Abstract: The present invention provides a new drilling tool useful in machining hydraulic port seals for fluid power ports. The drilling tool drills the port hole to size in a solid material for the minor thread diameter in combination with forming the port in a single operation. The drilling tool has a tool holder having a rotational axis, a first drilling insert having cutting surfaces on a first side and a mounting surface on a second side, at least one second drilling insert having a predetermined cutting surface portion and a mounting portion which is mounted on the holder at a location from the rotational axis of the holder. The at least one second drilling insert has first and second portions which engage and machine a work piece in a drilling operation to form a spot face and a seal form.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus (1) which is comprised of at least two weight sensing elements (12) that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable (48) and are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In one embodiment, each weight sensing element (12) comprises a weight sensing base (11) and at least a pair of mounting assemblies (7) that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base (11) extends laterally and mounting assemblies (7) extend vertically. Each weight sensing base (11) is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies (7). The method of operation of weighing apparatus is based on a two-mode operation: TARE mode operation and WEIGH mode operation. The principals of operation of weighing apparatus are a summation of load points that are established when bed, under its own controls, is lowered to a position that allows bed and its contents to rest on weighing apparatus.

Abstract: A load sensor hardly causing error in weight measurement even when the environmental temperature of the load sensor varies, and a seat weight measuring apparatus using the load sensor. The sensor includes a plurality of strain gauges form a bridge circuit. The strain gauges forming the bridge circuit are attached to the front and back surfaces of a base plate at substantially the same location. Portions of a flexible substrate, on which the strain gauges are formed, are folded and adhered to the back of the sensor plate with adhesive. The bridge circuit formed by the strain gauges compensates for the variation in resistance among the strain gauges generated due to the temperature distribution of the base plate, resulting in little or no variation in output.

Abstract: A drive train assembly including an electric motor mounted to the frame of the motor vehicle and a trailing arm. The trailing arm is attached to the frame of a motor vehicle such that a pivot point is common to an axis of rotation of a shaft of the electric motor. The electric motor drives a drive mechanism supported by the trailing arm to drive a wheel suspended at a distal end of the trailing arm. The trailing arm pivots about the axis of rotation of the motor shaft thereby reducing the unsuspended mass of the vehicle and improving ride and handling characteristics.

Abstract: A mobile machine, such as an industrial truck, includes at least two electrical drive systems (4, 5), at least one electrical control system (14) and at least one electrical power source (1). Excess electrical energy generated during deceleration of at least one of the electrical drive systems (4) is fed to at least one other electrical drive system (5).

Abstract: The present invention has been made to provide a hybrid-vehicle power train efficiently utilizing a motor in accordance with a vehicle speed range. A hybrid-vehicle power train connected to an engine comprises a motor, a CVT unit, a planetary gear unit having at least two input elements, namely, first and second input elements and an output element, a first clutch for engaging/disengaging the first input element with/from a final shaft of the power train, and a second clutch for engaging/disengaging the output element with/from the final shaft of the power train. An input shaft of the CVT unit is connected to the engine and is drivingly connected to the second input element. An output shaft of the CVT unit is connected to the first input element. The motor is connected to the output shaft of the CVT unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has at least one radiator which, on an input side, has a first air guiding duct with a cooling-air inlet opening and, on an output side, has a second air guiding duct with a cooling-air outlet opening. In order to be able to reduce the mounting expenditures and the fastening devices in the case of a radiator arrangement, it is provided that the at least one radiator is accommodated by a supporting frame fastened to the adjoining body, and in that an air guiding element is constructed in one piece with the supporting frame, which air guiding element, together with the radiator, forms at least one of the two air guiding ducts.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle having a distributed motor system, i.e. having a plurality of electric drive motors (12) each coupled to a respective traction wheel (10a), all under the control of a controller (13). All or only some of the wheels may be traction wheels (10a), and each traction wheel (10a) may also have a steering motor (21a), and each may even also have a wheel positioning motor (27) for repositioning the wheel relative to the chassis (10c), e.g. during a turn. Each electric drive motor (12), steering motor (21a) and wheel positioning motor (27) may be integrated into a wheel manipulator element (31), with all wheel manipulator elements (31) operative according to signals received from the controller (13) and using power provided via the controller (13). Each wheel manipulator element (31) typically provides the controller (13) with signals indicating the motion of the respective wheel (10a).

