Abstract: A hybrid low power/low speed vehicle that operates both with battery power and IC engine power. An electronic controls unit monitors the charge on the battery. For vehicles used both indoors and outdoors, the control unit warns the user of low charge. If outdoors, the user can command the control unit to start the IC engine and continue operating the vehicle. The IC engine, while powering the wheels of the vehicle, will also charge the battery. When the battery is fully charged, the control unit will prevent the battery from overcharging. The user can shutoff the IC engine at any time and the control unit will switch to battery operation of the vehicle. For vehicles used exclusively outdoors, the control unit will automatically start the IC engine when the battery charge has fallen below a predetermined level. Similarly, once the battery is fully charged, it will automatically stop the engine and switch to battery power for running the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical power train of a vehicle, which can produce a sufficient driving force and can improve response. Front wheels are driven by an engine, and rear wheels are driven by a DC motor. A motor generator produces a driving force for starting the engine and is driven by the engine to generate electric power. A single inverter in a motor controller is connected between the motor generator and the DC motor. The motor controller PWM-drives the motor generator in accordance with vector control through the inverter.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a motor for driving the fuel cell vehicle; a motor control unit controlling driving and regenerative operations of the motor; a traction control unit suppressing slippage of drive wheels by controlling a driving force acting between tires and a road surface; a fuel cell generating electricity through electrochemical reaction by being supplied with reactant gases by a reactant gas supply unit and supplies electrical power to the motor; an electrical storage apparatus charged by power generated by the fuel cell and power regenerated by the motor; an output control unit controlling the output of the fuel cell; and a control unit controlling power consumption of the motor in advance of a change in a supply state of the reactant gases to the fuel cell due to execution of driving force control by the traction control unit.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive device includes a clutch that transmits and separates a driving force between an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft; a first electric motor having a first rotor that is connected to an engine output shaft side of the clutch; a second electric motor having a second rotor that is connected to an transmission input shaft side of the clutch; and a radial vibration suppressing device, wherein (1) the first electric motor is connected to the engine output shaft via the radial vibration suppressing device, and (2) the radial vibration suppressing device suppresses a vibration of the engine output shaft in a radial direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a floor panel provided on the bottom of the vehicle body; a floor tunnel that is formed bulging upward in the center of the floor panel in the vehicle body width; a pair of front seats that are disposed on the floor panel, outside of the floor tunnel in the vehicle body width direction; center frames that support the floor tunnel, disposed at the center in the vehicle body width and extending along the vehicle body longitudinal direction; a sub-frame provided on the bottom of the floor panel and joined to the center frames; and a fuel cell stack mounted on the sub-frame and provided under the floor tunnel.

Abstract: An cooling system for a work vehicle employing a plenum cooling compartment that is separated from the engine compartment by a baffle. The plenum cooling compartment is formed by the baffle, side doors, a fan door and a floor and contains a heat exchanger. A centrifugal fan draws outside ambient air into the plenum cooling compartment removing large debris from the air in the process due to the structure of the compartment to form clean air. The clean air is then moved through the heat exchanger before being moved out of the plenum cooling compartment.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sound absorber such as a hood silencer, attached to the underside of the hood panel of a car to absorb sound from the engine, said sound absorber having excellent fire resistance and sound absorbability. To attain said object, the present invention provides a fire resistant sound absorber 1 made of a porous material 2 into which a phenolic resin is impregnated, said porous material 2 using fibers with a fineness in the range of between 0.02 dtex and 50 dtex, with phenolic resin content in said porous material 2 being adjusted to be in the range of between 50 and 200% by mass per unit weight of said porous material 2.

Abstract: An electric bicycle includes a light-weight crankshaft supporting unit. The crankshaft supporting unit has a U-shape and compactly supports both a battery and a pedal crankshaft. An electric motor is mounted remotely from the pedal crankshaft. A support shaft for a kick stand, a coupling shaft of a rear arm, and a mounting piece all extend between the sides of the crankshaft supporting member and add structural rigidity to the light-weight unit. The crankshaft supporting unit is compact and allows the battery to be placed lower so as to lower the bicycle's center of gravity.

