Abstract: Magnetic sensors, sensor modules, and methods thereof are provided. A magnetic sensor includes a sensor arrangement including a plurality of magnetic field sensor elements electrically arranged in an asymmetrical bridge circuit, where a first total resistance of a first pair of sensor elements provided on a first side of the asymmetrical bridge circuit is different from a second total resistance of a second pair of sensor elements provided on a second side of the asymmetrical bridge circuit, and the asymmetrical bridge circuit is configured to generate a differential signal based on sensor signals generated by the plurality of magnetic field sensor elements in response to a magnetic field impinging thereon.

Abstract: A silver coin diagnostic tool adapted to be used with an existing cash register for separating coins minted from silver from those minted of cupro-nickel preferably includes a funnel entrance located at a top end thereof, an arresting arm seated beneath the funnel entrance, first and second passageways leading away from the arresting arm, a door located at an entrance of the second passageway. Notably, a mechanism is provided for detecting whether a coin contains silver after passing beyond the arresting arm and thereafter opening the door for directing the coin to a desired one of the first and second passageways.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining completion of coin insertion capable of easily and reliably determining whether or not a number of coins required for purchasing an article has been inserted. A coin holding portion (105) is constructed such that coins are retained in row in the coin holding portion (105) being electrically connected to each other in series. Further, a first electrode (121) that comes into contact with the coin located at one end side of the row is provided in the coin holding portion (105); and a second electrode (123) that comes into contact with the coin located at the other end side of the row is provided in the coin holding portion (105). The coin holding portion (105) is constructed to detect an electric current between the first electrode (121) and the second electrode (123) to determine whether or not the required number of coins has been inserted.

Abstract: A coin sensor is provided including a method and apparatus for providing adaptive operating point (AOP) control. The AOP control is provided using circuits and associated methods and algorithms connected between measurement circuits of the coin sensor and the coin sensor oscillator. The AOP control automatically monitors and controls the quiescent voltage levels of four signals used by the coin sensor to discriminate coins. The four signals represent coin size and coin composition. In addition, the AOP control automatically performs calibration and adjustment functions both during manufacture of the coin sensor system and during its operational life. The automatic monitoring and control functions provided by the AOP control result in a significant increase in the dynamic range of the coin sensor response. This reduces the coin false-reject rate while improving the coin discrimination precision.

Abstract: Coins may be validated and denominated by comparing varying signals from coin sensors and checking whether a predetermined relationship between them is maintained, for example, as the coin moves past die sensors. In some implementations, each varying signal may represent the varying effect on a sensor as the coin moves relate to the sensor.

Abstract: An appliance timing system includes a housing that has a perimeter all for defining an interior space. A switching assembly is positioned within the interior space of the housing. The switching assembly is operationally coupled between the appliance and a power source. The switching assembly is for allowing power from the power source to be provided to the appliance when the user actuates the switching assembly. A card is insertable into the interior space of the housing through a slot in the perimeter wall of the housing. The card is for actuating the switching assembly when the user inserts the card into the slot of the housing. A timer assembly is operationally coupled between the switching assembly and the appliance. The timer assembly is for allowing the appliance to operate for the pre-determined amount of time before discontinuing power to the appliance.