Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a first storage and a second storage that each stores a sheet; a transport that transports the sheet; a recognition circuit that performs a first recognition processing to recognize the sheet; an outlet that discharges the sheet in a case that the sheet is recognized as normal in the first recognition processing; a temporary storage that stores the sheet in a case that the sheet is recognized as abnormal in the first recognition processing; and processing circuitry that controls the transport and the recognition circuit such that storage control processing is performed, the storage control processing being processing in which the sheet stored in the temporary storage is transported to the first storage unit or to the second storage.

Abstract: Various aspects disclosed herein are directed to different systems and methods for providing a universal, adjustable printer bezel assembly which is compatible for use with a plurality of different types of ticket printer devices from different ticket printer manufacturers.

Abstract: A sensor device in a banknote processing machine comprising a transport device by means of which banknotes to be processed are transported past the sensor device, a cleaning device that cleans the sensor device or a transparent region of the sensor device, and a control device that controls the components of the banknote processing machine. The sensor device includes means for enlarging the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device. The control device controls the means and the cleaning device in such a way that the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device is enlarged by the means while the cleaning device cleans the sensor device.

Abstract: A separate removable and replaceable coin validation unit for use in a coin-operated device has a housing and clip formations by means of which the housing is releasably held in a cavity in the coin-operated device. The coin validation unit is electrically operable and has electrical connectors which connect with complementary connectors in the cavity. The coin operated device is particularly a single bay parking meter.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes exemplary systems and methods for using gaming scrips in a gaming environment. The gaming scrips have pre-printed face values and machine-readable unique identifiers located thereon, and are loaded into any of various currency-handling devices. The gaming scrips may be activated either before being loaded into a currency-handling device or at the time of dispensing therefrom. Once validated in the gaming environment, the gaming scrips may be collected, sorted, reactivated, and reused in the gaming environment.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus includes at least a depositing and dispensing unit that performs depositing and dispensing of banknotes, a storage and feed unit that stores or feeds the banknotes, and a storage unit that stores therein the banknotes. Unlocking conditions of a locking mechanism included in the storage and feed unit can be set different from that of a locking mechanism included in the storage unit. With this structure, three or more different concerned parties can handle a part allowed to the party concerned.

Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key-receiving entry in the housing receives at least a portion of the customer's key to be duplicated, and a key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank magazine within the housing stores key blanks for each of the preselected key types. A key blank extraction system extracts from the magazine a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.

Abstract: A checkstand for a retail store provides systems and methods for point of sale transactions in which a cashier scans items and places the scanned items directly into bags contained on a rotating carousel with multiple bag racks spaced around the carousel, and a deck above the carousel for holding items too large or bulky to be placed in bags. The systems and methods further provide a self service payment station.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus is arranged to receive items of currency and classify each into at least one class. Each class of currency items is stored and managed by the money handling apparatus in order to be able to extract the received items. In some implementations, the money handling apparatus is arranged to receive items of currency, store items of currency, receive at least one service media, and transport at least one stored currency item to a removable storage unit in a specified sequence or order.

Abstract: A bicycle lock device for public use is disclosed. The device is comprised of an enclosure, a retractable reel with a retractable cable, a lock/unlock device having a first member attached to the cable free end, and a second member secured in the enclosure, and a lock control device. The user accesses the device by inserting a payment such as a coin or credit card in a user interface of the device. If the payment is accepted, the user then enters a user-specified key code in a keypad on the lock control device. The lock control device unlocks the lock/unlock device. The retractable cable may then be extended. The user weaves the cable through the bicycle components and then enters the cable free end into the lock/unlock device, thereby locking the lock/unlock device and securing the bicycle. When the user later enters the key-code, the device unlocks the cable.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user is provided. For example, information specific to a recognized user may be stored and optionally may include a recognized user avatar representative of the recognized user. The user avatar may be an image, video, and/or animation, which may be displayed on and/or played through the jukebox. The user avatar may be associated with transactions associated with the user. For example, an avatar may be displayed when a playlist of the recognized user is played, when a message is sent, etc. In other examples, the avatar may introduce instances of media by playing an audio and/or video message, and the avatar may sing, dance, etc. while an instance of media is playing.

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: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of securing shopping trolleys (10), for which a defined parking area (9) is provided, by a deposit and to a deposit system for such trolleys. The deposit (7) is introduced into a deposit device (30) which is arranged in the parking area (9) separately from the shopping trolleys (10), the deposit device (30) freeing a shopping trolley (10) for removal from the parking area (9) by means of a signalling arrangement (18). The signalling arrangement (18) here interacts with an inhibiting device (26) on the shopping trolley (10) for inhibiting the movement of the trolley by remote control, the signalling arrangement (18) communicating in a wireless and trolley-specific manner with signalling devices (22) on the shopping trolley (10) and the signalling arrangement (18) registering the return of a shopping trolley (10) in order for the deposit to be refunded.

Abstract: A temporary dog-confining device is provided for public use. Structurally, the device includes an enclosure formed from front, rear, and opposed side walls. For use, the rear and side walls are covered with screens to provide shade in the enclosure. Further, the enclosure includes a roof covered with a canopy for shading the enclosure. Also, the front wall defines an opening that is selectively closed by a door. In order to secure a dog within the enclosure, the device includes an assembly for locking the door in a closed configuration. Specifically, the locking assembly is operable by a user after a required payment. Moreover, the device includes a separately-accessible compartment mounted within the enclosure to house a fluid container for providing water to a dog in the enclosure. Importantly, that compartment is secured by a fastener that is operated independently of the locking assembly.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.

