AU2011101285A4 - Coin or token processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A coin or token processing apparatus (10, 50) includes a housing (14, 15, 16, 52) and a coin or token entry slot (40, 62) in the housing (14, 15, 16, 52). A coin or token holder (30, 54) is moveable within the housing (14, 15, 16, 52) between at least a first position for receiving a coin or token (70) inserted through said slot (40, 62), and a second position in which the coin or token (70) is dischargeable from the holder (54) to an exit path. The holder (30, 54) is structured to close off said entry slot (40, 62) in its second position and the exit path in its first position. Also provided is a means to determine (15, 72) whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder (30, 54) is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects. The determination means (15, 72) is operable to make a determination at a plurality of different positions of the holder and is operable following a positive determination at said plurality of different positions to issue a validation signal. Means (93) responsive to said validation signal moves the holder (30, 54) to the second position. FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FI71G. 7 FIG.65

Description

P/00101 1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Coin or token processing apparatus The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 Coin or token processing apparatus Field of invention This invention relates generally to the processing of coins and tokens, and in particular to an apparatus combining an anti-pilfering device with a primary validator mechanism. Background to the invention A common problem with equipment that accepts coins from the public in payment for services such as carparking and public transport, or for actuating vending machines and the like, is petty theft by interference with the coin entry path to the associated coin validator. Typically such machines include public transport ticket machines and carpark payment machines, which usually have a door on the coin entry slot that is retracted to open the slot when an adjacent pre-discriminator device detects a metal object immediately in front of the slot. A coin transport mechanism e.g. a rolling track lies between the pre-discriminator and the coin validator. This pre-discriminator is intended to prevent the insertion of liquids, gels, glues and plastic objects into the slot. A number of disadvantages are present in the existing arrangements. As will be appreciated, the pre-discriminator detects any metal object and so any metal object can be used to gain access to the machine for malicious purposes. Further, having two discriminating devices in the form of the pre-discriminator and the coin validator is unnecessarily duplicative and therefore expensive, also requiring software and 0 electronics for coordination between the operation of the two devices. Furthermore, the rolling track lying between the pre-discriminator and the coin validator has no positive control over the position of the coin and thus represents a weak link in security as will be understood from the following paragraph. A common modus operandi for a petty thief is to use a metal object, even a coin, to 5 cause the door to open and then to jam the door open while an object is inserted to a position well along the coin path in the validator to which the coin entry slot provides access. The thief then leaves the scene while subsequent intending customers insert coins that are blocked in the coin path and therefore accumulate back towards the coin entry slot. In due course, the machine is reported as out of order but before the arrival 3 of service personnel, the thief returns to the scene, jams open the door and uses a wire or other device to recover the coins that have accumulated in the coin path. International patent publication WO 03/05622 discloses a coin entry device in which the coin is received by a rotary component that closes the entry slot behind the coin. The rotary component prevents direct access at all times from the exterior of the slot to the coin discharge path. It is emphasised that W003/05622 is not admitted to be common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. It is an object of the invention to address at least some of the aforedescribed problems so as to reduce theft of coins or tokens from coin and token processing equipment. Summary of the invention The invention provides a coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; a coin or token holder moveable within the housing between at least a first position for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second position in which the coin or token is dischargeable from the holder to an exit path, said holder being structured to close off said entry slot in its second position and the exit path in its first position; means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder is 0 more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; said determination means being operable to make a determination at a plurality of different positions of the holder and being operable following a positive determination at said plurality of different positions to issue a validation signal; and 5 means responsive to said validation signal to move said holder to said second position. The coin or token holder is preferably a rotary device that provides communication with the entry slot or with the exit path according to the rotary position of the holder. Preferably, the holder is structured to prevent access to the exit path from externally of 4 said slot, at all times. In a most preferred form of the invention, the holder is a rotatable concave receptacle that, in the first position, is open to the entry slot and presents a wall between the entry slot and the exit path and in the second position is open to the exit path and presents a wall between the entry slot and the exit path. Preferably, during said movement of the coin holder from the first position to the second position, a determination is repeated at intervals and said validation signal issued when the object in the holder is determined more likely than not to be one of a number of predetermined objects or falls within a number of predetermined classes. A first