Patents Examined by Scott L. Lowe
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Patent number: 5462480Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus which quickly and reliably collects coins remaining in an escalator 17 has a coin transporting disc 4 which can be rotated in reverse by a motor 5. Coin guide apertures 8 in the disc guide coins A onto a substrate 2. A coin transporting arm 9 is located between the substrate 2 and the disc 4, and rotates in forward and reverse together with the disc. A coin dropping onto the substrate 2 through an aperture 8 slides along a path of rotation on the substrate. During reverse rotation the transporting arm 9 dispenses a coin towards collection outlet 40. Reciprocating guide member 50 is located between the substrate 2 and the disc 4, and is provided between outlet slot 10 and collection outlet 40. This reciprocating guide member 50 makes contact with a dispensed coin to guide it to the collection outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yorio Suzukawa
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Patent number: 5462150Abstract: A collecting device for currencies comprises a lower housing, a supporting bracket for the housing, an upper housing, a front lid and a rear housing. A plurality of rectangular openings and symmetrically disposed elongate slots are provided at the supporting plate. A conveyor is disposed between the basic slot and the rectangular openings of the supporting plate which extends also to another side wall. A pair of sensors are provided between the basic slot and the rectangular openings of the supporting plate. A pair of projecting pins and a positioning dowel are provided at both sides of the upper housing. Each of the projecting pins has a hook at the lower end thereof. The hook is engaged with the clipping hole of the side wall. The hole of the guiding plate can slide onto the dowel. A sensor is disposed in the upper housing to identify the paper currency. The upper housing is inserted into a locking-plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Gamemax CorporationInventor: Yuan F. Chang
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Patent number: 5460568Abstract: A coin processor which includes a coin selecting section for discriminating whether inserted coins are genuine or false and denominations of genuine coins, and guiding false coins to a predetermined coin passageway and the genuine coins to respective predetermined coin passageways in accordance with their denominations, a coin accommodating section for accommodating the genuine coins in accordance with their denominations, a coin payment section for paying out from the coin accommodating section coins of denominations corresponding to an amount of change, a detection section for detecting a quantity of coins stored in the coin accommodating section and, a time control section for controlling an interval of time for payment of the stored coins in accordance with the stored quantity of coins detected by the detection section.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon ConluxInventors: Koji Yukimoto, Kenji Nishiumi, Yoshinori Maruyama
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Patent number: 5458225Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating the thickness, material, diameter, and the like of a coin at high precision. A transmission coil (11) receives an AC signal generated by an AC signal generating unit (24) and applies an alternating magnetic field to a coin (C) to be discriminated. A reception coil (12) detects an electromotive force induced when the the transmission coil (11) applies the alternating magnetic field on the coin to be discriminated. A detection signal generating unit (27) generates a detection signal having a predetermined phase with respect to the AC signal generated by the AC signal generating unit (24). A phase detecting unit (26) phase-detects the electromotive force detected by the reception coil (12) in accordance with the detection signal generated by the detection signal generating unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Anritsu CorporationInventors: Takahasi Iwamoto, Ken Shioiri, Yoshifumi Takahashi, Noriyuki Kodama, Shintaro Inagaki, Masaru Honma
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Patent number: 5454463Abstract: An inductive starting sensor for a battery powered coin acceptor includes an oscillator whose output signal changes when a coin passes through the area of the starting sensor. The sensor includes a capacitor which can be discharged via a resistor. The capacitor is periodically charged via a transistor connected to the oscillator in an emitter follower circuit. The transistor becomes currentless upon a diminution of the oscillator voltage due to the damping of the inductance of the oscillator on account of a passing coin. A further transistor generates a starting signal for the coin acceptor when the first transistor becomes currentless.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Inventor: Wilfried Meyer
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Patent number: 5454462Abstract: A paper money recognition and transmission system including a housing with a paper money slot, an upper mainframe and a lower mainframe detachably connected together and mounted inside the housing, a transmission unit mounted on the lower mainframe and consisting of a step motor, a belt transmission mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, a plurality of caps, and two rubber rollers, a paper money recognition circuit, the paper money recognition circuit including sensors controlled to detect and recognize inserted paper money and to turn the step motor forwards, when a true paper money is recognized, causing the inserted paper money to be delivered forwards, the step motor being turned reversely when a counterfeit paper money is detected, causing the counterfeit paper money to be delivered backwards out of the system, the lower mainframe having a convex portion matched with paper money transmission rubber rollers to prevent inserted paper money from being pulled backwards.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Gamemax CorporationInventor: Yuan F. Chang
