Patents Assigned to Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5224176
    Abstract: A method and system for automated grading of coins involves alignment of a target image of the coin with a reference image by mechanically moving the coin until the target and reference images are aligned, capture of multiple images of the coin under a variety of lighting conditions, and subsequent grading using an expert script made up of individual directives which can be arranged to form different scripts for different grading standards and types of coins to be graded. The system and method provide for identification of the criteria used by an expert in grading an object such as a coin, capture of those criteria, and applying the criteria to the grading of the coin in a manner which is implementable on low-cost and widely available microcomputer hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis M. Crain
  • Patent number: 5220614
    Abstract: A method and system for automated grading of coins involves alignment of a target image of the coin with a reference image by mechanically moving the coin until the target and reference images are aligned, capture of multiple images of the coin under a variety of lighting conditions, and subsequent grading using an expert script made up of individual directives which can be arranged to form different scripts for different grading standards and types of coins to be graded. The system and method provide for identification of the criteria used by an expert in grading an object such as a coin, capture of those criteria, and applying the criteria to the grading of the coin in a manner which is implementable on low-cost and widely available microcomputer hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis M. Crain
  • Patent number: 5109977
    Abstract: A tamperproof coin case defined by two interlocking plastic plate members ultrasonically bonded together to define a unitary assembly within which a coin and its certificate of authenticity may be permanently secured. One plate member includes a cavity for fully receiving the other plate member therein, with opposing inner surfaces of the plate members being provided with corresponding cylindrical recesses which collectively form a cylindrical cavity within which a pliable plastic retention ring is disposed for securing the coin in a stationary position and permitting its obverse and reverse sides to be viewed through dome-shaped windows provided on the opposite sides of the case. The case is also provided with outwardly extending circumferential flanges which permit a plurality of cases to be vertically stacked for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Mayer, David Hall
  • Patent number: 5042650
    Abstract: A tamperproof coin case defined by two interlocking plastic plate members ultrasonically bonded together to define a unitary assembly within which a coin and its certificate of authenticity may be permanently secured. One plate member includes a cavity for fully receiving the other plate member therein, with opposing inner surfaces of the plate members being provided with corresponding cylindrical recesses which collectively form a cylindrical cavity within which a pliable plastic retention ring is disposed for securing the coin in a stationary position and permitting its obverse and reverse sides to be viewed through dome-shaped windows provided on the opposite sides of the case. The case is also provided with outwardly extending circumferential flanges which permit a plurality of cases to be vertically stacked for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Mayer, David Hall