Abstract: An electric bicycle includes at least two internal storage compartments accessible by moving a seat to an open position. The storage compartments are arrange side-by-side and separated by a dead space (e.g., a wall). The electric bicycle includes a lock mechanism disposed in the dead space for selectively locking the seat in a closed position. As so arranged, the lock mechanism does not reduce the size of the two internal storage compartments and is less likely to be tapered with in comparison to lock mechanisms that are located around the perimeter of the storage compartments.

Abstract: A swing arm support structure is provided in a motorcycle, in which first and second support arm portions are provided on a front portion of a swing arm. The support arm portions are pivotally supported by a power unit through first and second pivot shafts, so that rigidity and strength of the paired support arm portions is ensured. A flange is formed on the first pivot shaft, which extends at least partially up to an outer edge of a power unit case and projects radially outwardly from an end portion of the first pivot shaft adjacent the case. The flange portion is removably attached to the case. An outer end of an output shaft extends through and is supported by the first pivot shaft, and this outer end projects outwards of the first support arm portion. A drive gear is fixed to the outer end portion of the output shaft.

Abstract: A method of operating a load limiting restraint system including the steps of receiving an acceleration value and also receiving a signal indicative of an occupant size. The signal received of occupant size is combined with the acceleration value to predict a load on the occupant and the restraint system. If the predicted load exceeds a predicted load value then the load limiting device is actuated to gradually reduce and selectively release the seatbelt.

Abstract: A method for operating vehicles, with which the state of the driver's health is determined and a corresponding signal is sent, provides continuously activatable systems in the vehicle, and thus the physical state of the driver and the other passengers is positively influenced and/or any stress that arises is counteracted.

Abstract: A sensor system for a crush protection device is disclosed. The system monitors an agitation of a vehicle part with a sensor. The sensor is arranged to detect an object being crushed between an active vehicle part and a body section or another vehicle part. The sensor has a layered formation. The sensor is applied on the active vehicle part and either or both of the body section of the vehicle and the additional vehicle part. Additionally, the sensor is adjusted to the shape of the active vehicle part and either or both of the body section and the additional vehicle part.

Abstract: An elastic support device (70) has a vibration reduction member (35) for supporting a vibration transmission medium (34). The vibration transmission medium (34) is connected to the vibration reduction member (35) by a connection member (42). The vibration reduction member (35) includes a sleeve (43) made from a rigid body, through which sleeve the connection member (42) is inserted, and an elastic member (45) surrounding an outer periphery of the sleeve (43). The elastic member (45) includes a tubular body (49) firmly fixed on an outer peripheral surface (44) of the sleeve (43) and an annular plate portion (50) projecting radially outward of the body (49). A fitting groove (58) of an outer peripheral edge portion (57) of the annular plate portion (50) is fitted on a peripheral edge (60) of an installation hole (59). A first and a second face (52, 53) of the annular plate portion (50) include recesses (54, 55), respectively.

Abstract: An electric power steering unit includes: a controller 4 for controlling a drive of an electric motor 16; and a terminal base 4B, which is provided in the controller 4, which constitutes a signal terminal of the controller 4, wherein the terminal base 4B fastens a terminal by means of fastening with a bolt. Terminals of pieces of harness 16A to 16C extending from the electric motor 16 are fastened to output terminals 23A to 23C on the terminal base 4B by means of fastening bolts. The electric power steering unit more preferably includes: a contact resistance detection member (35, 36, 37) for detecting a contact resistance between each output terminal 23A to 23C and each terminal TN of the harness 16A to 16C; and an electric current control member (21, 22) for controlling a drive current supplied to the electric motor 16 with detection information obtained by this detection member.

