Patent ID: 7604107

Claim:
A machine that vends services and/or products, comprising: a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first and second compartments are distinct, and wherein the first compartment is arranged above the second compartment, a wall separating the first and second compartments, a coin receiving system located in the first compartment, the coin receiving system comprising a coin selector, a pre-storage device for storing valid coins temporarily, and a pipe configured to transport coins found to be authentic by the coin selector to the pre-storage device, a locking finger fixed to the pre-storage device, a box for storing coins, located in the second compartment and comprising an opening for one or more coins, a chute that opens into the opening of the box for transferring the coins from the pre-storage device to the box through the wall, and a closing device comprising a trap, the trap being movable between an open position and a closed position of the chute, and a spring for forcing the trap into the closed position, wherein the locking finger prevents the trap from reaching the closed position, wherein removing the pre-storage device from its normal operating position removes the locking finger so that said spring forces a sudden displacement of the trap to the closed position, thereby preventing access to the opening of the box through the chute, wherein the box is placed such that the chute remains above the opening of the box during the removing of the pre-storage device.