determination may be made by the determination means at the first position of the holder with a second and confirming determination made at an interim position between the first and second positions. Following at least two successive positive determinations, the holder may move to the second position for exit of the object into the exit path. More than two determinations may be made during the movement of the holder and the object may pass the test if more than a predetermined number of positive determinations are made. In an alternative arrangement, the object may simply fail if one negative determination is made out of a plurality of determinations. In one possible form of the invention, the holder may continue moving towards the second position, with determinations being progressively made until a negative determination is reached. In a most preferred form of the invention, the holder is also moveable to a rest position whereby the holder closes the entry slot and may remain in this rest position until a suitably qualified object is presented at or adjacent the entry slot. This rest position may correspond with the interim position of the holder. The apparatus may further include a pre-discriminator device such as an object sensor at or adjacent the entry slot, with the 5 holder moving to the first position in response to a detection made by the object sensor. The object sensor may be a metal detector to detect metal objects. Preferably, the determination means remains stationary while the object in the holder moves with the holder. Thus, the determination means will be operable on different parts of the object as it is moved in the holder and the plurality of determinations is 0 made. For example, where the holder is a rotary device, the determination means may be offset from the axis of rotation. In another arrangement, the position of the object in the holder may be offset from the axis of rotation.

5 In a preferred form of the invention, the holder may move to a reject position when the object is failed. The reject position may be the same as the first position so the object is directed back towards the entry slot as discussed in the following paragraph. Alternatively, the reject position may comprise another position which facilitates exit of the object through the entry slot. In an alternative embodiment, there may be an additional reject path for rejected objects. In any case, the rejection of the object from the holder may be aided by a pusher. The apparatus may further include a coin or token seat disposed externally of and adjacent the entry slot. The seat and the holder may be arranged such that, unrestrained, a coin pushed into the holder in its first position will, at least after a predetermined time, roll at least partially back through the slot, onto the external seat. Typically, the first determination will be carried out within a time period sufficiently small for an object of the predetermined type of in the predetermined class not to have rolled out before consequent movement of the holder towards the second position. In a more preferred embodiment, the coin rolls from the entry slot into the holder and will not normally roll out unless the holder moves to the reject position, different from the first position. Preferably, the means to determine whether an object disposed in the holder is more likely than not a predetermined object or an object of a predetermined class, primarily utilises electromagnetic detection, and preferably no optics. The electromagnetic detection may typically entail one or more inductive loops in the housing arranged in electrical circuitry for detecting a response to the presence of, or arrival of, an object in said holder. The means to determine may determine whether the coin or token falls within a number 5 of predetermined classes of objects. In this case a predetermined class may comprise, for example: metal objects; or generally circular metal objects; or objects of particular alloy composition; or coins of a particular issuing authority (eg Australian coins or Eurozone coins). Most preferably, the determining means will determine whether or not the coin or token is one of a number of predetermined objects. In this case the number 0 of predetermined objects may be Australian denomination coins. Thus, in this case the determination means can determine whether the coin or token is a coin of a specific nomination, e.g. a 10 cent piece. Where the determination means is able to 6 discriminate to this degree and determine the particular monetary value of a coin, a further coin validator downstream is not necessary. Because the coin is received into a predictable location within the housing, a high order of discrimination may be possible. Preferably, the means responsive to the validation signal to move the holder from its first position to its second position includes an actuator or driver for the holder and a control means that is typically programmable. Advantageously, the apparatus further includes means to detect a load parameter for the holder/actuator, and the control means is advantageously programmed to halt and reverse the movement of the holder from its first position to its second position in the event that a value of said load parameter is detected outside a predetermined range. The housing is preferably designed to be operable to gain access to the coin holder to enable service personnel to clear debris. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; a coin or token holder actuable between a first condition for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second condition in which the coin or token is 0 dischargeable from the holder to an exit path in said housing or otherwise, wherein said coin or token holder is structured, so as, when installed, to close off said entry slot in its second condition and the exit path in its first condition, whereby at all times to prevent access to the exit path from externally of said slot; electromagnetic means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or 25 token holder is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; and if so, to issue a validation signal; and means responsive to said validation signal to actuate said holder to said second condition for exit of the object into the exit path.

