Abstract: An item discriminating method and apparatus are provided for discriminating between an acceptable and unacceptable item. An apparatus for item discriminating preferably includes characteristics for determining selected characteristics of an item under test and a deviation value determiner responsive to the characteristic determiner for determining a deviation value between the item under test and predetermined statistical variables for the selected characteristics of a plurality of acceptable items. An accepting or rejecting device responsive to the deviation value determiner accepts or rejects the item under test based upon whether the deviation value falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electronic coin detector and method for sensing the presence of a valid coin and for providing an indication of the valid coin's type. A coin is guided into position between a first set of inductor coils. The coin is then guided through a channel surrounded by a second inductor coil. A first oscillating signal is then fed to the first set of inductor coils and a second higher frequency oscillating signal is fed to a second inductor coil. An altered signal is then provided in response to the effect of the coin passing through the inductor coils. After the coin has passed adjacent one of the inductor coils, the inductor coils are fed a calibration signal to produce a calibrated signal. This calibrated signal is then used to scale the altered signal.

Abstract: A handsfree or loudspeaking telephone circuit employing loudest speaker comparison for controlling the direction of transmission of speech signals. The circuit employs the speech network for the handset to provide gain and hybrid functions. The circuit contains logic for controlling the switching between handset operation, handsfree operation and call announcing operation.