Abstract: A coin mechanism having a coin storage tube and an optical sensor for sensing the level of coins in the tube, the sensor comprising a light source arranged to direct a light beam across the tube, a reflector for returning the beam across the tube and a light detector for detecting the returned beam is disclosed. The reflector for returning the beam is a concave mirror having a curvature such as to give the beam an area, where it approaches the detector, substantially greater than the effective area of the detector. This enables, in a compact sensor, the light intensity at the detector to be enhanced and at the same time the sensitivity to misalignment of components to be reduced.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus can operate in either one of two modes. In a first mode, coins are delivered to containers unless a predetermined maximum level T has been reached. When a serviceman services the machine, each container is automatically emptied to a predetermined, alterable float level FD. The emptied coins and the coins in the cashbox are then removed by the serviceman. In a second mode, coins are delivered to containers until the numbers stored in the containers correspond to predetermined, alterable upper levels FU. The containers are replenished to these levels when a serviceman services the machine. Each of the levels FU and FD can be periodically altered on the basis of a calculated likelihood that coins will be required for change.

Abstract: The present invention is a coin sorter apparatus for sorting a group of mixed coins by denomination and immediately terminating the sorting process in response to a predetermined operating condition, such as the filling of a coin receptacle with a predetermined number of coins. Sorting is provided by a stationary sorting head and a rotatable disc positioned sufficiently proximate to one another so that when the group of mixed coins are dropped into the center opening of the stationary sorting head, they are rotated by the rotating disc and guided by the sorting head on a outward spiral sorting path to exit channels along the periphery of the stationary sorting head. Each of the exit channels acts as an exit chute for a particular coin denomination by releasing pressure on that particular coin and freeing the coin to move outwardly along the exit channel and exit into a coin receptacle.

Abstract: The type of denomination of a coin inserted through a coin slot is discriminated by a coin discriminating section while the coin is being conveyed substantially horizontally by a mechanism for horizontally conveying coins, and the discriminated coin is distributed by coin distributing levers for selectively executing a first distributing operation for distributing coins to a relevant coin accumulating section and a second distributing operation for introducing the coins to an ensuing coin distributing section.

Abstract: A slot machine comprising a game execution system for executing a game, a coin dispensing/adjustment system for dispensing coins and making adjustment, and a coin handling system is disclosed. The coin handling system comprises an internal hopper (1) for dispensing coins and holding coins taken in from the outside and a coin storage tank (2) having a capacity larger than that of the internal hopper (1). It further includes an adjustment mechanism for moving coins between the internal hopper (1) and the coin storage tank (2) for adjusting a quantity of coins held in the internal hopper (1).

Abstract: A coin processor which includes a coin selecting section for discriminating whether inserted coins are genuine or false and denominations of genuine coins, and guiding false coins to a predetermined coin passageway and the genuine coins to respective predetermined coin passageways in accordance with their denominations, a coin accommodating section for accommodating the genuine coins in accordance with their denominations, a coin payment section for paying out from the coin accommodating section coins of denominations corresponding to an amount of change, a detection section for detecting a quantity of coins stored in the coin accommodating section and, a time control section for controlling an interval of time for payment of the stored coins in accordance with the stored quantity of coins detected by the detection section.

Abstract: A coin mechanism having a plurality of coin storage and dispensing assemblies (2, 4; 2', 4'), each one of the assemblies being provided with a plurality of detectors (6, 8; 10; 12, 14) each for detecting a respective parameter of that assembly, characterized by a plurality of output lines (01, 02) one for each assembly, each of which output lines is coupled to all the detectors of its assembly, a plurality of activation lines (A1, A2, A3), each of which is coupled to a group of said detectors comprising a detector for each assembly, and control circuitry connected to the activation lines, wherein the control circuitry drives the activation lines one at a time to activate the detector groups one at a time, whereby to produce sequentially on the single output line of each assembly signals indicative of all the parameters for that assembly as its detectors are sequentially activated by the driving of the activation lines.