7 The second aspect of the invention may include any of the aspects set out above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; a coin or token holder moveable within the housing between at least a first position for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second position in which the coin or token is dischargeable from the holder to an exit path, said holder being structured to close off said entry slot in its second position and the exit path in its first position; means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; the determination means being operable following a positive determination to issue a validation signal; and drive means responsive to said validation signal to move said holder to said second position wherein said drive means includes a worm drive. The drive means may include an electric motor to drive a worm which meshes with a worm wheel which is connected to the holder. 0 The third aspect of the invention may include any of the aspects set out above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Z5 Figure 1 is a side elevational diagrammatic view of the main elements of a coin receipt mechanism comprising coin processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the mechanism of Figure 1; 8 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 in Figure 2, shown the rotary coin holder in the first condition; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but depicting the second condition of the rotary coin holder; Figure 5 is a side cutaway view illustrating the main components of a coin processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, with Figure 5 showing the internal coin holder in a first position; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, except showing the coin holder in an interim or confirmation position; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, except showing the coin holder in a second position where the coin may roll out to an exit path; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5, except showing the coin holder in a reject position where the coin rolls out through the entry slot; Figure 9 is an end view of the coin processing apparatus shown in Figure 5, illustrating the entry slot; Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, except with the entry slot closed by the coin holder; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the coin processing apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section of the coin processing apparatus of 0 Figure 5; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the moving side of the coin processing apparatus; Figure 14 is a cutaway view shown from the perspective of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the fixed side of the coin processing 5 apparatus; Figure 16 is a cutaway view from the perspective of Figure 15; and 9 Figure 17 is a view with the two sides of the coin processing apparatus being separated to provide access to the internal coin holder. Description of embodiments The illustrated mechanism 10 includes a housing 12 in three principal sub-housings 14, 15, 16 fixed to and behind a front plate 20 that extends beyond the periphery of the housing for being mounted in a suitable pre-formed opening in the front wall of a host machine. Sub-housing 14 is in the form of a cage for rotably mounting a generally cylindrical coin holder 30 which is thereby positioned directly behind a coin entry slot 40 in front plate 20. Sub-housing 14 has a pair of side plates 22 linked by cross studs 23 that define the spacing of the side plates and thereby define a chamber 32 for coin holder 30 that is open at its top, bottom and rear and partially closed at its front by plate 20. Holder 30 is essentially a hollow disc with an interior chamber 31 enclosed at its sides and periphery except for an arcuate opening 33 in cylindrical wall 34 that extends for about 90 degrees at the axis of the holder. Holder 30 is journalled in the side plates 22 of sub-housing 14 and is rotatably actuable by a suitable actuator, eg an electric motor, 35 via a suitable gear train (not shown) within sub-housing 16. Rotary coin holder 30 is actuable by rotation between two primary conditions. In the first or coin receipt condition (illustrated in Figures 1-3), opening 33 is in register with coin entry slot 40 so that a person may, in this condition, insert a coin 100 through slot 40 and opening 33 into the interior chamber 32 of the coin holder. In the second or coin discharge condition (Figure 4), opening 33 is directed downwardly and rearwardly for discharging the coin 100 (a discharging coin is shown at 60 in Figure 1) along an exit path. In a typical installation, this exit path will be into an underlying escrow unit or the 5 host machine coin hopper, depicted in Figure 1 by broken lines 50. However, in some embodiments, the mechanism may simply serve as a pre-discriminator before a separate validator unit. In this case, the level of discrimination need not be as high as the case where the mechanism serves as the sole means of validation. It will be noted that in this