Abstract: A coin mechanism includes a piezoelectric film sensor in contact with a coin debounce device. When a coin is inserted into the coin mechanism, the coin strikes the coin debounce device as it travels along a coin path. Micro-movement of the coin debounce device is sensed with the piezoelectric film sensor. The coin mechanism changes from a quiescent mode of operation to an active mode of operation in response to sensing the presence of the coin in the coin path. Coin recognition can then be performed. Overall power consumption of the coin mechanism can be reduced.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for minimizing incorrect coin registration in a coin-operated telephone. The apparatus includes a coin diverter having a top plate, a coin hopper mounting bracket, and a coin impact plate attached to the top plate. The coin impact plate is positioned in a coin hopper entry path to alter the orientation of a coin entering the hopper. The methods include attaching a coin diverter to a coin hopper and diverting coins entering the coin hopper to prevent impacts on an edge of a trip lever.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: An event monitoring system for payphones is described. Particularly, an arrangement for monitoring events such as the removal of the front cover, vault door and coin box is described. Sensors attached to brackets generate signals indicative of front cover, vault door and coin box removal are sensed by a monitoring circuit and sent to a central telephone office as appropriate. The brackets allow easy mounting of the sensors using existing payphone housing hardware, surfaces and cutouts. Consequently, this mounting arrangement may be used to retrofit standard payphones using only pre-existing mounting locations and holes to include event monitoring capability. The sensors and monitor circuit operate on low power and may be designed to operate in the absence of payphone power.