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Patent number: 5454456Abstract: The present invention is a third rail assembly that includes a beam made of synthetic material which will not crack upon exposure to the elements so that conductive material such as water, grease, or the like will not settle in the cracks. Also, the beam is lightweight for ease of installation and very strong so that the beam will not be destroyed when the third rail collector encounters an obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Inventor: Dan McKenzie
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Patent number: 5452785Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating the thickness, material, diameter, and the like of a coin at high precision. A transmission coil (11) receives an AC signal generated by an AC signal generating unit (24) and applies an alternating magnetic field to a coin (C) to be discriminated. A reception coil (12) detects an electromotive force induced when the the transmission coil (11) applies the alternating magnetic field on the coin to be discriminated. A detection signal generating unit (27) generates a detection signal having a predetermined phase with respect to the AC signal generated by the AC signal generating unit (24). A phase detecting unit (26) phase-detects the electromotive force detected by the reception coil (12) in accordance with the detection signal generated by the detection signal generating unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Anritsu CorporationInventors: Takahisa Iwamoto, Ken Shioiri, Yoshifumi Takahashi, Noriyuki Kodama, Shintaro Inagaki, Masaru Honma
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Patent number: 5453585Abstract: A cable retraction system is described which includes a windup reel (16) and power springs (24, 26, 28) that urge the reel to turn and wind up a signal-carrying cable (20). An outer end (25) of each power spring is bent about 180.degree. to form a hook that projects through a slot (72) in a windup drum (36) of the reel. A screw (44) projects through a lug (38) at the end of a cable wire, through a hole (71) in the spring, and into a threaded insert (50) set in the windup drum. A stationary axle (30) at the center of the reel, comprises a dielectric body (71) and a plurality of conductors (73, 75, 77) embedded in the body, each conductor having an outer end (58, 60, 62) at the end of the body to connect to wires of a second cable, and each conductor having an inner end (74, 76, 78) lying at the periphery of the axle and attached to an inner end ( 32) of a spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Golden West Communications, Inc.Inventors: Vernon C. Lenz, William Siska, Jr.
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Patent number: 5452870Abstract: A train control-system employs beacon transponders along the track to transmit fixed data to a passing train in addition to dynamic data relating to track availability and routing provided by encoded cab signals transmitted in the track. The fixed data includes the location of block boundaries and distances to such boundaries, timetable speed limits, and the distance to a point along the track at which a speed restriction is in effect. This data and other fixed information is integrated with the dynamic data in an on-board computer which determines train control instructions from the received data and displays the instructions to the train crew. The system is capable of enforcing any restrictive instructions that are not obeyed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Heggestad
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Patent number: 5450937Abstract: A paper currency discriminating device which is improved to prevent the illegal extraction of paper currency more reliably. An impeller 10 associated in the rotating direction of timing belts 14 for transferring the paper currency is so disposed at the exit of a paper currency transfer passage 6 as to protrude upward over the paper currency transfer face of an upper transfer plate 3. Moreover, the impeller 10 at the time of introducing the paper currency is inhibited from backward rotation to prevent any illegal extraction of the paper currency once introduced. At the same time, a decision signal is outputted after it is detected by a passage detection sensor P3 that the trailing end of the paper currency being transferred reaches the impeller 10 over an extraction preventing lever 33. As a result, it is possible to prevent the illegal use of the paper currency by the extraction which is done before the end of the introduction.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Nippon Conlux Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ono, Yoshinori Maruyama, Masayuki Watabe, Kenji Nishiumi
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Patent number: 5450926Abstract: A checkout counter order divider bar includes merchandise to be purchased and which is displayed through transparent walls of the divider bar. A customer signals an operator at the checkout counter orally or visually that he/she wants to buy the merchandise in the divider bar or by activating a signalling device on the order divider bar.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Inventor: William A. Fraser