Abstract: A seat rail extending rearwardly from a vehicle body frame to support a seat. The seat rail is formed of a left-and-right two-split cast product having a substantially flat upper surface and, at the same time, includes cross members. These cross members can be mounted later using bolts. The seat can be arranged above the seat rail and the cross members and, at the same time, a seat engaging member which engages the seat with the cross member can be formed on the cross member. The seat rail is constituted of the left and right seat rails which are divided with respect to a vehicle width center. This seat rail structure provides for simple manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle to drive four wheels instead of those with two differential mechanisms disposed on the front axle and rear axle in the prior art. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a lawn mower that selectively prevents operation of the lawn mower in the reverse direction with the lawn mowing mechanism operating. The arrangement includes structure (e.g., a bypass switch) actuatable by a lawn mower operator to permit the operation of the lawn mowing mechanism while the mower is propelled in the reverse direction as a bypass mode. Circuitry interacts with engine operation circuit to cause the operation circuit to selectively terminate operation of the engine when the lawn mowing mechanism is operating, as indicated by a lawn mowing mechanism switch, and the motive drive arrangement is selected to propel the lawn mower in a reverse direction, as indicated by a motive drive arrangement switch, except when the bypass mode is established. The circuitry also terminates the bypass mode when the lawn mower operator is absent as indicated by a operator present switch.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes an outside switch provided outside of a vehicle for detecting an opening operation of a door from the outside of the vehicle, an actuator for releasing an engagement of a latch mechanism of the door, a control device electrically connected to the outside switch for driving the actuator in response to the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch, and a detecting device for detecting an impact added to the vehicle. When the detecting device detects the impact added to the vehicle, the control device disables the opening operation of the door being detected by the outside switch within a first predetermined time from the detection of the impact.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a frame supporting front and rear wheels, a seat supported above the frame, an engine supported by the frame below the seat to supply power to at least one of the front and rear wheels, and a coolant system having a radiator mounted to the frame and communicated with the engine to cool coolant circulating through coolant passages provided in the engine. The radiator is mounted to the frame such that the radiator is disposed at an angle with respect to a vertical axis of the frame such that an upper end of the radiator is located closer to a front portion of the vehicle than a lower end of the radiator.

Abstract: In a low floor type vehicle 10, a banking angle &thgr;1 of a longitudinal V-type engine 100 mounted below a low floor is set to an angle equal to or exceeding approximately 90°. The V-type engine is arranged with a bisector L1 of the banking angle directed toward a head pipe 21 of a body frame 20. The body frame is composed of a pair of right and left upper frames 22 extended backward and downward from the head pipe and a pair of right and left down frames 23 extended downward from the head pipe and coupled to the front of a crankcase 104 of the V-type engine and is a diamond type frame from which the V-type engine can be suspended.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle is supported on four gearboxes that function both as control arms and as speed reduction gearboxes. Each side of the vehicle's chassis has two gearboxes to which it is coupled. A hydraulic motor is fixed to each side of the chassis to drive the gearboxes on that side. The motors are arranged such that their drive shafts extend longitudinally along the chassis, with a front shaft engaging the front gearbox and a rear shaft engaging the rear gearbox. The gearboxes include three speed-reducing right angle gear sets coupling an axle extending from the gearbox to the motor driving that gearbox.

Abstract: To secure a space for arranging an on-vehicle component on a motorcycle without increasing the size of the motorcycle. A motorcycle includes a front wheel, an engine, and a rear wheel disposed on a vehicle body in this order from the front. An exhaust pipe extends rearwardly from the engine with a muffler provided at the rear end of the exhaust pipe. The muffler is disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle body frame between left and right rear frames above the rear wheel. The rear portion of the exhaust pipe is connected to the muffler after being disposed near the right rear frame. A space for arranging an on-vehicle component, such as a battery or a key cylinder, is secured between the rear portion of the exhaust pipe and the left rear frame.