Abstract: A power steering systems complements a standard rack and pinion system and which comprises an actuator, a motor assembly, and cables. The rack and pinion steering system is pivotally connected to rods. The rods are being themselves pivotally connected to a track connecting assembly and that track connecting assembly acts as an interface connecting the tracks and the rack and pinion steering system. A torque applied to a steering column rotates a connecting stem which is rotationally attached to an extensible rod. The extensible rod is part of a piston which consists of a body and the extensible rod. Two springs and two plates are located within the body as well as part of the extensible rod which extends into the body. The plates are fixedly fixedly attached to the extensible rod. A motor, part of a motor assembly, effects pulling of the cables by way of its rotation.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an electric power steering apparatus is provided in which a nonlinear element of a motor model of-the electric power steering apparatus is compensated beforehand to linearize the motor model and the back electromotive force of the motor is computed to compensate the back electromotive force for a control loop, and conduct back electromotive force compensation with no lag in order to realize a control apparatus of an electric power steering apparatus with less control error, stable controllability, small motor output torque ripple, good wheel steering feeling, and less motor noise.

Abstract: A work surface is supported by a frame mounted to a front of a vehicle. The frame has a step that is mounted to the frame. The device is supported against the vehicle, and by hooks that are located near, or extend through, the lower frontal portion of the vehicle. A generally horizontal support surface that allows the mechanic to recline above the engine compartment is provided, and a step allows access to the support surface and/or the engine compartment.

Abstract: A maintenance platform for suspension on support cables, in particular for maintaining rotor blades of wind turbines, wherein the maintenance platform is formed by at least two sub-platforms defining a working plane, wherein said sub-platforms are swivably connected to each other by a swivel joint with a swivel axis substantially perpendicular to the working plane.

Abstract: The pole climber is designed to allow an individual to move vertically up and down a tree or pole with little physical exertion, depending instead on the power and design of the device. An electrically powered motor and pair of metal drums set on opposite ends of a bar-like component, the drums fitted with metal teeth, or spikes would turn, biting into the surface being climbed. The individual stands or sits on the platform while operating the motor, that turns the drums, moving the device and person vertically up & down as desired.

Abstract: A hanging type escape apparatus operating with an awl installed into an awl hole of a base of a belt, and the awl includes a sunken spiral groove at its surface for winding a rope, a fixed handle and a pressing handle disposed at the bottom of both sides of the base, so that the pressing handle is pivotally connected to the base, and both sides of the middle of the pressing handle include a link rod, and the other end of each link rod is pivtoally connected to a rotating plate, and the rotating plate is latched with a protusion at the bottom of the awl. Therefore, the escape apparatus can be carried to the escape location, and the rope at the top of the base can be tied and fixed according to the terrain of the site. After a user wears the escape apparatus properly, the awl and the base no longer attaches tightly to the rope, and the user can be descended to a ground, and thus achieving the effect of quickly escaping from the emergency site by the hanging method.

Abstract: A novel carabiner-type attachment means for personal communication devices is provided. In one embodiment the carabiner-type attachment device extends from the bottom of said communication device. The attachment device is in one embodiment integral with the communication device. Alternate embodiments provide novel means for concealing the carabiner-type attachment device within the body of the communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning goods and loading the goods into receptacles by a user includes a scanner and a plurality of loading stations. The scanner scans the goods, and the scanned goods are placed on the loading stations. Each loading station separately obtains a weight of the goods within each respective loading station. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations exceeding a predetermined first weight, the self-checkout system is configured to initiate a first alarm detectable by the user, and in response to the first alarm being initiated, the self-checkout system is configured to prevent additional goods from being scanned by the scanner. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations being below or substantially at a predetermined second weight, the self-checkout system is configured to allow additional goods to be scanned by the scanner after the first alarm is initiated.

Abstract: A lifting station for vertically moving an object, in particular a vehicle body, in a surface treatment installation includes a fixed support structure and a vertically movable lifting cradle which is supported on the support structure and on which at least one conveying device is arranged. Energy for actuating the conveying device can be stored in an energy accumulator arranged on the lifting cradle. In this way, a trailing cable which supplies the conveying device with energy in different lifting positions is not required.

Abstract: An industrial truck includes at least one electronic control unit for traction functions and/or lifting functions of the industrial truck and at least one communications device for data transfer with object identification means, such as with RFID transponders. Connections can be provided for the transmission of data between the communications device and the electronic control system for traction functions and/or lifting functions of the industrial truck.