second condition of rotary coin holder 30, the outer cylindrical wall 34 of 0 holder 30 extends across and behind coin entry slot 40, thus preventing access with any inserted device to the coin path of the underlying coin validator. Conversely, when 10 rotary coin holder 30 is in its first or coin receipt condition in which opening 33 is in register with coin entry slot 40, the cylindrical wall of the holder closes the exit path. Between these conditions, the holder rotates so that opening 33 passes over the top of the holder and a coin therein cannot fall out. Just outside and adjacent coin entry slot 40 are two accessory features, a coin seat 42 in the form of a U-shaped projection, and a pair of parallel concave wings 44 at each side of the slot 40. These features co-operate to retain and stabilise a coin or other object (Figure 3) that rolls partially back out of slot 40 from holder 30 to the position depicted by broken line 102 in Figure 1. The slot 40 and holder 30 are configured so that this automatically happens, under gravity, if an object remains unrestrained in holder 30 for longer than a predetermined time interval without rotation of the holder from its first to its second condition. During the time interval just noted, the mechanism is arranged to perform a discrimination test on the object in the holder. For this purpose, sub-housing 15 contains an inductance coil adjacent to holder 30 in a circuit configured to generate a signal in response to the presence of certain objects in the holder. The signal is a signature for the object, fed to a discriminator circuit also within sub-housing 15. If the discriminator circuit determines that the object disposed in the coin holder is more likely than not, one of a number of predetermined objects or falls within one of a number of classes of predetermined objects, it issues a validation signal to a controller for motor 35. The controller responds to the validation signal by activating motor 35 to in turn actuate holder 40, ie rotate it, from the coin receipt condition to the coin discharge condition. While the holder so rotates, the discriminator circuit continues to test the object in the holder. If at any point, the object fails the test, and the validation 5 signal ceases, motor 35 halts and the controller reverses the holder back to the coin receipt condition. Shortly thereafter, the rejected object rolls or falls partially out of slot 40 onto seat 42. Where the mechanism serves as merely a pre-discriminator then the predetermined classes of objects may include: metal objects; or generally circular metal objects; or 30 objects of particular alloy composition; or coins of a particular issuing authority (eg Australian coins or eurozone coins); or even a coin of a specific group of 11 denominations. Because the coin has been received into a predictable location within the housing rather than merely located at an uncertain position within a region in front of the slot, a higher order discrimination is possible than with conventional validators having a metal detection gate at the coin entry slot. However, where the mechanism serves as the sole means of validation for the host machine then the determination means serves to determine whether the coin or token is one of a number of predetermined objects, eg is a coin of particular value belonging to a set of allowed coins e.g. Australian currency. Motor 35 may be fitted with a device to detect a load parameter of its output shaft. The controller can then be programmed to halt and reverse the actuation of the holder from its first condition to its second condition in the event that a value of the load parameter is detected outside a predetermined range. This might arise, for example, if the holder had multiple coins, or multiple other objects, or an attempt was being made by a tamperer to restrain rotation of the holder, eg by placing a wire or the like through the slot 40 and opening 33 as the holder begins to move. Figures 5 to 17 illustrate a second embodiment of a coin processing apparatus. In particular, figures 5 to 8 illustrate the basic operation of this second embodiment. The coin processing apparatus 50 includes a housing 52 which will be explained more fully in connection with figures 11 and 12. Within the housing is a rotary coin holder 54 which is disc-like in shape (see Figure 11). The coin holder has a coin receiving recess 56 which has a peripheral opening and is open on one face thereof. This open face is normally closed by a fixed side 58 of the housing. A peripheral wall 57 surrounds the recess 56. The coin holder 54 also includes a pusher or clearing blade 60, the function of which will be described in connection with Figure 8. !5 The housing 50 also includes a coin entry slot 62 best seen in figures 9 and 10. The coin entry slot has a circumferential object sensor 64 (see Figure 11). The object sensor 64 takes the form of a winding fitted around the entry slot 62. The presence of a coin changes the frequency established in this winding, signalling the presence of a coin. Other metallic objects will also be detected. 