Abstract: A low floor type vehicle 10 is disclosed with a housing box 59 having substantially similar longitudinal length to the longitudinal length of a seat is provided under the seat 58 and a rear cushion for the rear wheel is transversely arranged under the housing box. The housing box is provided with a lid for checking the rear cushion for the rear wheel at the bottom. The engine is suspended from a diamond type frame 20. The rear cushion for the rear wheel is arranged along the rear of an upper frame extended backward and downward from a head pipe.

Abstract: A miniaturized four wheel vehicle includes a forwardly located compartment for transporting articles. Robust side mounted footrests, in combination with a forwardly canted steering handlebar urges a driver to lean into a turn to enhance stability during turns. The motor and related heavy components are mounted low on the frame to maintain the center of gravity close to the ground. A drive train of cog wheels and cog belt ensure corresponding rotation of the motor and rear axle to maintain affirmative control over forward and rearward movement. If an electric motor is used, soft start circuitry prevents abrupt starts. By mounting the front and rear axles at different heights relative to the frame, the frame will cant forwardly downwardly for better control and maneuverability.

Abstract: A power plant mounting apparatus includes a mount member that enables a side member of a vehicle to support a power plant. The mount member has a supporting member whose one end is fixed to the power plant. The supporting member has a shaft portion at the other end thereof which is disposed within an outer tube. An insulator is provided between the shaft portion and the outer tube. A bracket of a flat plate-shape attached to the outer tube is fastened to an inner side surface of the side member by means of a bolt. A center point of the shaft portion within the outer tube is positioned within the side member.

Abstract: A flapper finger valve assembly for use in an exhaust system. The flapper finger valve includes a tube having a plurality of orifices therethrough. The flapper finger valve assembly also includes a plurality of flapper finger valves generally having a C-shape wherein the flapper finger valves are arranged on an outside surface of the tube. The flapper finger valves are capable of radial movement with respect to the tube. A plurality of retainers generally having a C-shape are arranged around the flapper finger valve. These retainers will define a maximum radial movement for such flapper finger valves on the tube. The flapper finger valve assembly also includes a fastener which will secure the flapper finger valves between a tube and retainers in the flapper finger valve assembly.

Abstract: A work stand assembly for supporting the mounting unit of a contemporary portable power tool, which assembly has a pair of elongated members attached in a parallel manner to bracket units at each set of ends of the members, with the bracket units supported above a ground surface by collapsible legs, and with the portions of the members intermediate the bracket units exposed for directly receiving and clampingly supporting the mounting unit.

Abstract: An industrial truck, such as a reach truck, has a vehicle frame (1) and a driver's station with at least one floor plate and one driver's seat (6). The floor plate and the driver's seat (6) are suspended relative to the vehicle frame (1). The floor plate and the driver's seat (6) are fastened to an intermediate frame (8), which is mounted so that it can move relative to the vehicle frame (1). At least one suspension element (10) and/or at least one damping element (11) is provided that connects the intermediate frame (8) with the vehicle frame (1). The intermediate frame (8) can move relative to the vehicle frame (1) exclusively in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An elevator door assembly includes a rail and at least one roller that rolls along the rail to move a door between opened and closed positions, for example. A resilient track is provided on the rail that facilitates more efficient roller movement and increases the longevity of the assembly. In one example, the resilient track includes several pieces of flexible material that are snapped in place onto the rail. In another example, the flexible track is supported on the rail using a spray coating technique.

Abstract: The portable brake of the present invention comprises a top bracket, a bottom bracket, a leg, a handle, a toggle plate, and a foot. The top bracket of the portable brake has a back plate, side plates, a bottom plate, a toggle joint, a rung hook, and a leg sheath. The bottom bracket comprises a back plate, side plates, a bottom plate, a rung hook, and a leg sheath. The top and bottom brackets secure a leg, which passes through the leg sheaths of the brackets and leg apertures in the bottom plates of the brackets. A toggle plate is connected at one end to the top of the leg, and is connected at the other end to a pair of hinge plates. The hinge plates are, in turn, connected to a handle and to the toggle joint of the top bracket.