Abstract: A mast includes a base section, an outer telescopic section and an inner telescopic section which are raised and lowered by a pair of main lift cylinders. A fork carriage is slidably mounted to the inner telescopic section and is raised and lowered thereon by a pair of free lift cylinders. The mast elements are arranged to form two mast columns which produce minimum obstruction to the truck operator's field of view when looking forward through the mast.

Abstract: A helical screw lift system for an elevator includes a rigid vertical frame having at least one rigid vertical rail; and a single elongate helical screw having an inclined helical flight. The screw is rotatably vertically mounted to the frame at opposite ends of the screw. A motor mounted to the frame rotates the screw. A carriage is mounted to the vertical rail for vertical translation. An elevator platform is mounted to the carriage. Four wheels are rigidly mounted cantilevered from the carriage. The wheels engage and bear down on the helical flight of the screw for rolling translation therealong when the screw is rotated about its longitudinal axis so as to raise or lower the elevator platform.

Abstract: A progressive safety device for an elevator includes a brake unit and an actuating unit. The brake unit has a first brake shoe with first spring assemblies and a triangular rotatable support with second and third brake shoes. The actuating unit has an electromagnetic actuator with a locking bolt, a guide bolt with a coaxial compression spring and an actuating arm. On actuation, the compression spring moves the actuating arm against a guide rail whereby grooves on the actuating arm create a frictional engagement with the guide rail turning the actuating arm about a swivel bearing and through a follower turning the support. With the turning motion and the engagement of one of the second and third brake shoes with the guide rail, the first brake shoe is guided against the guide rail and generates the necessary braking force on the guide rail.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator escape device comprising a slow movement assembly. In case of power outage a person trapped in the car can pull a rope or activate a backup generator by means of a remote control for enabling an electromagnetic actuator for closing an electromagnetic contact and disable a brake, and a sheave slowly rotates in response to a height difference between a counterweight and the car. In a brake system of the device in response to detecting a malfunctioned brake by a detector, an associated brake bar and a brake are deactivated by activating an auxiliary actuator for controlling a connected link. In a ventilation system of the device in case of fire, smoke is filtered by a filter, a blower is activated to blow filtered air into the car, and the pressurized fresh air is drawn into the car.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator escape device comprising a slow movement assembly. In case of power outage a person trapped in the car can pull a rope or activate a backup generator by means of a remote control for enabling an electromagnetic actuator for closing an electromagnetic contact and disable a brake, and a sheave slowly rotates in response to a height difference between a counterweight and the car. In a ventilation system of the device in case of fire, smoke is filtered by a filter, a blower is activated to blow filtered air into the car, and the pressurized fresh air is drawn into the car.

Abstract: An elevator traffic flow control strategy utilizes the advantages of sector assignment channeling and destination entry systems. A controller (30) monitors a handling capacity (62) of the system to determine when it is advisable to override the sector assignments (52) to provide improved passenger service.

Abstract: In an elevator safety device, a brake device puts brakes to brake a car through an operation of a safety relay main contact provided to a safety circuit. When the car stops during normal operations, a safety relay instruction signal for operating the relay main contact to such a direction that the brake device puts brakes is generated from a detection circuit. Then, the detection circuit detects whether or not the safety relay main contact is operated in accordance with the safety relay instruction signal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the applications of carbon-carbon brakes of an aircraft to determine brake condition and operate a brake maintenance program or charge a brake system user. The system and method includes monitoring each actuation of the brakes and making a separate record of each actuation of the brakes in which there is relative movement of the facing friction surfaces that cause wear, and from that separate record determining brake usage. The monitoring may include measuring changes and processing the signals to distinguish between those which fall below and those which are above a threshold value. The method and system may comprise sensing a plurality of braking parameters having values dependent upon the wear in the system and different faults of the system, and identifying and recording wear and faults based on combinations of values of the parameters.