30 The object sensor 64 serves as a pre-discriminator which is able to detect the presence of a metal object placed partially into or adjacent the entry slot 62. Normally, 12 the coin holder is disposed in a rest position in which its peripheral wall 57 blocks the entry slot 62. For example, the rest position might correspond to that shown in Figure 6. When the object sensor 64 detects the presence of a metal object, the coin holder 54 rotates to the first position illustrated in Figure 5. It can be seen from Figure 5 that in the first position, the coin holder 54 defines a first bearing surface 66 and a second bearing surface 68 against which the inserted coin 70 comes to bear. It will be seen that the first shoulder 66 is inclined downwardly towards the interior of the coin recess 56. Thus, the coin 70 is received in a predictable location within the housing 54 at which a first determination may be made. In this preferred embodiment, a determination is made as to the particular denomination of the inserted coin. This is carried out by the sensing coils 72 which can be seen in Figure 11. The sensing coils 72 are mounted within a plate 74 having a complementary shaped through-opening 76 to receive the sensing coils 72. The plate 74 forms part of the fixed side 58 of the housing 52. The sensing coils 72 are thus fixed relative to the housing 52. The sensing coils 72 are depicted in figures 5 and 6 as a shaded oval. Once a positive determination has been made with the holder 54 in the first position, that the inserted coin 70 is a predetermined denomination of coin (or at least belongs to a predetermined class such as Australian currency), the coin holder 54 rotates to a confirmation position shown in Figure 6. In this position, the peripheral wall 57 of the coin holder 54 closes the entry slot 62. Further, a second determination is made by the sensing coils 72. As can be seen by a comparison of figures 5 and 6, the coin 70 is now at a different position relative to the sensing coils 72. This is because the coin 70 will be received in a position off centre from the axis of rotation of the coin holder 54 5 and thus as the coin holder 54 rotates, the position of the coin 70 will change relative to the sensing coils 72. Thus, the sensing coils now make a determination on a different portion of the coin 70. This provides a greater degree of certainty in the validation process. Any degree of manipulation that might be achievable in the first position will be prevented in the confirmation position because access is denied through the entry slot 0 62. If a positive determination is made in both the first position and the confirmation position shown in Figure 6, the coin holder 54 is then driven to the second position 13 shown in Figure 7 where the coin 70 will exit under gravity to an exit path 78. This may be to a coin escrow device or to the host machine hopper. Note that in both the confirmation position and the second position, the peripheral wall 57 of the coin holder 54 closes the entry slot 62. However, if a negative determination is made in either the first position or the confirmation position then the coin holder 54 rotates in reverse to a reject position illustrated in Figure 8. In this position, the first bearing surface 66 is inclined downwardly in the outward direction and is aligned with an exit ramp 80 of the entry slot 62. Thus, the coin 70 will roll back out the exit slot in the manner illustrated in Figure 8. This may be aided by the operation of the pusher 60 which rotates as shown. However, pushed 60 is optional. Also, the coin may not be pushed or rolled out the exit slot and instead an additional reject slot (not shown) to the left of exit path 78 may be provided. A moveable flap may move in the event of a negative determination to create access to the reject slot. Figure 11 is an exploded view of the coin processing apparatus 50. The housing is made up of two main components, a moving side 81 and a fixed side 58. The fixed side 58 includes plate 74 as already discussed with the assembled sensing coils 72. A main printed circuit board 84 is received within the open side of the plate 74 and the open side of the plate 74 is closed by cover 86. The moving side 81 includes chassis 82 which includes a circular recess 88 to receive the coin holder 54. The chassis 82 is provided with a bore 90 to receive the shaft 92 of the coin holder 54. The coin holder 54 is driven by a drive means which includes an electric motor 93 which drives a worm 94 which meshes with worm wheel 96. When power to the electric motor 5 is shut off, the worm wheel 96 remains fixed in position. This locking aspect is important to the coin processing apparatus 50 because it prevents tampering with the position of the coin holder 54. A drive plate 98 is keyed to the worm wheel 96 so as to be driven by the worm wheel 96. The drive plate 98 has a non-circular bore 102 complementary to the non-circular cross-section of the shaft 92 of the coin holder 54. 0 Thus, as the drive plate 98 is driven, the coin holder 54 will also be driven to rotate.

