Abstract: A device for selectively routing coins moving edgewise on to either of two paths is described. The device contains a flap lying generally in the plane of movement of a coin, the flap being pivoted such that its upstream end is selectively movable between two positions to cause the coin to go either to one side or to the other side of the flap depending upon the position of the flap, a coin support arranged to support a coin going to the one side of the flap, so that the coin continues edgewise past the flap, and an opening into which a coin going to the other side of the flap will fall edgewise.

Abstract: A coin routing gate is formed by a solenoid, the armature of which is, or is directly coupled to, a resilient flexible member. Upon energization of the solenoid, the member is attracted to a yoke, and flexes during the course of its movement so that the path of movement is increased. The inherent resilience of the member shifts it back to its original position upon deenergization of the solenoid. The flexible member has a coin-directing surface, or is coupled to a coin-directing member.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical coin totalizer for newspaper vending machines and the like includes a coin chute having an arcuate shoulder, a wake-up arm, and optical sensors for measuring a chord length on coins inserted in the totalizer. A coin inserted in the coin chute travels along the arcuate shoulder, whereby coin bounce is minimized and the accuracy of coin chord measurements is enhanced. The wake-up arm biases coins against the arcuate shoulder and reduces coin bounce in direct proportion to the size of the coin.

Abstract: A temporary automatic machine coin store includes a gear-tooth belt disposed between two tooth-gear blocks, namely, a driving tooth-gear block and a return tooth-gear block. A plurality of blades are attached to one belt. The width of the blades is equal to the maximal diameter of the coin to be inserted. The coin store assembly is disposed inside a vertically elongate housing. The tooth-gear blocks are vertically aligned. The upper end of the housing has a window for the coins to enter. The coins drop one by one upon the dihedral defined by each pair of blades which occupy at that time the upper end position within the device.

Abstract: A coin escrow unit including a first and a second body where the first body has a first and second flange, where the first flange is adapted to impart a tumbling movement to downwardly moving coins, and the second flange is downwardly distending, and where the second body has a downwardly distending flange, the downwardly distending flanges of the first and second bodies combining with two gates to form the coin escrow.

Abstract: A device for guiding a coin arriving in an entry (6) of the device to a selected one of a plurality of exits (12) of the device, comprising a movable guide (14) having a plurality of inlets (16) each leading to a common outlet (18), the guide being movable to position the outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and the inlets being so arranged that one of them is in a position to admit a coin arriving through the entry irrespective of the position of the guide, whereby the coin is guided from the one inlet via the common outlet to the selected exit.

Abstract: A mobile telephone system for public transportation vehicle, such as trains, cabs, etc., provides passengers with a wide variety of public services presently not available in any other system. Such services include access to facsimile machines and other peripheral devices, a range of payment options such as credit card or cash, and voice synthesized as well as visual instructions on how to operate the system making the system user friendly to an unrehearsed user.

Abstract: A device for guiding an arriving coin, which is travelling edgewise, to a selected one of a plurality of exits of the device, comprising a guide having a coin entry to admit arriving coins and a coin outlet, the guide being of changeable configuration, and a guide control mechanism adapted to selectively position the coin outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and to change the configuration of the guide as its coin outlet moves between exits. The device can guide coins to numerous exits spaced over a wide range yet is compact in height and width and requires only a single actuator.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a single coin passage and a single coin rolling-down passage. The coin passage is equipped with a coin discriminating mechanism so as to discriminate whether a coin inserted through a coin insert slit is a true coin or a false coin, and moreover, discriminate the kind of the coin which has been recognized as a true coin. On the other hand, the coin rolling-down passage is equipped with a coin distributing mechanism so as to selectively distribute the true coin conveyed from the coin passage depending on the kind of each coin. Conculsively, the coin selector is contructed in a very compact configuration.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, method and apparatus for identifying winning and losing tokens used in a promotion which includes a machine in which one of such tokens is placed. An eddy current sensor in the machine determines the composition of the alloy of which the token is made and identifies it as a "winner" or a "loser." If the token is a winner, the machine may hold the token for manual release and verification. In one aspect of the invention, a coupon is or other object is dispensed when the token is a winner.