Abstract: A shopping cart comprising a shopping cart frame, a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted on the shopping cart frame, a handle pivotally attached to the shopping cart frame, and a braking force apparatus coupled to the handle. The handle is movable between an at-rest position and a displaced position. The braking force apparatus is mounted on the shopping cart frame in a manner enabling a braking force to be applied on one of said wheel assemblies. The brake force apparatus applies the braking force when the handle is in the at-rest position and disengages the braking force when the handle is moved toward the displaced position.

Abstract: A brake head positioning means for railcar braking systems. The brake head positioning means is comprised of an attachment means that is engageable with a railcar hanger arm for attaching such brake head positioning means to such railcar hanger arm. An extension means that is engageable with and extends substantially perpendicular to and outwardly from such attachment means is also included. The extension means provides sliding engagement and enables a biasing force to be achieved. Also included is a variable distancing means which is disposed for sliding engagement with and is substantially perpendicular to such extension means adjacent a first end thereof, and is engageable with a brake head adjacent a second end thereof. A biasing means, disposed around and slideably engageable with such extension means for providing a bias to such variable distancing means during service is further included.

Abstract: An electric mechanical brake assembly including an electric-mechanical-brake ballscrew subassembly, a first electric motor, and a first worm or cluster gear set. The electric-mechanical-brake ballscrew subassembly has a rotatable actuation member and has a linearly-movable member which is driven by the actuation member and which is attachable to a brake pad. The first electric motor has a first drive shaft. The first worm or cluster gear set at least in part operatively connects the first drive shaft to the actuation member.

Abstract: An escalator brake torque monitoring apparatus comprises a brake having a brake arm with a mounting point for pivotally affixing the brake to a fixed element of the escalator. A torque sensor is mounted to the brake arm at the mounting point and is affixed to the fixed element. The torque sensor, which may preferably be torque-sensing bolt, generates an output proportional to torque generated by the brake during brake operation. The output of the sensor is compared to at least one reference value corresponding to a minimum acceptable level of torque. In the event the sensed torque is below the minimum, the escalator can be shut down to prevent restart until the failure condition is corrected.

Abstract: Braked rolling bearing device of the kind for a control wheel, comprising an outer part and an inner part, one being able to rotate with respect to the other, which does not rotate, via at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rotating and non-rotating parts, the device further comprising an element for detecting rotation parameters and an element for braking the rotating part. The braking element comprises at least one component equipped with flexible tabs bearing against an annular friction member.

Abstract: A one-piece brake disc comprised of a hub having a predetermined width. A predetermined plurality of connecting spokes having a predetermined configuration are provided. The connecting spokes have a first end thereof disposed at and connected to predetermined locations around an outer periphery of the hub. There is a friction ring having two radially opposed annular members. Each of the annular members includes an outer braking surface and an inner surface connected to radially opposed outer edge surfaces of the predetermined plurality of connecting spokes. A predetermined plurality of fins having a predetermined configuration are disposed between the inner surfaces of the two radially opposed annular members and between adjacently disposed surfaces of the connecting spokes.

Abstract: A disc brake system includes a hub having a plurality of extensions and a multi-portion rotor which can be separated without disturbing the hub, bearing or other axle assemblies. The extensions engage the brake rotor assembly to transfer braking torque between the rotor assembly and the hub. Each extension is received between abutments which extend from an inner surface of the brake rotor portions opposite the engagement surface which contacts a brake pad. Threaded fasteners and hollow concentric bushings are mounted transverse the parting line to mount the brake rotor portions together. Another disc brake assembly includes four extensions arranged in a cruciform pattern about the hub. An offset parting line allows for an angled approach of the joint between the assembled rotor portions as it rotates into brake pads to provide less wear from any potential joint mismatch.

Abstract: A braking band with a remarkable capacity for improved cooling, for use in disk-brake disks, comprises two plates coaxial with an axis, facing one another, and spaced apart to form a space in which an air-flow takes place from the axis towards the outer side of the band, the plates having facing surfaces from which pillar-like elements extend, transversely, to connect the plates, the pillar-like elements being distributed in circular rings or rows concentric with the plates so as to be distributed uniformly in the space, those pillar-like elements which are disposed in inside rows of the braking band having rhombic cross-sections. The rhombic cross-sections of the pillar-like elements which are in inside rows of the band are symmetrical with respect to an axis transverse the direction of flow and each element for connection between the plates extends from one plate to the other whilst remaining within the space.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connection between at least one brake disc (1) and a hub (2) or the like of a disc brake. The brake disc(s) (1) is received slidable and non-rotatable on the hub (2). Each brake disc (1) is furnished with plates (3) on an inner periphery, which plates (3) have a length in the axial direction of the hub (2) exceeding the thickness of the brake disc (1).

