Abstract: A coin detection system and method of operation thereof, comprising a sensing circuit portion including a sensor coil, which need be only a single sensor coil, positioned adjacent to the coin path and connected in circuit with a current ramp generator, preferably operable under control of a system control circuit portion, and a detector circuit portion connected to the sensing circuit portion to monitor and detect circuit performance characteristics and changes thereof that are effected by the presence of a coin within the field of the sensor coil at the time a current ramp is applied to the sensor coil by the ramp generator, from which circuit performance characteristics a coin characteristic value, preferably a time constant characteristic, representative of the particular coin present within the field of the sensor coil can be derived and thereafter utilized for coin detection, denomination discrimination, and coin sizing purposes.

Abstract: Operation completion detection circuitry for a vend system including a plurality of individually controllably operable motors for performing a given type of operation, comprising power leads, a vend control circuit portion operatively connected to complete a circuit across the power leads through a given motor from among the plurality of motors, a cam operated switch associated with each motor and connected in series circuit therewith, each of which switches includes a first pole and a second pole, connected in common, and a controllably movable switch contact which is normally in electrical contact with the first pole of the switch means and is responsive to operation of the motor with which such cam operated switch is associated to switchably cycle between such first and second poles during a complete operational cycle of the motor, and a detector circuit which includes a monitor portion thereof operatively connected in common circuit to all of the motors and their associated cam operated switches and in se