IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO NON-CASH PAYMENT MEANS

摘要

A method and apparatus for the production of non-cash payment means, in which the payment means is issued in a disabled state, incapable of use, and is subsequently enabled for use. When disabled, the payment means has no value and can therefore be stored and transported without elaborate security measures. When enabled, the payment means is usable on a variety of vending machines including, for instance, a pool table. A ball release mechanism suitable for a pool table is also disclosed.