Abstract: This coin guiding device (10) includes a coin delivery passage (12), three coin discharge passages (38, 62, and 64). A pivoted gate (24) is disposed in the coin delivery passage (12) having a coin guiding upper edge (32) and opposed coin guiding faces (34 and 36). A gate actuator (M1) selectively moves the gate (24) a first position in which the gate upper edge (32) guides a coin into the first discharge passage (38), a second position in which one of the opposed faces (34) guides a coin into the second discharge passage (62) and a third position in which the other opposed face (36) guides a coin into the third discharge passage (64). In one embodiment a second, similar gate (132) is disposed in first discharge passage (38) for further directing a coin in one of three directions.

Abstract: A vending machine for newspapers includes a housing and an upwardly biased support table (15) for receiving a supply stack of newspapers vertically movable within the housing. A control handle (35) pulls a slide (32) forward. The slide (32) supports a pivotable arm (37) for moving the uppermost newspaper of the stack over a guide plate (53) into a withdrawal slot. A three-quarter circular-cylindrical segment-shaped roller (39) having at least one projection (41) is rotatably mounted at the forward end of the arm. In the rearward base position, the forward end of the arm is lifted away from the stack by a slide (45).

Abstract: A device for guiding a coin arriving in an entry (6) of the device to a selected one of a plurality of exits (12) of the device, comprising a movable guide (14) having a plurality of inlets (16) each leading to a common outlet (18), the guide being movable to position the outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and the inlets being so arranged that one of them is in a position to admit a coin arriving through the entry irrespective of the position of the guide, whereby the coin is guided from the one inlet via the common outlet to the selected exit.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for separating one specified kind of coins from a plurality of coins including various kinds of coins.

Abstract: A coin intermittent accepting device of a reservation type coin acceptor including a coin reserving passage for temporarily reserving a plurality of coin as in public telephones. The accepting device includes an electromagnetic solenoid fixed on one of parallelly spaced side plates of said coin reserving passage, parallelly spaced support arms each having one end pivotably supported on a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid and other free ends integral with an acceptance gate, and a coin stop arm having one end pivotably supported on the pivot axis and other free end providing the coin stop, at least one of the support arms and the coin stop arm being provided with longitudinal slots inclined in opposite directions, respectively, and the plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid having at the free end thereof an actuating pin extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger and engaging the inclined slots.

Abstract: An improved coin escrow mechanism for use in a coin telephone including movable plates located at the corners where the hopper chute joins with the collect and refund channels, respectively. The movable plates facilitate the deposit of additional coinage. Also included is a special notch in the hopper facilitating the easy assembly of the coin escrow mechanism, particularly as to a trigger switch actuator used for actuating the trigger switch on the relay portion of the mechanism.

Abstract: A low power device for sorting tokens as part of a coin-operated meter is disclosed. The device sorts a token while it is falling under the influence of gravity and assures that a movable gate, which directs the token to one of two paths, is in the proper position before the token reaches the gate. Power to move the gate is used only when the position of the gate is to be changed.

Abstract: A coin analyzer system and apparatus that provides a detection circuit for comparing a tested coin with at least two different sample coins. Two different sample coins are located in a magnetic field, and the tested coins pass through another region of the magnetic field. In the event the tested coin does not match either sample coin, a rejecting gate forces the tested coin out of the coin chute in a laterally normal direction and into a rejected coin chute. In the event that the tested coin matches either sample coin, the rejecting gate is opened and the tested coin drops through a substantially vertical accepted coin chute. Credit is not extended the tested coin until the coin passes a confirmation sensor, and the determining circuit may be adjusted to vary the credit value extended to at least one of the sample coins. A lockout circuit rejects and prevents a subsequent coin from being analyzed during the time that the circuit is crediting a prior tested coin with multiple credits.

Abstract: A coin operated telephone payment device is provided for use in public telephones. The device includes a provisional receptacle (7) for the coins (12) inserted, formed by a cylindrical body provided with a series of open radial compartments (11) blocked at the bottom by a body (9) provided with an inclination towards the outside. The body is capable of turning slightly so as to allow the coins located in the compartments to pass to the return box (8). The compartments have an operable payment door (6) so that the coin to be paid goes to the definitive coin box (4).