Abstract: A damper device comprising a first mode having a first level of damping, a second mode having a second level of damping corresponding to a predetermined function, a sensor system having a first output corresponding to a normal position and a second output corresponding to an end stop approaching position, and a control system operable for receiving the first output and the second output and executing the first mode and the second mode. The damper device is operable in the first mode when the control system receives the first output and is operable in the second mode when the control system receives the second output.

Abstract: A hydraulic governor device for use with a rotational shaft of a door assembly for controlling a rotation of said rotational shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle damper is provided for limiting the extent and/or speed of extension of the damper on the rebound stroke with a variety of working fluids including magneto-rheological (MR) fluids, through the use of buoyant sleeve in the working chamber of the damper, rather than having rebound limiting elements attached to the damper piston or damper cylinder tube as in prior vehicle dampers.

Abstract: An antivibration apparatus for limiting vibrations of a vibrating element, comprising a mass, two elastic members connected to said mass, and a support member including a metal sheet plate having a central portion and two lateral wings, the lateral wings being fixed respectively to the elastic members and converging slantwise toward the central portion, away from the mass, and the central portion being adapted to be fixed to the vibrating element.

Abstract: An improved luggage handle control structure for adjusting handle direction and particularly a turnable handle for controlling the handle direction of the luggage mainly includes a handle section, a control section, an adjusting section and a coupling section. The handle section has a bucking member running through a control slot of a coupling member of the control section. The bucking member has a concave section pressing the top end of a push rod, and an upper sloped angle and a lower sloped angle. When the pushbutton is depressed, the bucking member is moved forwards, the upper sloped angle also is moved forwards concurrently to push the coupling member upwards. Therefore the retaining block wedged in the coupling trough is moved upwards and separates from the coupling trough to enable the handle section to be turned as desired.

Abstract: An improved handle control structure for luggage and particularly a handle structure for controlling the extension and retraction of the pulling bar of a luggage mainly includes a handle section, a control section, an adjusting section and a coupling section. The handle section has a bucking member running through a control slot of a coupling member of the control section. The bucking member has a concave section pressing the top end of a push rod. The push rod has a ram head pressing a sloped angle of a sliding member of the adjusting section for controlling the movement of a left and a right push bar of the coupling section, thereby the control bar in the extensible tube may be controlled and moved upwards or downwards, and the extensible tube may also be extended as desired.

Abstract: An improved handle structure for luggage and particularly a handle structure that has a shock cushion effect and may extend the elevation of the handle of the luggage mainly includes a handle section, a control section, an adjusting section and a coupling section. The handle section has a bucking member running through a control slot of a coupling member of the control section. The bucking member has a concave section pressing the top end of a push rod. The push rod has a ram head pressing a sloped angle of a sliding member of the adjusting section, and an upper sloped angle and a lower sloped angle to move the coupling member upwards so that the anchor strut of the coupling member may be separated from or anchored in an anchor hole to extend the elevation of the handle. A torsional spring is provided with one foot wedged in a notch of a recess and another foot wedged in a lower casing of the adjusting section to alleviate the impact to user's hand holding the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clutch apparatus for use in two-phase position control, which includes a clutch housing for supporting and rotating together with the shaft and a driving gear for selectively driving the housing in a rotatable manner with the help of a clutch intervened between the housing and the driving gear. The clutch apparatus has a solenoid unit for supporting the housing and is capable of being selectively on/off-controlled. The housing has an initial position controlling protuberance interfered with the solenoid unit in its on-state, for determining an initial position of the object, and a pair of phase protuberances interfered with the solenoid unit in its off-state, for suppressing rotation of the housing at each of the two phase positions of the object.