14 The apparatus 50 also includes a reject button 104 which operates against the bias of a reject button spring 106 (see Figure 14). Reverting to Figure 11, the reject button 104 turns the drive plate 98 to return the coin 70 to the customer. The keying arrangement of the drive plate and the worm wheel 96 is such that the drive plate 98 is permitted to rotate relative to the worm wheel 96 against the bias of a spring (not shown). This permits coin return to the customer, even when the worm drive is locked. A cover 108 is secured to the chassis 82 to close the moving side 81. A one-way clutch 110 can also be seen in Figure 11. This one-way clutch is effective to operate the pusher 60 to assist with ejection of the coin when the coin holder 54 is driven in reverse. Figures 11 and 12 also include an optical encoder sensor 112. This operates to determine the position of the coin holder 54. The optical encoder sensor cooperates with the control system (not shown) so that the control system is aware of the position of the coin holder 54. Figure 17 illustrates how the moving side and the fixed side 81, 58 of the housing 52 may be separated. The two housing halves 81, 58 are engaged by means of a clip 114 (see figures 12 and 14). When the clip is released, the housing halves may be separated. In this way, the coin recess 56 can be accessed by maintenance personnel to clear any debris or other extraneous material from within the coin recess 56. Figures 12 and 14 also show the face plate release button 116. The housing may be secured to a face plate (not shown) which may be mounted to the front panel of the host machine (not shown). The face plate release button permits quick detachment of the housing 52 from the face plate. Advantages 5 1. A single integrated device performing both anti-pilfering and coin validation functions. Provides cost, space and power savings 2. A single integrated device eliminates the possibility of manipulation between two separate devices. 3. An integrated device allows a rejected coin or any object to be returned directly 30 to a customer. In a two device system, the coin is not determined to be a reject until it 15 has passed through the anti-pilfering device (APD) and through the coin validator some distance away. If this "coin" is in fact an object (metal or otherwise) designed to manipulate or put the host out of service by jamming or some other means then the shutter-type anti-pilfering device has no way of preventing it happening. 4. Porting action of the drum prevents access from the customer side to the machine side making the whole machine more secure. 5. Validation within the anti-pilfering device eliminates the problem with being able to open the coin entry slot with any metal object. In this case, although the object sensor will open on detecting metal, the coin entry slot only gives access to the coin holder and not inside the machine. The coin holder will only rotate if the object is a valid coin. 6. Shutter-type APDs are operated by a solenoid. This allows the shutter to be forced open if the machine controller determines that no coins are to be accepted. ie out of order. The rotary movement of the drum, by way of worm and wheel, provides an inherent locking mechanism which prevents the customer opening the coin entry slot by rotating the drum. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. A coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; a coin or token holder moveable within the housing between at least a first position for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second position in which the coin or token is dischargeable from the holder to an exit path, said holder being structured to close off said entry slot in its second position and the exit path in its first position; means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; said determination means being operable to make a determination at a plurality of different positions of the holder and being operable following a positive determination at said plurality of different positions to issue a validation signal; and means responsive to said validation signal to move said holder to said second position.

2. The coin or token processing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the holder is also moveable to a rest position at which the holder is structured to close off the entry 0 slot.

3. The coin or token processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the determination means is operable to make a determination at the first position and a third confirmatory position, said holder being structured to close off the entry slot in its third position. 5

4. A coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; 17 a coin or token holder actuable between a first condition for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second condition in which the coin or token is dischargeable from the holder to an exit path in said housing or otherwise, wherein said coin or token holder is structured, so as, when installed, to close off said entry slot in its second condition and the exit path in its first condition, whereby at all times to prevent access to the exit path from externally of said slot; electromagnetic means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; and if so, to issue a validation signal; and means responsive to said validation signal to actuate said holder to said second condition for exit of the object into the exit path.

5. A coin or token processing apparatus, including: a housing; a coin or token entry slot in the housing; a coin or token holder moveable within the housing between at least a first position for receiving a coin or token inserted through said slot, and a second position in which the coin or token is dischargeable from the holder to an exit path, said holder being structured to close off said entry slot in its second position and the exit path in its 0 first position; means to determine whether an object disposed in said coin or token holder is more likely than not: one of a number of predetermined objects; or falls within a number of predetermined classes of objects; the determination means being operable following a positive determination to issue a validation signal; and 5 drive means responsive to said validation signal to move said holder to said second position wherein said drive means includes a worm drive.