Coin dispenser with auto-latching coin canister

A coin canister for use in a coin dispenser, the coin canister comprising:

• a series of tubular receptacles;
• a first feature operable to couple with a latch of the coin dispenser to automatically lock the coin canister against unauthorized removal from the coin dispenser when the coin canister is placed into a first position for dispensing a coin from the coin dispenser;
• and
• a removable cover that secures coins in the coin canister from unauthorized removal from the coin canister, wherein the cover includes a plurality of circular openings for manually loading a plurality of coins into the coin canister in a single action without removing the coin canister from the first position, wherein each of the plurality of circular openings is aligned with one of the series of tubular receptacles.

A coin dispenser, comprising:

• a coin canister, operable to couple with the coin dispenser in a first position for loading coins into the coin canister and in a second position for dispensing a coin from the coin dispenser;
• a latch operable to automatically lock the coin canister against unauthorized removal from the coin dispenser when the coin canister is placed into the second position;
• and
• a remotely operable mechanism operable to unlock the coin canister from the coin dispenser,
• wherein the coin canister comprises:
• a series of tubular receptacles;
• and
• a removable cover that secures coins in the coin canister from unauthorized removal from the coin canister and the cover includes a plurality of circular openings for manually loading a plurality of coins into the coin canister in a single action without removing the coin canister from the second position, wherein each of the plurality of circular openings is aligned with one of the series of tubular receptacles.

A system for dispensing coins, comprising:

• a controller;
• and
• a coin dispenser electrically connected to the controller, the coin dispenser comprising a coin canister and a latch operable to automatically lock the coin canister against unauthorized removal from the coin dispenser when the coin canister is placed in a dispensing position, wherein the coin canister comprises:
• a series of tubular receptacles;
• and
• a removable cover that secures coins in the coin canister from unauthorized removal from the coin canister, wherein the cover includes a plurality of circular openings for manually loading a plurality of coins into the coin canister in a single action without removing the coin canister from the dispensing position, wherein each of the plurality of circular openings is aligned with one of the series of tubular receptacles;
• wherein the controller is operable to send an electrical signal to the coin dispenser that causes the latch to unlock the coin canister from the coin dispenser.