Abstract: A coin handling machine such as a coin sorter has a plurality of collectors in the form of drawers or chutes arranged in a circular array and each adapted to receive coins of a particular denomination through its open top. A switch and switch actuator plate are mounted in the center of the array. A spring-loaded pivot lever extends radially from the plate to each collector location. The plate is normally held in a neutral position but will be moved to actuate the switch when any one of the levers is released. The levers are normally held against release by the presence of a collector at each station. Actuation of the switch will disable the operation of the machine. The machine may be mounted on a platform of a stand to which bagging spouts are removably attached beneath the chutes. The spouts are incapable of removal when the machine is in place on the platform.

Abstract: A currency dispenser which is installed in an automotive vehicle and which includes a plurality of switches that may be optionally set to dispense different amounts of coins. Each switch is associated with a different toll and the driver simply pushes the proper switch when he approaches the toll. Optionally, dispensing of the currency may be activated by the driver's hand being placed beneath the dispenser.

Abstract: A coin processor is described in which coins deposited in a vending machine classified according to value in coin storage cylinders and wherein a coin recovery system includes a controller for controlling the discharge mechanisms operative with the respective coin storage cylinders to enable, when desired, the recovery of coins from the storage cylinder according to a predetermined sequence by actuation of a prescribed switch or, alternatively, recovery of coins from any particular storage cylinder by actuation of a switch associated therewith. The controller is capable of overriding the sequenced discharge of coins from the respective cylinders upon subsequent actuation of a required switch. The described processor employs a preset counter and a change detection sensor associated with each respective coin storage cylinder for terminating the coin discharge operation from each respective storage cylinder upon the discharge of a predetermined counted number of coins.

Abstract: A game token dispenser is equipped with a token hopper for dispensing, to a token receiving port, a predetermined number of tokens supplied from a token reservoir. The token hopper is divided into a sequentially operating preliminary hopper and a dispensing hopper. The preliminary hopper has a sensor for detecting whether or not there are any tokens received from the reservoir, and a conveying mechanism for conveying the tokens forwardly. The dispensing hopper has a sensor for detecting whether or not there are any tokens received from the preliminary hopper. A discharging mechanism is provided for discharging the tokens one by one to the token receiving port. The dispenser preferably includes a display, on a front surface of a housing, for displaying whether or not it is possible to dispense the tokens and the number of the tokens dispensed.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing machine having a replenishing coin storage box and a first transporting system for replenishing coins in coin storage cylinders by denomination when the coins in at least one of the coin cylinders fall below a first predetermined level, and a coin replenishing box and a second transporting system for supplementing additional coins to the first transporting system when the coins in at least one of the coin cylinders fall below a second lower predetermined level. The two separate coin storage boxes allows for the replenishment of coins while at the same time allowing simultaneous operation of the coin receiving and dispensing function of the machine.

Abstract: A coin mechanism comprising testing devices for testing coins as to their acceptability, a substantially upright coin store or tube adapted to contain a plurality of acceptable coins of a particular denomination up to a predetermined upper level, and a coin dispenser for dispensing coins from the lower end of the store. The coin store is provided with a coin inlet located below the predetermined upper level, and devices for delivering acceptable coins of the denomination from the testing devices through the inlet into the store. This enables the coin store to be pre-loaded to the upper level and, when its contents have been partly dispensed, to be refilled from the coin tester, through the coin inlet at the lower level.

Abstract: The type of denomination of a coin inserted through a coin slot is discriminated by a coin discriminating section while the coin is being conveyed substantially horizontally by a mechanism for horizontally conveying coins, and the discriminated coin is distributed by coin distributing levers for selectively executing a first distributing operation for distributing coins to a relevant coin accumulating section and a second distributing operation for introducing the coins to an ensuing coin distributing section.

Abstract: A coin payout mechanism for vending machines dispenses coins stored in vertical columns. The mechanism comprises an upper frame plate, a plastic retaining plate, a rigid coin receptor plate, a rotatable disk confined within a spacer plate, a bottom escape plate, and a motor-gear assembly to drive the rotatable disk and switches to monitor rotation and coin levels. The plates are fixed together in a stacked relationship; preferably all are square and of similar dimensions. The switches and motor assembly are mounted on the frame plate, which mounts the mechanism within a vending machine. A drive shaft of the motorgear assembly passes through a central orifice defined in the frame and the retaining and receptor plates. The retaining plate receives two coin tubes. The rigid coin receptor plate defines coin receptor orifices coaxial to the tubes. The rotatable disk is generally circular and defines a single oblong stripper orifice near its edge. The stripper orifice alternately indexes with the tubes.