Abstract: An electronic coin acceptor comprises a particular components portion mainly including a coin passage, at least one sensor and an oscillating circuit for providing information signals in response to the dimensions and material of a coin and a common components portion mainly including a coin discriminating circuit for producing a gate actuating signal, a coin acceptance chute and a gate at the inlet of the coin acceptance chute. The particular components portion is detachable from the common components portion and replaceably by a different particular components portion that is designed to discriminate a new coin that differs from the coins previously being examined by the acceptor.

Abstract: A rapid coin acceptor is disclosed which is capable of discriminating valid coins or tokens from counterfeit coins or tokens and for accepting the valid coins or tokens as they fall by gravity through the device. The coin acceptor includes a coin introduction chute which receives coins or tokens and directs the coins by gravity feed to a coin sensing gate which is positioned in vertical registry below the bottom of the coin introduction chute. The coin sensing gate is equipped with a plurality of sensors to sense various parameters of the coin or token for authentication purposes as the coin or token drops through the coin sensing gate. The coin sensing gate is designed of height between one and one and one-half times the diameter of the coin to assure substantially instantaneous response to prevent the rapid insertion of a spurious coin from defeating the sensor control.

Abstract: This coin divertor assembly (12) includes a body (14), defining a coin-entry path (20) and first and second coin exit paths (24, 26). A divertor member 30 is mounted to the body and is actuated by a pulsed solenoid for movement between first and second positions to divert coins C to one or other of said coin-exit paths. A biased latch member (50) is pivotally mounted to the body. The latch member is held against rotation by engagement with the divertor member when the divertor member is in the first position and engages the divertor member to hold the divertor member against rotation to the first position when the divertor member is in the second position. The divertor member is held until the latch member is rotated from the support position and the latch member may include an arm (56) extending into a coin-exit path, which can be coin-impacted to rotate the latch member out of engagement with the divertor member to permit the divertor member to return to its first position.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a retrofit coin measuring apparatus installed in a newspaper vending rack, and more particularly a retrofit structure which is electronically actuated. It incorporates a switch which is operated by insertion of a coin into the coin chute, switching on electrical power which is otherwise switched off to preserve battery life. The coin measuring apparatus has a removable retrofit structure which is attached by a lock bar. Inside the coin measuring apparatus, there is a switch which initiates operation of the electronic circuitry to test for bogus coins, to measure the value of the coin, and sum the total value of coins inserted until a price has been paid and to thereafter operate a door mounted on a paper receiving cabinet. The door is provided with a door hook cooperative with a door hook closure device to close and latch after the sale of a paper. After each sale, the electronic circuitry is switched off and is in a dormant state until the next transaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device for detecting that the coin storage receptacle of a slot machine such as a parking meter is full of coins. The device includes a moving flap (32) disposed across the coin arrival path. A microswitch (42) detects the position of the flap (32). If the flap does not return to its rest position, then the receptcle is full.

Abstract: Deflecting elements and other elements contacting coins in a coin-checking apparatus are provided with plastic bodies which have a hard metallic coating to reduce wear to the exterior surface of the bodies.

Abstract: An automatic toll collector of a throw-in type is installed in toll roads, parking places and other tollgates so that a driver can pay a toll while the driver sits on a driver's seat.

Abstract: A compact, low power gate apparatus for use in coin operated machines, such as coin operated telephones, utilizes an inclined diverting surface and adjacent, coupled levers to decrease power requirements, multiply displacements and save space. A selectively energizable solenoid associated with a first lever moves the levers from a first to a second position when the solenoid is energized, and maintains them in their first position until the solenoid is energized again. A spring restores the levers to their first position when the solenoid is no longer energized and maintains the levers in their first position until the solenoid is energized again. The second lever has a coin diverting plate which is selectively positioned to divert a coin to a particular path or allow the coin to continue along the same path.