Abstract: To reduce the size/weight and the power consumption of a fan-coupling device and to provide an external control type fan-coupling device intended to improve a fan rotation controllability.

Abstract: A power transmission includes a first rotating member driven by an external drive source, an electromagnetic solenoid provided to the first rotating member, a second rotating member fixed to a main shaft of a rotary apparatus, and an mechanism for engaging and disengaging a plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid from the second rotating member. When the rotary apparatus is not used, the energy of the external drive source may be prevented from being wasted by interrupting the torque transmission from the first rotating member to the second rotating member by the operation of the mechanism for engaging and disengaging.

Abstract: A release arrangement for a hydraulically actuated clutch in a motor vehicle has an energy accumulator connected with a hydraulic system. The energy accumulator is connected with a pedal via a kinematic arrangement which adapts the pedal forces to the pedal path. It is possible to adapt the boosting force characteristic to the required pedal force curve in a very precise manner. This leads to a boosting force that possibly increases the depressing force, but primarily increases the force in the boosting area following the dead center of the kinematic arrangement. The characteristic of the boosting force curve over the pedal path can be adapted to the respective operating system in the motor vehicle without major structural alterations.

Abstract: A wheel driving device for a pedal propelled cycle, includes an axle coupled with cranks and driven to rotate synchronously by a pedaling force. A coupling socket is movable axially as a result of a rotation of the axle between a fully engaged position, where it is in a full threaded engagement with the axle and frictionally engages a hub shell so as to move a wheel body forward, and a partially engaged position, where it is in a partial threaded engagement with the axle as a result of a screwing-out movement due to backpedaling, and disengages from the hub shell so as to place the wheel body in a freewheeling state. Further backpedaling results in a frictional engagement of the coupling socket with a brake member so as to brake the hub shell and the wheel body.

Abstract: A braking drive for a control cable or shaft has a drive shaft with a radial journal. A contractible brake ring has opposing ends defining a gap, with the journal in the gap The ring has an exterior surface biased outwards and two interior detents. A stationary interior housing circumscribes the ring, with an interior surface in frictional contact with the ring. An exterior portion of the housing has bosses being disposed within the detents of the ring. Friction between the ring and the housing interior arrests rotation of the journal and drive shaft until a force on the exterior portion of the housing moves the bosses, transferring the force to the ring via the detents, whereby the ring is contracted, releasing the frictional brake between the housing and the ring, thereby allowing rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: A token purchasing device that can automatically change the number of tokens purchased for a given price based on time, date, and day of the week information. The token purchasing device includes a banknote accepting unit for accepting a banknote and outputting a banknote value signal based on the denomination of the accepted banknote, a clock unit for outputting the current time and date information, a control unit for computing the number of tokens for dispensing, and a token dispensing unit. The control unit is configured to store a predetermined set of days or a range of times from a start time to an end time defining a special purchasing mode. The control unit can automatically change the number of tokens purchased when the current time and date is within the programmed parameters for the special purchasing mode.

Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of concurrently picking up the images of the surface and the side of a coin by using two light sources, downsizing a device, and providing high-accuracy coin distinguishing. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a first light (105) from a flash shooting first light source (104), and the outer periphery portion of the surface of the coin (C) is irradiated with a second light (107) from a flash shooting second light source (106). Then, a fist reflection light (108) reflected off the side of the coin (C) and a second reflection light (109) reflected off the outer periphery portion of the coin (C) are input to an image sensor (110) to concurrently obtain the images of the side and the surface of the coin (C).

Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of distinguishing a cyclic linear uneven pattern or a character imprint formed on the side of a coin with a high accuracy and at a high speed. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a light (105) from a flash shooting light source (104), a reflection light (106) reflected off the side of the coin (C) is input to an image sensor (107) to obtain the image of the side of the coin (C), images obtained by a vertical-direction projection operation unit (110) and an oblique-direction projection operation unit (111) are subjected to projection operation, the presence/absence of mills of the coin (C) is judged by a mill pitch detection unit (112) based on two one-dimension waveforms obtained from the projection results, the directions of the mills of the coin (C) are judged by a mill-direction detection unit (113), and the coin (C) is distinguished by a distinguishing unit (115) based on the results of judging.