Abstract: A currency sorting apparatus including a detector provided in a currency passage for detecting information necessary for discriminating the genuineness and the denominations of pieces of currency and outputting detection signals, a plurality of currency accommodating boxes provided downstream of the detector, the number of which is greater than the number of denominations of the pieces of currency to be sorted, each of the currency accommodating boxes being adapted for accommodating genuine pieces of currency in accordance with their denominations, a controller adapted for selectively feeding pieces of currency into the currency accommodating boxes in accordance with the detection signals input from the detector and a sorting mode selector for selecting a sorting mode which determines what currency accommodating boxes accommodates what denomination of pieces of currency and outputs a corresponding sorting mode signal when the sorting mode is selected.

Abstract: A controller for a vending machine capable of selecting a mode in which the machine is made possible to sell commodities even if change lacks. If a forced acceptance switch sets a forced acceptance mode, put-in coins are accepted even if no change can be paid. When the sum of the put-in coins arrives at a predetermined set selling price, the controller generates a selling enable signal. If the machine sells a commodity in response to the selling enable signal, it pays out change in the range of the sum in which change can be paid or within the sum of the coins remaining in change coin tubes. In this case, if the coins remaining in the change coin tubes do not satisfy the required sum of change, the overall sum of change is not paid out, but a user of the machine can get a desired commodity.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a single coin passage and a single coin rolling-down passage. The coin passage is equipped with a coin discriminating mechanism so as to discriminate whether a coin inserted through a coin insert slit is a true coin or a false coin, and moreover, discriminate the kind of the coin which has been recognized as a true coin. On the other hand, the coin rolling-down passage is equipped with a coin distributing mechanism so as to selectively distribute the true coin conveyed from the coin passage depending on the kind of each coin. Conculsively, the coin selector is contructed in a very compact configuration.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for controlling the vending and payback of change in a vending machine and includes a device for establishing a list of permissible payback amounts from the vending machine and for adding each of the permissible amounts to a vend price established by a customer selecting a particular vend, and a payback storage device from which change is paid back including apparatus for determining the availability of coins in the payback storage device to satisfy the permissible amount for payback.

Abstract: For reducing trouble in a coin selecting part coupled to a plurality of coin paths (21, 22, 23, 24), a coin separator comprises a discharge arrangement for discharging an erroneous coin from a particular one (21) of the coin paths to another coin path (42). As a result, the erroneous coin does not remain in the particular coin path. Therefore, the coin selecting part is protected from the trouble thereof even if the erroneous coin is supplied to the particular coin path. The coin separator may be constituted so that the particular coin path is closed by the selecting part after the erroneous coin is detected in a storing part (46) which is coupled to the particular coin path.

Abstract: A coin tube monitor and control device for monitoring and controlling the number of coins in a coin tube by determining the time between when a coin enters a coin tube and when it strikes the stack of coins that has accumulated therein. The device includes an acoustic sensor for responding to certain movements of the coins.

Abstract: Supplemental coin and/or token storage, transportation and dispensing apparatus for coin and/or token operated and handling machines whereby the coin and/or token payout hopper of such machines may be rapidly replenished with coins and/or tokens. The supplemental storage, transportation and dispensing apparatus of the invention includes a coin and/or token elevator having an upwardly and downwardly movable coin and token platform and an elevator controller mechanism which is responsive to a coin and token level sensor within the payout hopper and to coin and token level and elevator platform level sensors in the elevator.