Abstract: The coin handling system prevents coin to coin contact taking place in coin operated equipment. This is achieved by an arrangement whereby the presence of a coin activates a first lever which moves a second lever in the coin path behind the coin so that a subsequent coin abuts the second lever. A series of such levers are employed in the coin store of coin operated equipment, the actual number depending upon the number of coins to be stored. When the first coin is cleared from the store by a suitable gate arrangement, all coins move along the store by one position, the separation being maintained by the interaction of the levers and coins. The advantages of the system are that a wider range of coins from one coin set can be accommodated in a single store than is presently possible. The coin insertion sequence is maintained for the purposes of microprocessor control since a single store is used. Since coins cannot overtake each other the risk of coins jams is lessened.

Abstract: A mechanism for the reception and collection of coins in coin-operated machines includes a frame that can be moved along guides, located immediately beneath the coin selector or entry, which frame is divided into a series of identical vertical chambers, open at the top and bottom and on one of their transverse walls, with apertured plates for opening and closing the bottom and the side wall. The mechanism can be moved along the guides so that the open tops of the chambers are successively positioned under the exit of the selector. The mechanism for driving the frame, as well as the mechanism that drives gates that open and close the chambers, are controllable by a microprocessor, based on the information provided concerning the chamber in which each coin is located and the position of the frame at any given moment, which is provided by a decoder that is part of the frame and a reader that is stationary with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A coin analyzer system and apparatus that provides a detection circuit for comparing a tested coin with at least two different sample coins. Two different sample coins are located in a magnetic field, and the tested coins pass through another region of the magnetic field. In the event the tested coin does not match either sample coin, a rejecting gate forces the tested coin out of the coin chute in a laterally normal direction and into a rejected coin chute. In the event that the tested coin matches either sample coin, the rejecting gate is opened and the tested coin drops through a substantially vertical accepted coin chute. Credit is not extended the tested coin until the coin passes a confirmation sensor, and the determining circuit may be adjusted to vary the credit value extended to at least one of the sample coins. A lockout circuit rejects and prevents a subsequent coin from being analyzed during the time that the circuit is crediting a prior tested coin with multiple credits.

Abstract: A plurality of plate members are provided to be aligned with each other in order to define a plurality of coin paths in units of denominations which are aligned with each other and capable of communicating with a common path along which all inserted coins pass. Selectors are provided at a position immediately upstream from two successive aligned coin paths. Each selector is driven by a solenoid operative in accordance with a detection result from a coil for detecting denominations of coins. An inserted coin is directed to a corresponding coin path by the selector.

Abstract: The coin separator includes a first coin passage having an inclined rail on which two coins having larger and smaller diameters are transferred. A first inclined wall is formed sidewise of the inclined rail. An upper end of the first inclined wall is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the outside of the first coin passage and the height of the first inclined wall is generally larger than the diameter of a large diameter coin. A second inclined wall is formed upstream of the first inclined wall. An upper end of the second inclined wall is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the outside of the first coined passage. The predetermined angle of the second inclined wall is greater than that of the first inclined wall and the height of the second inclined wall is generally larger than the diameter of a small diameter coin. A wall projects from a position located opposite to the second inclined wall to the inside of the first coin passage.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing single copies of newspapers or the like by the operation of a pull and push handle that is linked to a plate carrying needles that draw one copy of a newspaper outwardly from a tray through a dispensing door. The newspapers are carried on a spring biased tray that advances newspapers upwardly. The tray is controlled by a brake lock mechanism that allows the tray to be moved upward to a sufficient distance relative to the dispensing door so that only a single copy is drawn outwardly and wherein the brake lock locks the tray at the same respective vertical location for the next paper to be dispensed. A safety ratchet mechanism is arranged with a cable pulley system that is driven by a tension spring arrangement whereby the delivery person may load incremental amounts of newspapers on the tray and safely advance the tray downwardly against the spring loading.

Abstract: A coin sorter for coin-operated machines including a frame subdivided on the interior into vertical passages for coins, the upper ends of which open out through apertures in a transversely aligned position, and the lower ends of which open out through apertures in two axially shifted positions. The frame is mounted so as to be able to pivot about a medium axis parallel to and near the bottom and is connected to a mechanism that causes the partial tilting of said frame toward one side or the other, moving the upper opening of the passages sideways. The passages can have openings through a smaller wall, in which case gates permit the selective closing of any of the openings.

