Abstract: A media path includes a first media path portion, and a second media path portion opposed to the first media path portion, where the first media path portion and the second media path portion form the media path therebetween, and where, to open the media path, the first media path portion is rotatable relative to the second media path portion and the second media path portion is rotatable relative to the first media path portion.

Abstract: A mechanical lift for delivery bins and receptacles in vending and analogous machines includes a feature that partial opening of a delivery door allows at least partial access to the delivery bin or receptacle but that further opening of the door would lift the bin or receptacle floor. The assembly can be compact, relatively noncomplex and economical. It can come in basically a preassembled kit that can be retrofitted or original manufacture equipment. It can include additional features such as anti-cheat functions and dispense detect sensors. An additional feature can be a unique dispensing floor geometry.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus, which ejects coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between an element on a rotor and an ejector, has a variable height rotor (3), an improved two-part coin ejector (10a, 10b). A optical sensor for detecting coins being ejected positive detects both the presence and absence of coins in a coin path. Also, a payout device comprising a first coin dispensing device (61) including a dispensed coin type detector and a second coin dispensing device (62). The first coin dispensing device (61) is used to store coins of plurality of large denominations and is used initially for paying out an amount. The second coin dispensing device (62) is used for a single low denomination coin type and coins are dispensed from the second coin dispensing device (62) after the first coin dispensing device has been used as much as possible.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant device retrofits onto an existing parking meter or other coin accepting machine to increase the exterior security of the parking meter at the point where the coins are deposited into the parking meter. Accordingly, potential thieves and vandals would not have direct access to the internal components of the parking meter, thereby eliminating the possibility of intentionally stuffing and blocking the coin track by inserting objects other than coins into the coin track. The tamper-resistant device provides a deposit slot spaced apart from the original coin slot for depositing one coin at a time into the parking meter. By relocating the deposit slot, the tamper-resistant device prevents vandals from inserting hard objects directly into the parking meter, thereby damaging the internal components of the parking meter.

Abstract: A game machine wherein there is provided an attach-detach guide means D for guiding attaching and detaching of a coin-sending device C with respect to the game machine body 8 and causing an outlet passing C20 of the device C to be aligned with a communicating opening at the body 8 at an attach-finish position of the coin-sending device C with respect to the game machine body, thereby easily connecting passages and excellently receiving and transferring coins to a coin-payout hopper or the like arranged for following stages; upon detaching operation, the coin-sending device C is guided by the guide means D to be removed from the machine body 8, thereby simultaneously disengaging the outlet passage C20 from the communicating opening and providing simple separation of passages.

Abstract: A shopping cart rental system for renting shopping carts and encouraging returning of shopping carts to designated areas. The shopping cart rental system includes a plurality of rental assemblies. Each of the rental assemblies comprises a housing. The housing comprises an upper portion. A lower portion is couplable to the upper portion. A plurality of coin slots are located on a front face of the upper portion. A key slot is formed through a rear face of said upper portion. A key is for inserting into the key slot. The key is coupled to the upper portion of the housing. A key retaining assembly is for retaining the key in the key slot. A coin operated assembly for actuating the key retaining assembly. The coin operated assembly is operationally coupled between the coin slot and the key slot.

Abstract: A selector device for selecting objects (1) inserted by way of payment into a dispenser of goods or services via an insertion orifice (10), the device comprising a transport member (100) provided with a housing (110) designed to receive the objects singly and suitable for bringing an object (1) placed in said housing (110) into a measurement zone (ZM) where sensors (301, 302, 303) are disposed for verifying conformity of the object (1). According to the invention, the selector device also comprises drive mechanisms (200, 210) suitable for imparting a non-reversible continuous movement to said transport member (100) along a path during which the housing (110) passes from an initial position (P1) of communication with the insertion orifice (10) to a final or waiting position (P2), while passing through the measurement zone (ZM) in continuous manner, the sensors (301, 302, 303) for verifying conformity receiving sampling signals sampling the movement of the transport member (100).