Abstract: A braking system for a wheelbarrow comprises a brake assembly which includes a band-type braking member and a link member connected to the braking member, wherein the braking member encircles more than about one half of the outer circumference of the wheel flange of the wheel. The wheelbarrow braking system further comprises a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the link member, and a brake applicator operatively connected to the second end of the cable, the brake applicator configured to apply a tensioning stress to the cable and to enable movement of the link member such that the movement of the link member can cause a frictional contact of the band-type braking member against the outer circumference of the wheel flange of the wheel for applying a braking action to the wheel.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a frame comprising a mechanically actuated braking assembly operably coupled with at least one of the wheels and being operable between braking and non-braking conditions, a handle coupled to the braking assembly and being mounted to the frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis between first and second positions in each of which the braking assembly is in the braking condition, and an actuating mechanism responsive to movement of the handle from either of the first and second positions for actuating the braking assembly into the non-braking condition.

Abstract: A gas spring has a pressure cylinder consisting of nonmagnetic material and closed at two ends, and a piston movably guided in the pressure cylinder. The piston divides the pressure cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, which are both filled with a pressurized fluid and are connected by at least one flow connection. A piston rod is connected to the piston, extends through the second working chamber and projects out from the second working chamber. An adjusting device is provided to adjust an outward-travel distance of the piston rod to different values, the adjusting device including a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field which is adjustable to various positions along the pressure cylinder, and a shut-off valve influenceable by the magnetic field and designed to block the flow connection between the first working chamber and the second working chamber.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a damper tube filled with a damping medium; a piston rod which can move in an oscillating and reciprocal manner in the damper tube and one end of which protrudes into the damper tube and which comprises at this end a piston rod extension and a shoulder. A piston divides the interior of the damper tube into a working chamber remote from the piston rod and a piston rod-side working chamber and which is disposed coaxially with respect to the piston rod extension and comprises restrictor openings and at least one spring washer covering these restrictor openings in each working chamber. A buffer spring is disposed in the piston rod-side working chamber. Also a spring collar which is disposed in the piston rod-side working chamber and has a first support surface supporting the buffer spring and a second support surface for the at least one spring washer disposed in the piston rod-side working chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic retarder is provided having a rotor blade wheel, which has a number (ZR) of blades, and a stator blade wheel, which has a number (ZS) of blades. The rotor blade wheel and the stator blade wheel together form a toroidal working chamber in which torque is transmitted from the rotor blade wheel to the stator blade wheel by means of a working medium. The blades have a profile with an inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DA). The mean number of the blades (Zm), which results from half of the sum of the number of rotor blades (ZR) and the number of stator blades (ZS) multiplied by the profile shift factor (f v) is fixed, depending on the working medium.

Abstract: A suitcase and desk combination device includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The peripheral wall has a break therein and that defines an opening for accessing an interior of the housing. The bottom wall has a bottom edge, a top edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The bottom wall is substantially planar. Each of a plurality of legs extends into the top wall. Each of the legs has a free end and each of the legs is selectively telescoping so that the free ends may be selectively positionable in a stored position adjacent to the top wall or in an extended position extending away from the top wall.

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device includes a toroid portion, a turbine hub, and a lock-up device. The toroid portion includes a pump impeller and a turbine runner. The turbine hub is engaged with an input shaft of a transmission and holds the turbine runner. The lock-up device is installed so that it engages and disengages freely and it mechanically transmits to the turbine hub rotation that is transmitted from a drive power source. The toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction. Because the toroid portion and the lock-up device overlap in the axial direction, the size of the hydraulic power transmission device in the axial direction can be reduced, and the hydraulic power transmission device can be made more compact.

Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.

Abstract: A hydraulic clutch actuation system is provided having a hydraulic clutch control device which includes one first clutch master cylinder that communicates via a first pressure-medium line with a first clutch slave cylinder, which is used for actuating a first clutch device, and a second clutch master cylinder that communicates via a second pressure-medium line with a second clutch slave cylinder used for actuating a second clutch device, the pressure prevailing in the first and/or in the second pressure-medium line being relievable via at least one emergency release valve device to permit disengagement of at least one of the clutch devices in an emergency situation.