Abstract: A removable coin storage apparatus is used in a coin processing device, and includes a removable bin for storing and transporting coins. The removable bin has a stopped position and a moving position. The coin storage apparatus further includes a brake device that is pivotally coupled to the removable bin for preventing movement of the removable bin in the stopped position. The brake device has a manually moveable element that is movable between a first position and a second position, each one of the first position and the second position corresponding to one of the stopped position and the moving position of the removable bin. The brake device also has a contact surface for exerting a frictional force on a floor surface in the stopped position of the removable bin.

Abstract: A token purchasing device that can automatically change the number of tokens purchased for a given price based on time, date, and day of the week information. The token purchasing device includes a banknote accepting unit for accepting a banknote and outputting a banknote value signal based on the denomination of the accepted banknote, a clock unit for outputting the current time and date information, a control unit for computing the number of tokens for dispensing, and a token dispensing unit. The control unit is configured to store a predetermined set of days or a range of times from a start time to an end time defining a special purchasing mode. The control unit can automatically change the number of tokens purchased when the current time and date is within the programmed parameters for the special purchasing mode.

Abstract: A portable device is provided for configuring a machine of the type which handles coins or valuable papers and which has an interface for connecting an external unit, thereby allowing the machine to be configured from the external unit. The portable device has a control unit; a memory; a first interface adapted to be connected to said external unit; and a second interface adapted to be connected to the interface of said machine. The control unit is adapted, when the portable device is connected to the external unit via the first interface, to emulate said machine and to receive configuration data intended for said machine from the external unit and store it in the memory. The control unit is further adapted, when the portable device is connected to said machine via the second interface, to emulate the external unit and deliver said configuration data stored in the memory to said machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cylindrical objects and loose coins having a case, a cylindrical object dispenser positioned inside of the case, a loose coin dispenser positioned inside of the case; and a central controller electronically coupled to the cylindrical object dispenser and the loose coin dispenser, the controller controlling both the operation of the cylindrical object dispenser and the operation of the loose coin dispenser.

Abstract: The abstract of my disclosure is new in the art of degerminating the mouthpiece of the public telephone. This is new because there is now no cleanser or germ erasing mechanism that can eradicate the germs from the public phones mouthpiece. With this new technology, one can now feel better that the germs usually present on the mouthpiece can be eradicated by the cleansing pad that I have invented to erase the germs from the mouthpiece at the telephone stations for convenient usage.

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: When coins are dispensed from a slot machine on a winning combination the player must collect these coins individually from what is invariably a dirty coin tray. A method of facilitating collection of coins dispensed from a coin dispenser in a slot machine having a and a coin tray, comprising the steps: providing a coin cup having a cup shaped body and an elongated lateral collection arm, said arm having a bottom side portion extending between upright side portions thereof so that coins falling therein will be directed into a top portion of the body of the coin cup; and, positioning the collection arm centrally beneath the coin dispenser above the coin tray in the slot machine. Then coins dispensed from the coin dispenser in the slot machine that would otherwise fall into the coin tray, now fall into the elongated arm and are subsequently directed therealong into a top portion of the coin cup.

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 telescopic slot chute for retrieval of payouts from slot machine or video type machine which has protrusions (26) (28) that act together as a clip for a hands free operation. The chute provides a passageway for coins discharged by a slot machine. The passageway extends from a coin discharge opening of the slot machine, attaching to the lip of the coin holding tray of the slot machine outer edge to the mouth of a cup or container or any other desired coin collecting unit.

Abstract: A gaming machine island A comprising gaming machines 1 for players to play games with game play media and for paying out game play media to players as a prize, a counter B for counting the number of game play media used at the gaming machines 1, and a money changing machine C for changing a bill or coin into bills or coins of a smaller denomination. The money changing machine C is placed adjoining the counter B.

Abstract: A coin slot cover for telephones to indicate an out-of-order condition. A plate with a pair of locking tabs extending therefrom that may be inserted into the coin slot of a pay telephone.

Abstract: A coin operated device and method of using such a device which requires a threshold number of coins to activate its operation. Once operation is stopped, however, there is provided a time window, during which the deposit of fewer than the threshold number of coins may restart the device.

Abstract: Operation completion detection circuitry for a vend system including a plurality of individually controllably operable motors for performing a given type of operation, comprising power leads, a vend control circuit portion operatively connected to complete a circuit across the power leads through a given motor from among the plurality of motors, a cam operated switch associated with each motor and connected in series circuit therewith, each of which switches includes a first pole and a second pole, connected in common, and a controllably movable switch contact which is normally in electrical contact with the first pole of the switch means and is responsive to operation of the motor with which such cam operated switch is associated to switchably cycle between such first and second poles during a complete operational cycle of the motor, and a detector circuit which includes a monitor portion thereof operatively connected in common circuit to all of the motors and their associated cam operated switches and in se

Abstract: An input unit adapted to input operation orders and set informations, necessary to automatic sales operations, into an automatic vending machine. The input unit is capable of easily coping with the changes in and the addition to the input contents, of easily and positively inputting the selling prices as the set information, of remarkably reducing the signal harness for input use into an automatic vending machine.