A flow of packet or cell-based communications traffic is monitored by: setting a first time interval over which measurements are to be made; counting number of packets flowing during that time interval and using the count to derive parameters which are indicative of the traffic meeting a sustained cell rate requirement. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers. The magnetic head layer is formed on the base substrate and configured to magnetically access the magnetic media. A control device compares a value that is proportional to the rechargeable-battery current with a set value, and controls the charging device. One light source includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array. The cover closes over the base, securing the Y-site between the groove and the post.