(57) A microprocessor-controlled coin handling apparatus, for example for a vending machine,
has a plurality of change tubes (22,24,26) each of which is provided with a single
level sensor (150,152) for determining whether or not the number of coins in the respective
tube (22, 24, 26) is greater than a predetermined number. The microprocessor (50)
keeps a count of the coins in the tube (22, 24, 26). When the power is turned on,
the count is set to zero if the sensor (150, 152) indicates that the number of coins
is less than the predetermined number, and is set to a predetermined "full" number
(FUlNUM) otherwise. The microprocessor (50) increments and decrements the counts as
coins are delivered to and dispensed from the change tubes (22, 24, 26). Whenever
the level of coins rises or falls such that the sensor output changes, the coin count
is automatically corrected.
Also disclosed is a non-volatile memory (60) for storing parameters determining how
the coins are handled. Keys (102, 104, 106) are provided for accessing and altering
the contents of the memory (60). Some contents are accessible in a first mode, whereas
other contents are inaccessible in this mode, and require a second or third access
mode to be entered. At least one location can be altered in a first manner during
one of the access modes, and in a second manner only during a different access mode.
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