Abstract: A bucket type coin accumulation apparatus includes a collection plate, a return plate, locking members, weights, and photodetectors. The collection and return plates constitute a bottom portion of a coin accumulation bucket and cooperate to randomly accumulate coins in the coin accumulation bucket. The locking members independently lock the collection and return plates when a coin is inserted. The weights independently urge the collection plate and the return plate in a counter-gravity direction by a biasing force smaller than the weight of one coin. The photodetectors detect whether the collection and return plates are located at home positions where the collection and return plates are biased by the weights. One of the collection and return plates is released by the weight of the accumulated coin upon selective unlocking of the locking members, and the presence/absence of coin accumulation is discriminated by an output from the photodetectors.

Abstract: This coin divertor assembly includes a body providing a coin entry path and two coin exit paths. A gate member is mounted to the body at the end of the coin-entry path for selectively diverting a coin into one of the coin-exit paths. A holder maintains the gate in each of the gate positions in a stable equilibrium condition and an actuator provides an impulse force for moving the gate from one position of stable equilibrium to the other position of stable equilibrium.

Abstract: A savings bank gaming apparatus in which a game is played by inserting a coin and then by operating a keyboard and the game and results appear on a liquid crystal display. When a control circuit determines the game has been won, the inserted coin is returned to a coin return and when lost, directed to a coin storage box. The coin after insertion is held at a fork by a gate which then directs the coin to one of the two forks in accordance with the game results.

Abstract: A coin escrow device includes a housing for receiving coins, and first and second gates for selectively discharging coins to a coin return chute or to a coin collection chute. Actuating mechanisms are provided to selectively unlatch the gates and to bias the gates to their latched positions.

Abstract: A coin sorter is described for sorting coins of different denominations by means of ramps and flaps, the sorted coins being directed to different chutes, one chute being provided for each coin denomination, the chutes and coin exit openings at the ends of chutes as well as the ramps being formed in two complementary parts of the coin sorter. The sorter may be provided either in a coin operated assembly for use in an existing coin operated vending machine or in a new machine and in either case is best used in conjunction with a coin totalizer having a ratchet wheel, a price cam and at least two circular cams, the price cam and circular cams being rotatable with the ratchet wheel when the latter is rotated by a trip wire-lever, the degree of rotation being determined by the chute through which a given coin passes.

Abstract: A coin mechanism for vending machines comprising a coin receptacle, a detector for unlocking a dispensing mechanism only when a coin of the proper size is received in the receptacle, and a coin retaining device for retaining coins deposited in the mechanism only when a selected product has been properly dispensed from the machine. The detector includes a wall defining part of a coin slot, a window in the wall, a coin holding lever for holding coins across the window only when such coins are of the proper denomination, and a detector arm for entering the window when it is open to prevent the actuation of the product dispensing mechanism and for enabling the actuation of the dispensing mechanism when the window is closed by a coin.

Abstract: A manually operated coil vending machine device is described which has a rod tipped with a pressure sensitive adhesive movable along a slot in the device to a storage bin area where articles for sale are stored and displayed. Once in the bin area, the rod is lowered until it sticks to the article selected, after which the rod is raised and moved back along the slot until it reaches an area accessible to the operator-purchaser. At such point, the purchased article is grasped and removed. The device can only be operated after predetermined coins equal to the purchase price of the articles have been inserted in the device, thereby permitting removal of a rod blocking first projection over the slot by pressure of the rod as it moves along the slot to the storage bin area.

Abstract: A coin-operated latch mechanism for a newspaper rack includes a coin-receiving mechanism into which coins are deposited. A coin-return mechanism is provided which, when depressed, swings the coin-receiving mechanism to a position in which the outlets of the coin slots overly a coin-return diverter. The coin-return diverter is normally disposed in a coin return mode and is moved to a coin retention position in response to the opening of a door of the rack. A key-actuated wall of the rack is mounted on hinges which permit a simplified removal of the wall from the rack. The key-actuated wall includes a latch which enables the wall to be closed and relatched without the use of a key.