Abstract: There is provided a lubricating structure of a one-way clutch which can lubricate rollers without degrading durability. A direction in which a lubricating oil passage for supplying oil to rollers of the one-way clutch extends is tilted relative to the rotational axis of an inner race and tilted relative to respective rotational axes of the rollers as viewed from the outer circumferential side of the inner race. Thus, as compared with the case where the lubricating oil passage is provided in parallel with the respective rotational axes of the rollers as viewed from the outer circumferential side of the inner race, a thin-walled part formed between the lubricating oil passage formed just below the roller and the surface on which the rollers roll can be reduced in size.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission with shifting elements and a transmission side hill-holder as well as a procedure to control this transmission, with at least two shifting elements of the transmission are the hill-holder, that a braking moment arises at the output of the transmission and acts against a rolling away of the vehicle or the output of the transmission is blocked, whereby the flow of power between a drive motor of the vehicle and a shifting element of the transmission located in the power flow can be partially or completely interrupted during the activation of the hill-holder. If it is recognized that the driver wants to leave or is leaving the vehicle with the motor running and a gear of the transmission simultaneously engaged in a drive position and a simultaneously activated transmission side hill-holder, then the previously activated transmission side hill-holder is automatically deactivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug for releasable engagement with the centre-pin of a roller blind control unit wherein engagement of the plug with the pin ensures that a tip of the centre-pin engages an external surface of the control unit. In addition, a releasably inter-engaging combination of this plug and centre-pin wherein insertion of the centre-pin through a roller blind control unit and engagement with the plug, ensures that a tip of the centre-pin engages an external surface of the control unit is described. The invention also relates to a control unit for use in a window blind head rail assembly comprising: a sprocket wheel, a sprocket support and wrap spring, a splined bush for engagement with a roller blind tube, a centre-pin, and a plug for releasable engagement with the centre-pin.

Abstract: A flow through article storage device that includes a housing into which a plurality of stacks of articles can be positioned. The housing has a bottom and a front and rear end. A plurality of elongate abutment elements are coupled to the housing and configured for independent movement between a first position in which the elongate abutment elements extend at least partially into the interior of the housing and a second position in which the elongate abutment members do not extend into the interior of the housing. At least one track of rollers is provided on the bottom or an inclined support surface of the housing. Stacks of articles that are loaded into the rear end of the housing are subsequently removed from the front end. The elongate abutment elements can be selectively moved between the first and second positions to control movement of the stacks of articles along the inclined bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for executing a money deposit transaction. During a money deposit transaction the state of the bank notes to be deposited is ascertained, bank notes being in a good state are made available to the depositor after the completion of the money deposit transaction, while bank notes being in an unsatisfactory state are withheld.

Abstract: Paper currency is conveyed to a resend area 522 when deposited paper currency is folded paper currency, wherein a front corner thereof, relative to the direction of conveyance, is folded, based on information that is read in from a sensor unit 530a. In the resend area 522, the folded location is up. The folded paper currency is resent within the resend area 522. The action of the conveying rollers 551 and 552 corrects the fold of the paper currency within the resend area 522.

Abstract: A media recognition system includes a sensing part and a media discriminator. The sensing part is disposed proximate to a media to be queried and produces a sensing signal responsive to the media. The sensing signal is a digital signal produced in a single step by the sensing part from an analog signal. The media discriminator receives the sensing signal from the sensing part to determine acceptability of the media.

Abstract: A coin metal processing device and a method of controlling the device, where whether or not a metal-coin is acceptable and value information etc. for the metal-coin can be set, and where both ordinary coins and metal-coins cam be used. A setting portion (5) is operated to shift a coin metal processing device (1) to a metal-coin setting mode, coins with the value equivalent to a set value are dropped in, and the value of coins identified is memorized in a memory (9). A predetermined number of coins are collected at any time by a characteristics data collecting portion (6) and stored in a characteristics data-storing portion (7). A characteristics data analyzing portion (8) analyzes whether or not the characteristics data overlap with characteristics data of each coin and further analyzes whether or not variations of the characteristics data are within a specified value. A control portion (2) sets reception of the metal-coins based on the result of the analysis.