Abstract: A coin-operated mechanism for use in association with a machine for enabling the machine to be activated a predetermined number of times for a single deposit of the proper amount of coinage. The invention relates to a latch inhibiting mechanism which prevents the latch mechanism, normally requiring a deposit of the proper amount of coinage in return for a single activation of the machine, from engaging until the machine has been activated the predetermined number of times. A cam, during the initial activation, is moved by a reciprocating rack a predetermined distance for each activation of the machine and prevents the latch mechanism from operating until the machine has been activated the predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A color recognition system is used to distinguish between objects of various colors. A plurality of light sources are arranged at a sensing station to reflect light from the object as it passes the sensing station to a plurality of cooperatively mounted light detectors. The signals produced by the plurality of detectors are compared with a reference voltage and the comparison utilized to differentiate between objects of different colors passing the sensing station. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the color recognition system is incorporated in a ball separator for a pool table to separate the entirely white cue ball from the partially or wholly differently colored object balls and to divert the cue ball into a first storage station and the object balls into a separate storage station.

Abstract: A color recognition system is used to distinguish between objects of various colors. A plurality of light sources are arranged at a sensing station to reflect light from the object as it passes the sensing station to a plurality of cooperatively mounted light detectors. The signals produced by the plurality of detectors are compared with a reference voltage and the comparison utilized to differentiate between objects of different colors passing the sensing station. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the color recognition system is incorporated in a ball separator for a pool table to separate the entirely white cue ball from the partially or wholly differently colored object balls and to divert the cue ball into a first storage station and the object balls into a separate storage station.