Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating among a plurality of coin denominations includes sensing the characteristics of a test coin with a test coin sensor and comparing the characteristics of the test coin with characteristics of a plurality of coin denominations thereby producing comparison signals. If the comparing results in a match between the characteristics of the test coin and characteristics of one of the coin denominations, then the test coin is declared to be the matched coin denomination. If the comparing results in matches between the characteristics of the test coin and characteristics of more than one of the coin denominations, then the matches are compared to each other to determine which of the matches represents a valid match. The test coin is declared to be the coin denomination which corresponds to the valid match.

Abstract: An electronic coin analyzer having a low profile that is especially useful for applications previously limited to mechanical devices includes a test coin path aligned with a coin-receiving opening in a faceplate and a rejected coin path laterally offset from the test coin path and aligned with a coin reject slot in the faceplate. An opening is defined between the test coin path and the rejected coin path that is larger than an acceptable coin/token. A coin deflecting surface is selectively positioned in the test coin path at the opening by an electromagnetic actuator in order to laterally deflect coins rolling along the test coin path toward the rejected coin path. Coins not deflected continue rolling past the opening, as a result of inertia, to an accepted coin path. An electronic control is provided having a test coin sensor and a circuit which causes the actuator to withdraw the deflecting surface from the test coin path in response to an acceptable coin.

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.