vending machine includes a mechanism for preventing customers from depositing a currency into the vending machine when the machine is out of product. The vending machine comprises two parallel vertical magazines for containing flat packages and tubular packages. A currency operated dispensing mechanism includes a currency operating knob connected to a blocking mechanism through a rotatable shaft. The blocking mechanism is positioned at the bottom of each magazine for supporting the articles and preventing them sliding out, and also for allowing the lowest article out of the magazine and into a trough at the vending opening slot. When the currency operating knob is turned, it allows a currency to be deposited into the vending machine. The knob turns the rotatably shaft which in turn moves the blocking mechanism into an unobstructed position allowing the lowest article out of the magazine and into the trough at the vending opening slot.

Abstract: The number of coins stored in a coin tube is retained in RAM 13 which is backed up by a battery, the states of empty switch 22 and full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube to be detected by cassette detection sensor 21 are retained in the battery-backup RAM 13, and when the power supply is intercepted and turned on again, the states of the empty switch 22 and the full coin switch 23 and the type of cassette tube detected by the cassette detection sensor 21 which are stored in the battery-backup RAM 13 are compared with their current states, and if any of them does not agree, the number of coins retained in the RAM 13 is initialized.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a partitioned front panel section including a drop out coin slot assembly. The partitioned front section includes an intermediary bracket that is carried on a cabinet of the vending machine. The intermediary bracket has one or more depending blades. A coin slot assembly includes one or more coin receiving mechanisms attached thereto. A backside of a major bracket of the coin slot assembly defines one or more gaps to capture each of the depending blades of the intermediary bracket. The coin slot assembly is placed in an opening of the vending machine front panel and moved so that the blades of the intermediary bracket are engaged by and received in the gaps of the coin slot assembly. A front cover panel has a locking mechanism and is secured over a remaining open portion of the front panel. The front panel cover includes one edge that engages a portion of the cabinet and is then pivoted into place and secured by a three point locking mechanism.

Abstract: A parking meter consisting of a housing and a stanchion located adjacent a parking space for mounting of the parking meter thereon. The stanchion has a tubular upper end portion and the parking meter has a tubular lower end portion for positioning around the upper end of the stanchion. A fitting is attached to the upper end of the stanchion and gear teeth are defined by the fitting. The lower end of the meter housing has formed therein a set of gear teeth adapted to mesh with the gear teeth of the fitting in any one of several available relative positions. A bolt and pin combination is employed for providing a high security connection of the fitting and upper housing to the stanchion. Passages are provided so that rainwater and the like is directed outside of the housing and stanchion and does not accumulate within the meter housing.

Abstract: A currency receiving device for receiving currency from a user, comprising a body adapted to be moved by a person, a currency input controller, attached to the body, to receive and count deposits of currency, a currency receptacle, operatively connected to the currency input controller, to receive currency from the currency input controller and to store the currency, and a source of power, to provide power to the currency input controller, wherein, upon receiving a first deposit of currency at a first location, the currency receiving device may be moved to a second location to receive a second deposit of currency at the second location.

Abstract: A mobile cart for inventorying monies collected from a coin operated machine. The mobile cart includes a receptacle for receiving and storing inventoried moneys, a data reception device, and a weight measuring device in electrical communication with the data reception device. The mobile cart also includes a receiving platform associated with the weight measuring device that is adapted to receive a coin box.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant door for a vending machine includes a conventionally-positioned product delivery port, a cash box vault positioned adjacent the delivery port for receiving a cash box, a coin return chute positioned at an upper corner of the delivery port, and a coin changer of conventional design positioned over the delivery port and the cash box. A changer vault partially encloses the coin changer. The cash box vault (and the cash box placed therein) are relocated away from their conventional position on the non-hinged side of the main door to a location adjacent the product delivery port on the hinged side of the door, while the coin changer is relocated away from its prior art position adjacent the non-hinged side of the main door to a central location above the product delivery port and the cash box vault. An elongated coin chute connects the coin return slot with the coin inlet of the coin changer. A first section of the coin chute is in communication with the coin slot.

Abstract: A vending machine (10) having a coin receiver (14) for actuating a water spray nozzle (16) in a self-serve car wash. A coin tray (18) is disposed adjacent the coin receiver (14). The machine is characterized by a heater (20) for heating the coin tray (18) to heat coins disposed in the coin tray (18) to prevent moisture from freezing on the coins.

Abstract: A coin handling device, as a first invention, comprising a cable (20), a liquid guide means (61) for guiding liquid falling via a cable guide hole (10a) into a device body (2), a liquid storing means (62) and a liquid discharging means (63). A coin handling device, as a second invention, wherein a coin selection unit (101, 201) comprising a coin guide means (181), a liquid collecting means (182) and a liquid discharging means (183) is equipped with a liquid flow-in means (184) for allowing liquid falling via the coin guide means (181) to flow into those portions of the coin selection unit (101, 201) other than the liquid sorting means (182), a liquid passing means (185) and a liquid flowout means (186, 216) for continuously feeding the passed liquid to the liquid discharging means (183).

Abstract: A coin-processing device allowing simple maintenance and inspection, wherein a bottom base (30) constituting a coin payout section (6) of a processing device (20) is installed slidably with respect to the device main unit (21) from the front face (20a) thereof.

Abstract: A coin sorter, wherein a front cover, a gate rail and a solenoid out of independent parts constituting the coin sorter are supported so that they can be detached with a snap action respectively.

Abstract: An automatic transaction machine bezel (150) for attachment to the front panel of the machine (1) that is durable and versatile, and that advantageously provides for at least two forms of payment is disclosed. The face (151) of the bezel fits through an industry-standard size opening in the front panel of the automatic transaction machine. In one embodiment, the bezel contains one aperture to accept banknotes, coins and cards in payment for a vend item.

Abstract: A newspaper dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a cavity for storing newspapers. A door is pivotally attached to the housing via a pair of hinges. A locking subassembly releasably engages the door in a closed position. The disclosed apparatus is fabricated entirely from plastic to eliminate concern of corrosion and the risk of sparks. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated from high strength steel, but selected portions of the apparatus including the locking subassembly, hinges and portions of the door, are covered with non-corrosive, spark proof materials to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Thus, the apparatus can be positioned immediately adjacent gasoline pumps at a service station without the risk of creating sparks, fire or an explosion.

Abstract: The device has a base element (1) and a wing (5) arranged so as to be pivotable on the latter with a swivel joint (3). The swivel joint (3) has two fastening flanges (9, 10) which are pivotable about the swiveling axis (7) for fastening on the base element (1) or on the wing (5). At least one of the fastening flanges (9) has a snap on first holding element (21b, 23a) and second holding elements interacting with the first at least on one of the free rim sides of the base element (1) and/or of the wing provided for fastening the swivel joint. With these holding elements, the fastening flange is permanently connectable with the long side of the base element (1) and/or wing following the following fastening by pressing together.

Abstract: A coin discharge device has a removable coin tube cassette and an empty sensor 5 for accurately detecting the presence of coins within the coin tubes. A sensor mounting 30 is designed to withdraw the sensor 5 from the cassette accommodation part 22 when the coin tube cassette is removed from the device. However, when the coin tube device is inserted into the cassette accommodation part 22, the sensor mounting 30 moves the sensor 5 into the accommodation part 22 so that it abuts one side of the coin tube cassette to sense coins therein.