Abstract: A single chute, multi-denomination, electronic coin validator having a solenoid operated coin stop positioned upstream of a coin denomination detector, together with a sensor, so that a coin is brought to rest on the coin stop and then released to go on past the detector in response to a solenoid actuating signal. The latter is produced after an interval sufficient to allow the coin time to stop bouncing on the stop and is derived from a signal produced by the sensor. The sensor signal is also used to produce a further signal to act as a timing signal determining the period of the validation test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single chute, multidenomination, coin validator using a transformer to generate a transient signal whose amplitude varies with the denomination of the coin sensed by the transformer. The signal may operate more than one of a plurality of "window" type comparators corresponding respectively to the valid denominations but, if so, it causes sequential operation thereof. A control signal is generated at the peak of the signal amplitude and the criterion of validity is the coincidence of the control signal and a comparator output signal. A coin gate may be used to prevent valid coins being retrieved from the coin chute.