Abstract: The operation of a coin testing apparatus is checked by switching the apparatus to a test mode. In the test mode, the properties of items inserted into the apparatus are compared with stored "test" ranges, instead of "acceptability" ranges which are normally used to determine whether the item is a genuine coin. A specially designed non-genuine coin is then inserted into the apparatus. If the measured properties of the non-genuine coin fall within the "test" ranges, a signal is produced to indicate that the apparatus is operating correctly. If any of the properties falls outside a "test" range, but within a further, contiguous range, a signal indicates that the apparatus is working adequately, but not optimally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coin examination which transmits on one side of a coin a low frequency electromagnetic field from a transmitter inductor which is part of a transmitter circuit, monitors the frequency of the low frequency electromagnetic field, receives a portion of the field on the other side of the coin with a receiving inductor which is part of a receiving circuit, measures the phase shift between the transmitted signal and the received signal, and determines if the measured phase shift corresponds to the phase shift for an acceptable coin at the monitored frequency.

Abstract: Vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus for a vending apparatus having product delivery means comprising an electrically operated actuator for delivery of products, an impedance element and a circuit opening switch. The impedance element and the switch are connected electrically in series with each other and in a parallel circuit with the actuator, and the opening and closing of the switch is controlled by the operation of the actuator. The control and diagnostic apparatus detects changes in impedance of the parallel circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for coin testing including an improved inductive sensing arrangement. A coin to be tested is passed through an electromagnetic field produced by an inductor which is part of a resistor-inductor type relaxation oscillator operating at a frequency in the range of approximately 100 kHz to 1 MHz. The resulting shift in frequency of the relaxation oscillator forms the basis for testing the coin. The resistor-inductor relaxation oscillator has a linear frequency response with respect to changes in the effective inductance in the oscillator over a range of inductance suitable for testing coins and produces an output signal which is digital in nature and requires no amplitude discrimination or shaping to be suitable for counting.

Abstract: Control apparatus for use in a vending machine having actuators individually controlled for dispensing customer selected products. The control apparatus generally includes a credit indicating system, a price indicating system, a calculating section for comparing the customer credit with the price of the selected product category, a selection circuit for generating the internal signals indicative of which product category was selected, and actuator controls for activating the corresponding actuator to dispense the selected product. Disclosed selection circuits include a circuit having a plurality of comparator circuits to form a latching system; and another having a pulse counter with a plurality of output terminals sequentially activated in response to a clock signal, along with detectors such as optical couplers to generate a signal indicative of which product category was selected.

Abstract: A coin sorting and storage tube assembly for use in vending is separable into halves to facilitate servicing. Cam lock fasteners in the form of a shaft surmounted by a tab portion are rotatably retained in one half. The tab portion passes through a slot in the other half. Turning the fasteners locks the halves together.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating the inability of a coin change making mechanism to return correct change in which the availability of coin denominations to make change is compared with the value of required change for a given transaction.

Abstract: A coin apparatus including a structure for defining a coin path, a coin presence sensor adjacent the coin paths, a first gate for separating acceptable coins from unacceptable coins and a second gate for sorting acceptable coins in which the second gate is arranged to minimize coin jams which might otherwise disable the apparatus.