Abstract: The specification discloses a coin mechanism for dispensing machines including two or more rectangular chutes for receiving and containing a given number of coins. A rectangular gate selectively directs coins into the chutes and a rocker arm is operable to move the gate from a first position directing coins into the first chute to a second position directing coins into the second chute when the coins reach a predetermined height in a first chute. A pawl is adjustably mounted adjacent to the second chute to prevent upward movement of a predetermined number of coins deposited in the second chute. A catch plate pivotally attached to the door of the dispensing machine below the chutes supports the coins therein. The catch plate receives a hook which prevents opening of the door until the coins in the second chute are high enough to engage the pawl. A number of intermediate chutes may be located between the first and second chutes.

Abstract: In the stacking chamber (9) of a stacking box (50) for superimposed coins (2, 3), a stack carrier (11) supporting the stacked coins is arranged, the top surface (18) of which is inclined with respect to the horizontal (c). For the stacking of coins, the stack carrier (11) is lowered so that the uppermost (3) of the stacked coins (2, 3) is in each case closely below the upper stacking box rim (19). For issuing coins, the stack carrier (11) is lifted, during which step respectively the uppermost (3) of the coins (2, 3) stacked in an oblique position slides along the coin lying therebelow and downwards over the upper stacking box rim once this uppermost coin has been lifted above this rim.

Abstract: A token handling device transmits, using an electromagnetic carrier, data, clock pulses and power to a token. The token transmits data by varying the degree of absorbtion of the carrier in synchronism with the clock pulses. These data transmissions are detected by a receiver in the token handling device, the sensitivity of which is adjusted each time a token is received. The token could be used in transactions in place of coins, or alternatively could be used for identification in other areas. Data stored by the token could be used to change the way in which the token handling device operates. The token handling device may for example form a vending machine, and the token could be used to alter the pricing of goods vended thereby. The token handling device may be combined with a coin validator, in which case there is preferably a common path from an entrance slot for carrying both the tokens and the coins to appropriate testing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved coin chute assembly wherein the housing contains a coin receiving opening, a first coin exit opening, a second coin exit opening, and a coin passageway disposed therein and interconnecting the coin receiving opening with the first and second coin exit openings. The coin passageway is characterized as having an upper coin path, a coin receiving section and a coin reject section, the upper coin path being oriented to permit a coin to fall in a substantially downward direction through the chute assembly and thus through the coin receiving section towards the first coin exit opening or through the coin reject section towards the second coin exit opening. A coil having a coin slot formed therethrough is positioned around the upper coin path such that an object traveling through the upper coin path passes through the coin slot.

Abstract: An encoder/diverter unit for use with a coin acceptor/rejector of a coin-actuated machine such as a gaming machine. The unit has the encoder portion coupled together with the diverter portion so that the encoder and diverter portions move with each other as a solenoid shifts the unit to divert coins from a first chute to a second chute. The encoder/diverter unit is formed of separable parts, including a basic body and an insert wall removably coupled to the basic body to pass coins of a first size and denomination. By changing the insert, the unit can be modified to pass coins of another size and denomination.

Abstract: Escrow apparatus for coin operated equipment includes a pair of interleaved door panels disposed at an angular orientation with respect to each other and pivotally movable between a pair of fixed walls. The panels with the walls define a coin receiving escrow chamber or bucket. The door panels are selectively pivotable to allow coins disposed in the bucket to move either to a return path for returning the coins to a user of the apparatus, or to a coin box.

Abstract: A coin sorting device is designed to inhibit tampering with a coin operated machine by means of a wire, metal tape or the like, and to further prevent non-acceptable coins from being accepted by the coin-operated machine.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus subjects a coin inserted into a coin entry (1) and rolling down an inclined track (2) to testing at a testing station (3) comprising sensors (4,5,6) which may for example be inductive sensors. If a coin is found to be acceptable an accept signal is generated and this causes gate mechanism (8) to open to permit the coin to access accept path (9), the gate mechanism (8) being normally closed so that unacceptable coins can only access a reject path (10). A post-gate detector (11) in the accept path (9) senses the passage of an accepted coin and serves to close the gate mechanism (8) and also to determine allocation of a customer credit. A pre-gate detector (12) upstream of the gate mechanism (8) has its output logically processed with the accept signal produced when an acceptable coin is tested and/or with the output of the post-gate detector (11).