Abstract: A coin diameter discriminating device wherein a coin is received in a coin transport mechanism which is rotated by a motor at an accurately controlled angular velocity. By such arrangement, the coin is carried along a predetermined path at an accurately controlled or regulated velocity past at least one optical sensor that provides a change of state output upon detecting an edge of the coin. The sensor is arranged to start a time counter that is stopped by a predetermined reference event such as the coin transport mechanism having rotated to a predetermined angular orientation. The time count in the counter therefore corresponds to the angular orientation of the coin transport mechanism at the time of detecting the coin edge, which also accurately corresponds to the diameter of the coin. The time count is then compared to corresponding time count ranges each of which relates to known standards of an acceptable coin denomination.

Abstract: A coin selecting apparatus includes a damper ball arranged beside a coin passage to contact inserted coins and a ball guide for smoothly guiding the damper ball, in order to adjust inserting speed of the inserted coins in association with movements of the damper ball. The damper ball travels from a first position to a second position of the ball guide upon impact of the inserted coin to absorb kinetic energy of the coin, thereby regulating the speed of the coin. The damper ball then returns to the first position as rolling and contacting with walls of the guide, thereby changing the location of the impact point on the damper ball so as to prevent the ball from being worn or impaired. Where the first position is placed at a lower position than the second position, the damper ball can return by itself in aid of force of gravity. A pushing member, if provided, may enhance applicability of the coin selecting apparatus since the ball guide could be designed less restrictedly.

Abstract: An electronic coin analyzer having a low profile that is especially useful for applications previously limited to mechanical devices includes a test coin path aligned with a coin-receiving opening in a faceplate and a rejected coin path laterally offset from the test coin path and aligned with a coin reject slot in the faceplate. An opening is defined between the test coin path and the rejected coin path that is larger than an acceptable coin/token. A coin deflecting surface is selectively positioned in the test coin path at the opening by an electromagnetic actuator in order to laterally deflect coins rolling along the test coin path toward the rejected coin path. Coins not deflected continue rolling past the opening, as a result of inertia, to an accepted coin path. An electronic control is provided having a test coin sensor and a circuit which causes the actuator to withdraw the deflecting surface from the test coin path in response to an acceptable coin.

Abstract: A device for the receiving of coins in a coin-operated automatic machine is provided with a coin-insertion slot, furnished in the coin-operated automatic machine for receiving of the coin money, where the individual coins have to be fed successively by the user. The device allows the receiving of coins such that the complete mixture of coins is accepted and is automatically and sequentially individually fed to the coin acceptance tester. In order to achieve an automatic continuous coin feed to the coin acceptance tester, there is provided a continuous conveyor with a coin collection space, where the coins, which can be fed in as mixed coins, are individualized and then fed to the coin acceptance tester.

Abstract: An improved coin slide for use in a coin chute assembly is disclosed in which the coin slide has a handle portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the slide. The handle has an inwardly facing inclined surface which is defined in terms of a line positioned at an obtuse angle to a second line defined by the upper surface of the slide. The configuration is such that the obtuse angle defined by these two lines, and the radius of curvature at the corner between the inwardly facing sloping surface of the handle and the upper surface of the slide, are sufficiently large to cause a prybar applied to the inwardly facing surface of the handle to ride up the sloping surface without being able to exert a force sufficient to move the coin slide outwardly to its retracted position against the action of a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin spinner comprising a plate having a coin slit formed therein and in which a coin spinning mechanism consisting of a pair of leaf springs is encased. The plate is used with a savings box body having a coin receiver provided therein and also a transparent portion. Given a spinning force from the pair of leaf springs, a coin having been passed through the coin slit is spun on the coin receiver. The spinning coin is seen from outside the savings box body through the transparent portion.