Abstract: A coin or token discharge apparatus having a large volume coin reservoir feeding coins or tokens to a coin bowl for engagement with a selector disc and transfer by the selector disc to an exit chute. The discharge apparatus has two baffle members designed to filter and orient the coins or tokens as they are fed to the selector disc. The selector disc includes features which facilitate non-jamming of stray coins or tokens in the rotating selector disc.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing machine comprising a discriminating and counting sensor for discriminating at least the denominations and genuineness of deposited coins and counting their value, a coin sorter for sorting the deposited coins in accordance their denominations, a plurality of temporary storing cylinders for receiving the coins sorted by the coin sorter from an upper opening thereof and temporarily storing the received coins as stacked separately in accordance with their denominations and a plurality of dispensing coin storing cylinders for receiving and storing the coins stored in the plurality of temporary storing cylinders as dispensing coins separately in accordance with their denominations, the coin receiving and dispensing machine further including a coin collector for, in the case where it is judged based upon the result of the discrimination and counting made by the discriminating and counting sensor that at least one of the dispensing coin storing cylinders is full of coins, collecting t

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus having a coin discriminating mechanism and a plurality of coin retaining mechanisms wherein at least one of coin outlets is disposed on a side surface of the coin discriminating mechanism. Since the number of coin outlets disposed on the bottom surface of the coin discriminating mechanism is thereby decreased, the width of the coin discriminating mechanism can be decreased. Additionally, the space provided by the decrease of the size can be used as a space for extending an auxiliary coin retaining mechanism, thereby increasing the space in the apparatus for retained change.

Abstract: A coin storage and dispensing apparatus comprising a coin hopper assembly and a coin track assembly is disclosed for orienting coins in edge-to-edge relationship in the coin track assembly, and for dispensing coins from the coin track assembly at an elevation higher than that of the coin hopper. An impact drive assembly for preventing damage to the drive or gear box when a coin jam occurs or there is a malfunction in the coin hopper or coin track assembly is also disclosed. The coin storage and dispensing apparatus also incorporates an improved coin counter device, an anti-theft device, and a coin ejector for propelling coins from the exit slot.

Abstract: A coin return control system for vending machines including an apparatus for comparing the counted number of deposited smaller denomination coins with the number of the smaller denomination coins corresponding to a denomination of a larger denomination coin. The system returns the larger denomination coin or coins instead of the deposited smaller denomination coins only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state. Since the change running-out state of the smaller denomination coins which are useful for use of change is adequately canceled, this increases the chance of a vending machine sale greatly. Moreover, since the substitution of the larger denomination coin for the smaller denomination coins is carried out only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state, use of the vending machine as a coin exchange machine can be adequately prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device for detecting that the coin storage receptacle of a slot machine such as a parking meter is full of coins. The device includes a moving flap (32) disposed across the coin arrival path. A microswitch (42) detects the position of the flap (32). If the flap does not return to its rest position, then the receptcle is full.

Abstract: Deposited coins are stored in a coin storing device and change is paid out of coins storred in this storing device. For detecting an amount of coins going in and out of the coin storing device, a going-in-and-out detector is provided. For setting an initial amount P of stored coins in the coin storing device, an initial stored coin amount setter is provided. In an operation device, an operation for obtaining difference N between a current amount S of stored coins and the initial amount P in accordance with the output of the going-in-and-out detector and the initial amount P. When the amount of stored coins in the coin storing device is to coincide with the initial amount P (e.g., when an inventory operation is to be performed), a command device commands this. In response to this command, a payout control device performs, if the current amount S is larger than the initial amount P, control for paying out the number of coins corresponding to the difference N.

Abstract: The level of a stack of coins in a stack tube is monitored by an ultrasonic transducer disposed above the stack tube. The transducer directs a train of ultrasonic pulses down towards the top of the stack and measures the transit time between the emitted and reflected pulses. The monitoring apparatus is particularly suitable for use in a gaming, amusement, vending or change machine which has a number of stack tubes from which coins are payed out by a payout device under the control of a control unit.

Abstract: A coin acceptance construction and method for use with a predefined price vending system which includes coin analysis apparatus capable of producing coin analysis data for determining coin validity, a controllable mechanism operable to effect the acceptance or return of deposited coins, coin availability status monitors for determining coins available for payback, such monitors producing coin availability status data indicative of the status of coins available for payback, and vend control circuitry for controlling a vend operation, which vend control circuitry is operable to accumulate credit and to effect a vend when the amount of accumulated credit at least equals the vend price. The coin acceptance construction, which may be either separate from the vend control circuitry, e.g., separate decoding circuitry, or form a part of the vend control circuitry, e.g.