Abstract: A process for identifying an embossed image of a coin in an automatic coin tester, comprising the process steps below: The coin is moved to an image receiver and a light source, the image receiver picks up at least one image of the embossed image of the coin, an validation device compares the image to a first reference pattern to find out whether the first reference pattern is contained in the image which was picked up, if the first reference pattern is contained in the image the validation device determines whether a second reference pattern is contained in an area the position of which is determined relative to the position of the first reference pattern, the validation device produces a genuine coin or counterfeit coin signal for the coin depending on the coincidence of the image with the reference patterns.

Abstract: A coin collection apparatus for use with a coin validity testing device. The apparatus includes an electromagnetically actuated accept flap located downstream of the testing device which accept flap is pivotally supported to rotate about a horizontal axis to direct coins to a reject channel or an accept channel in response to signals delivered by the testing device. The accept flap is biased by a spring to the reject position. The apparatus further includes a first sensor located downstream of the accept flap and a second sensor located downstream of the first sensor and a processor to which the signals of the testing device and the sensors are supplied.

Abstract: A device for paying off coins from two adjacent coin collecting tubes. A rotor is located below the tubes, the rotational axis of the rotor extending substantially in parallel to an axis of the tubes. An electric motor drives the rotor to rotate the rotor in either direction of rotation about the rotational axis. A pin-like ejecting element is mounted on the rotor for ejecting a lowest coin in the coin collecting tubes, the element having an idle position which does not engage the lowest coin when the rotor is rotated by the motor and having an ejecting position which engages the lowest coin when the rotor is rotated by the motor. The element is biased in the ejecting position and has a member, the rotor having a first neutral position in which the element is in its ejecting position for discharging the lowest coin and having a second neutral position in which the element is in its idle position. A motor control controls the electric motor to rotate the rotor between the first and second neutral positions.

Abstract: A coin acceptor which accepts authentic coins includes a main plate and a side plate pivotally attached to the main plate for allowing coins to pass therebetween when the side plate is in a first position. An opening lever is pivotally attached to a pivot pin formed from the main plate. Upon rotation, the opening lever pivots the side plate into a second position. A leaf spring biases the opening lever into a rest position corresponding to the side plate being in the first position. The opening lever has a shoulder which moves in rotation with the opening lever. The main plate has a slot for passing the shoulder therethrough to the other side of the plate. The leaf spring engages the shoulder for biasing the opening lever into the rest position. The shoulder also engages a switch arm of an electrical switch for switching the switch upon rotation of the opening lever from the rest position.

Abstract: A coin acceptor comprises a main plate and a side plate which together define a coin path for allowing the passage of coins therebetween. A slot is positioned between the main plate and the side plate for catching any strings that may be attached to coins. Barbs are provided inside the slot for retaining the strings. The width of the slot is smaller than the thickness of the smallest coin and is so arranged that, when a string attached to a coin is tightened, the string is moved into the slot. An acceptance and a rejection channel are positioned downstream from the coin path. The acceptance channel has an additional slot for catching strings. First and second coin sensors are positioned adjacent the acceptance channel. If the first sensor detects the presence of a coin after the second sensor has already detected the same coin, then it is likely that a string is being used to manipulate the coin acceptor and the generation of a credit signal is disabled.

Abstract: A coin sorting device which sorts a plurality of coins as the coins pass through a coin chute. The coin sorter includes a coin flap located in the coin chute. A solenoid moves the coin flap between a first and second position. A power supply provides power to the solenoid. An emitter passes a beam of light through the coin chute across a path of the coin and through the coin flap. A detector detects the light emitted by the emitter after the light has passed through the coin chute and through the coin flap and produces an output signal as a function of the detected light. The output signal corresponds to the passage of the coin along the path and through the beam of light. A control circuit inhibits the power supply from providing power to the solenoid as a function of the output signal. Other coin flap and light barrier combinations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a coin checking device includes inserting a calibrating module into a coin passage. The coin passage contains at least one coin sensor for determining a coin's physical features. The calibrating module generates measuring signals which simulate an acceptable coin's presence. The measuring signals are received by the at least one coin sensor which in turn outputs sensor signals. The measuring signals and the sensor signals are used to calculate a calibration factor for the coin checking device.

Abstract: A coin validator which discriminates valuable coins includes a coin path along which the coins roll. A leaf spring is fixed at one end and has a spring member which projects into the coin path at the other end when the leaf spring is in a rest position. The leaf spring oscillates when the spring member is struck by a rolling coin. An evaluation circuit produces a timing signal as a function of the elapsed time between the striking of the spring member by the rolling coin and the time when the spring member first approaches the rest position after being struck. A memory stores reference values corresponding to valuable coins and a comparator compares the timing signal to the reference values for discriminating valuable coins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable switch for a coin machine comprising an electrically driven actuator for moving the switch element between at least two positions, in which the coins are selectively guided into one of at least two channels, wherein the actuator comprises a piezoelectric element deformable by a D.C. voltage which element is electrically connected to a D.C. source and is mechanically coupled to the switch element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile data recording medium, in particular a data card, comprising a memory field having a number of bits which can be read, cleared and reloaded by means of a data exchange device, wherein the memory field includes a first memory region having a number of memory locations, each having at least a bit, each bit representing a value unit and each memory location representing a predetermined time interval, and that the memory field includes a second memory region having a plurality of bits which second memory region represents a time period predetermined by its beginning and its length, wherein the length of the time period is a multiple of said predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic coin validator, wherein at least one test probe generates a measuring signal if a coin passes the probe. The digitized measuring signal is compared with an upper and a lower reference value which define an acceptance band. A validity signal is generated if the measuring signal lies within the acceptance band. The measuring signal is also compared with a second upper and lower reference value defining a second acceptance band which is narrower than the first acceptance band relative to at least one of the reference values. The second acceptance band is alternatively used for the generation of the validity signal if the measuring signal of at least one coin is outside the second acceptance band, whereas the first acceptance band is used if the measuring signal of at least one coin is within the second acceptance band.

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.