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 device for verifying the conformity of objects, in the nature of coins inserted as payment in a dispenser of products or services through an opening, and for directing the objects toward means for processing the same. The device is of the type comprising a positioning member with a receptacle adapted to receive the object, wherein the member is movable between a first position in which the receptacle communicates with the opening, access to the processing means then being blocked, and a second position in which the receptacle communicates with the processing means, the opening then being blocked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating and collecting coins wherein an inserted coin is received in a notch of a rotary disk. Upon sensing the insertion of a coin into the notch, a motor rotates the disk through a predetermined arc to a predetermined angular orientation where a decision is made whether to accept or reject the coin based on coin characteristics such as the sensed diameter of the coin and metal content. If the coin is accepted, the disk is rotated to an angular orientation where the coin falls from the notch into a coin collection box. However, if the coin is rejected, the disk is rotated in the opposite direction to an angular orientation where the coin falls into a coin return chute. Sensors are also provided to sense the presence of the coin in the notch on the way back to the initial angular orientation. If the coin failed to fall out for any reason, another attempt is made to collect the coin.

Abstract: A drop coin mechanism for use with a coin authentication and counting apparatus prevents tampering with such apparatus and includes a faceplate defining an aperture therethrough for passage of a coin, the faceplate aperture being substantially completely offset from an entrance into the coin authenticating and counting apparatus. A slidable chamber enables moving the coin from a coin-receiving position to a coin-discharging position, the coin in the coin-receiving position being generally aligned with the faceplate aperture and substantially completely offset from the entrance to the coin authenticating and counting apparatus, the coin in the coin-discharging position being substantially completely offset from the faceplate aperture and generally aligned with the entrance to the coin authenticating and counting apparatus. Accordingly, no tool for tampering with the coin authenticating and counting apparatus can be inserted into the entrance thereof through the faceplate aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating coins based on their metal or ferrous content. Coins are transported by a rotary mechanism that stops when a coin is accurately positioned with respect to an adjacent metal sensor. The metal sensor is then activated to provide a measurement signal of the coin in the repeatable stationary position. A plurality of measurements may preferably be taken and averaged to increase the accuracy.

Abstract: A coin supply device includes a conveyor belt and a separating roller disposed above the conveyor belt. Upper coins of two or more overlapping coins are pushed back and separated by the separating roller rotating in a direction opposite to that of the conveyor belt. The lowermost coin is allowed to pass beneath the separating roller, and is fed to a pay-out hopper apparatus after passing under a coin sensor.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a horizontal coin conveying unit for forcibly conveying a coin inserted through a coin insert slit in the horizontal direction while the coin is held between an opposing pair of endless belts. The horizontal coin conveying unit is slidably arranged in a housing of the coin selector, and moreover, the space defined by the opposing pair of endless belts is enlarged by turnably opening the opposing pair of endless belt about their one end. The upstream side of the horizontal coin conveying unit is covered with a cover, and a liquid collecting portion is attached to the cover so as to allow a liquid received through the coin insert slit to be quickly discharged outside of the coin selector.

Abstract: A coin slide extension for a coin chute assembly. A pivotal lever is connected to a mounting bracket secured to the end of an extension plate. The lever pivots over a starting mechanism upon inward movement of the coin slide, and operatively engages the starting mechanism upon outward movement. The lever abuts a stop during outward movement to prevent the lever from pivoting over the starting mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, an extension plate has two spaced apart contact legs between which a reciprocating lever of a ratchet mechanism is disposed. One leg moves the reciprocating lever to a ready position and the other moves it to an activation position.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a horizontal coin conveying unit for forcibly conveying a coin inserted through a coin insert slit in the horizontal direction while the coin is held between an opposing pair of endless belts. The horizontal coin conveying unit is slidably arranged in a housing of the coin selector, and moreover, the space defined by the opposing pair of endless belts is enlarged by turnably opening the opposing pair of endless belt about their one end. The upstream side of the horizontal coin conveying unit is covered with a cover, and a liquid collecting portion is attached to the cover so as to allow a liquid received through the coin insert slit to be quickly discharged outside of the coin selector.