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Patent number: 5449058Abstract: A coin testing device comprising two parts carrying coin sensor elements, the two parts being capable of relative movement apart from each other for access to the space between them. When the parts are closed, their relative positioning is defined by features at four positions. At three of those positions the features are such as to determine the spacing between the two parts and at two of those positions the features are such as to prevent relative translational and rotational movement of the two parts in their own plane. A loose hinging arrangement is provided so that only the features of those four positions, and not features of the lid, determine the relative position of the two closed parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Martin Kotler, Michael D. Nunn
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Patent number: 5449056Abstract: An electrified pallet conveyor system for conveying appliances under electrical connection for testing, and which includes an electrical distribution contact shoe busway assembly. The busway consists of an elongated tubular housing having a continuous side access slot and a number of bus bar conductors mounted inside which coextend with the housing for conducting electricity. The electrical contact shoe assemblies are inserted at any desired location along the busway by inserting them into the access slot and twisting them 90.degree.. These contact shoe assemblies are prevented from further rotation by the confines of a closure strip which closes the side access slot of the housing off on opposite sides of the contact shoe assembly. A keying mechanism is also provided to prevent lateral movement of the contact shoe assembly in the bottom of the bus bar housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: U-S Safety Trolley Corp.Inventor: Steven L. Ross
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Patent number: 5445252Abstract: A charging cord for supplying electric current to an electric power storing device of an electric vehicle includes an electrical cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively connected to the electric power storing device and the second end being adapted to be connected to an electrical power supply. A housing is provided for supporting the electrical cable along a predetermined length thereof. The housing includes a plurality of section members pivotally connected relative to each other for permitting limited lateral motion in a single plane to maintain the charging cord a predetermined distance above the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Thomas S. McKee, Takeshi Sakurai
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Patent number: 5441223Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller transmits control signals between a rail of the track and earth ground, generating an electromagnetic field which extends for several inches around the track. A receiver in the locomotive can then pick up signals from this electromagnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Neil P. YoungInventors: Neil P. Young, David M. Hampton
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Patent number: 5441448Abstract: A device for counting, storing and stacking coins for filling standard coin wrappers is disclosed. A plurality of coin tubes is clustered in a parallel relationship. Each coin tube is a hollow cylindrical tube and receives and holds coins of a given denomination in a stack. Each tube has a bottom support surface and an open top. Each tube also includes a transverse slot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coin tube. The transverse slot has a transverse bottom edge positioned so that a stack of coins between the bottom support surface of the tube and the transverse bottom edge of the transverse slot fills a standard coin wrapper for that denomination of coin. The transverse slot is dimensioned to allow extra coins stacked above the transverse bottom edge to slide out of the tube through the transverse slot. A plurality of coin keeper clips is insertable within the transverse slots to prevent coins from sliding out of the transverse slots.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Block and Company, Inc.Inventor: John S. Yang
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Patent number: 5437422Abstract: A railway signalling system comprising a control device for controlling the movements of railway vehicles on a railway track.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Holdings LimitedInventor: Greogory D. Newman
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Patent number: 5437357Abstract: A bill identification apparatus which is hardly subject to decision errors attributable to fluctuations of detected data caused by aging or partial soiling of bills. In identifying a bill, physical properties pi for various positions i on the bill are detected in synchronism with the transportation speed of the bill, a correction value pm for making an average value for an inspection section for the detected data pi equal to an average value for an inspection section for standard pattern values pci is obtained, and the detected data pi are corrected by using the correction value pm, thereby eliminating fluctuations of the data attributable to general deterioration or soiling of the bill or detectors.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Nippon Conlux Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michihiro Ota, Takayuki Kojima
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Patent number: 5435505Abstract: The communication link includes antennae mounted at adjacent ends of adjacent cars whereby electronic communications between the cars are effected by free space radio frequency coupling. The antennae are mounted in housings, which include radiation shields, and the housings are mounted on the coupling for physically coupling the cars together whereby the housings, and therefore the antennas, are maintained in fixed relationship to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Primetech Electroniques Inc.Inventor: Andre Martin