Patents by Inventor Michael John Knight

Michael John Knight has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for authenticating and identifying coins
    Patent number: 3980168
    Abstract: In a coin selector, a coin moving in a nearly vertical path under the influence of gravity is first tested to determine whether it is made of a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic, conductive material. If the coin is identified as one of ferromagnetic material, it is further identified by examining a function of one of the coin's dimensions and by timing the period necessary for it to travel through a solenoid. If the coin is identified as of a non-ferromagnetic, conductive material, it is further identified by examining a function of one of the coin's dimensions and timing the period necessary for it to travel through a linear motor which is arranged to decelerate such moving coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Inventors: Michael John Knight, Gerard Cuenod, Louis Marius Andre Bechet