Abstract: A waste collecting machine comprising a housing having two entrances for waste metal cans and glass bottles, a mechanical arm to collect and deliver waste metal cans or glass bottles into said entrances respectively, a roller ramming mechanism to crush waste metal cans out of shape, a metal detector to detect metal cans from glass bottles, an electromagnet controlled by said metal detector to shift a sub-slide way to the left or right according to detection result, a counting device to count the number of waste cans or glass bottles passing thereby, and a refund device to give coins in return for the waste cans or bottles received.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a horizontal coin conveying unit for forcibly conveying a coin inserted through a coin insert slit in the horizontal direction while the coin is held between an opposing pair of endless belts. The horizontal coin conveying unit is slidably arranged in a housing of the coin selector, and moreover, the space defined by the opposing pair of endless belts is enlarged by turnably opening the opposing pair of endless belt about their one end. The upstream side of the horizontal coin conveying unit is covered with a cover, and a liquid collecting portion is attached to the cover so as to allow a liquid received through the coin insert slit to be quickly discharged outside of the coin selector.

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: A token receiving chute for use in a token operated device is disclosed. The chute is designed so that a token inserted therein will fall toward an appropriate location due to the force of gravity. In order to decrease the kinetic energy imparted to the falling token, and thereby increase the accuracy of various coin sensing devices to be subsequently employed, an inclined wall section is provided for imparting lateral momentum to the falling token causing it to bounce back and forth between the side walls.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing possessing a front face provided with an admission slot for coins and with a coin return receptacle. A conveyor, situated in a shaft communicating by gravity with the return receptacle, transports the coins from the admission slot to a processing module. The conveyor possesses two notched belts interacting with each other to ensure the transportation of the coins with one belt extending below the interacting surfaces of the two belts.

Abstract: A guard for the mounting flange of a vertical type coin slide includes a hardened steel face and a rearwardly extending, integral, peripheral flange. The face of the guard includes a shaped opening to receive the slide of the coin slide therethrough. The opening includes a plurality of transversely spaced slots with a respective plurality of protective fingers therebetween. The protective fingers overfit and protect the softer metal dividers of the mounting flange to prevent breakage. A plurality of slotless mounting bolts secure the guard to the coin slide mounting flange in a manner wherein all exposed bolt parts are protected from tampering.

Abstract: A manually operated coil vending machine device is described which has a rod tipped with a pressure sensitive adhesive movable along a slot in the device to a storage bin area where articles for sale are stored and displayed. Once in the bin area, the rod is lowered until it sticks to the article selected, after which the rod is raised and moved back along the slot until it reaches an area accessible to the operator-purchaser. At such point, the purchased article is grasped and removed. The device can only be operated after predetermined coins equal to the purchase price of the articles have been inserted in the device, thereby permitting removal of a rod blocking first projection over the slot by pressure of the rod as it moves along the slot to the storage bin area.

Abstract: Apparatus automatically feeds coins into a parking meter. The timing clock used in the parking meter operates an external coin feeding mechanism to feed a coin when the time on the parking meter is about to expire. The invention is applicable to parking meters of the type wherein the insertion of the coin rewinds the clock as well as of the type wherein a knob is turned to rewind the clock after the coin is inserted. With the latter form of parking meter a special battery powered circuit is employed to wind the clock in increments after a coin has been automatically inserted.

Abstract: A coin acceptance shuttle for electronic parking meters adapted to receive coins, one at a time, from a predetermined family of permitted coins and to laterally transport such coins to the channel inlet of the electronic coin acceptance apparatus. The shuttle includes a manually operated plunger having a coin recess therein defined between the body of the plunger and a pivotally mounted gate. Coins enter the recess through a replaceable housing slot member selected in accordance with the family of coins to be used. The gate member pivots to facilitate full and proper coin exit from the shuttle plunger in the event of a coin jam or the premature return travel of the plunger. The gate includes an offset pivot axis and opposed coin stop bosses whereby the gate may be installed in alternative orientations according to the preselected family of coins to be used.

Abstract: A coin slide mechanism adapter plate attachable to the coin slide mechanism of a vending machine such as may be used for automatic washing and drying machines or the like installed in apartment or other multiple dwelling complexes, forms a mechanical interface for mating the coin slide mechanism to the vending machine and includes a vending machine attachment bracket for supporting a start switch housing that contains a start switch and its activating member to initiate operation of the mechanism controlled by insertion of the correct coins in and operation of the coin slide mechanism.