Abstract: A coin selector for use in a coin mechanism of vending machines and the like is disclosed. The coin selector includes a device which determines whether a deposited coin is real or fake, and a movable gate which selectively conducts the deposited coin into a real coin chute or a fake coin chute in response to an operational result of the determining device. A detector is positioned upstream of the entrances to the real coin chute and the fake coin chute, and outputs an electrical signal which is dependent upon the position of the gate and the moving condition of the coin as it passes by the detector. The coin selector further includes a judging circuit which receives the output from the detector and determines whether the gate is in position to conduct the coin into the real coin chute or the fake coin chute.

Abstract: Coin processing apparatus electromagnetically tests an inserted coin, separates genuine coins from counterfeit coins by a first pathway switching mechanism, and stores genuine coins in change tubes and a cash-box by a second pathway switching mechanism, according to the type of coin. The pathway along which the coins pass is provided with pass sensors at two positions therein, where one pass sensor detects the coins and the other pass sensor controls the operation of the second pathway switching mechanism in such as manner as to prevent passing coins from becoming trapped therein. The second pathway switching mechanism is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the fall of a detection signal from a pass sensor, to end the flow of current through and thereby prevent overheating of a solenoid therein.

Abstract: A coin validation system for determining if a coin moving along a coin rail is a valid coin, and if so, its denomination the system including a rail along which coins move, at least one optical sensor located along the rail to sense the presence or absence of a coin moving therealong, at least one magnetic sensor associated with each optical sensor located in the vicinity of the respective optical sensor, each of the magnetic sensors including an inductive element and a circuit for exciting the magnetic sensor to produce a field that is coupled to the coin moving past so that the coin and the inductive element have mutual inductance therebetween, the circuit ringing the magnetic sensor a predetermined number of times while the coin is adjacent to the magnetic sensor whereby the magnetic sensor generates a damped wave signal having characteristics representative of the physical and magnetic characteristics of the coin, a signal preprocessor operatively connected to the magnetic sensor for producing output resp

Abstract: Coin discrimination apparatus includes a coin rundown path along which coins roll so as to impact a snubber provided with a piezo electric device. The coin impact produces an oscillatory voltage output from the device, which is sampled over a predetermined period for its peak maximum and minimum values. The values are combined in a predetermined relationship to produce a coin parameter signal indicative of coin mass and the material from which it is made. Coin acceptability is determined on the basis of the value of the coin parameter signal.

Abstract: A coin validator checks the measured properties of a tested item against stored ranges to determine whether the tested item is acceptable. Individual sets of ranges can be enabled and disabled, and switched between narrow and wide ranges, in a teach mode of the validator. Selection of the ranges to be enabled, disabled or switched is accomplished by causing the validator to test an item to determine its type.

Abstract: An inductive starting sensor for a battery powered coin acceptor includes an oscillator whose output signal changes when a coin passes through the area of the starting sensor. The sensor includes a capacitor which can be discharged via a resistor. The capacitor is periodically charged via a transistor connected to the oscillator in an emitter follower circuit. The transistor becomes currentless upon a diminution of the oscillator voltage due to the damping of the inductance of the oscillator on account of a passing coin. A further transistor generates a starting signal for the coin acceptor when the first transistor becomes currentless.

Abstract: Methods and validation apparatus for achieving improved acceptance and rejection for coins, bills and other currency items. One aspect includes modifying item acceptance criteria by creating and defining three-dimensional acceptance clusters, the data for which are stored in look-up tables in memory associated with a microprocessor. A second aspect involves fraud prevention by temporarily tightening or readjusting item acceptance criteria when a potential fraud attempt is detected. A third aspect relates to minimizing the effects of counterfeit items such as slugs on the self-adjustment process for the item acceptance criteria. A final aspect relates to calculation of a relative value of the acceptance criteria in order to conserve memory space and minimize computation time.

Abstract: A coin analyzer system includes a coin detecting sensor having a body defined by a magnetic core with spaced apart sides to define there-between an air gap that is large enough to position any size coin which may be deposited. A coil that is magnetically coupled to the core generates a uniform magnetic flux through the air gap from one side to the other so that the positioning of the coin in the air gap is not critical. A return path is provided in the core for returning the magnetic flux to the one side from the other side and thereby completing the magnetic circuit. The arms surrounding the coin sensing region define facing surfaces which converge outwardly from the bite portion in order to produce a uniform magnetic circuit reluctance for all portions of the facing surfaces. The core may be divided into two core portions separated by a secondary air gap in the return path with a pair of coils provided, one magnetically coupled with each of the core portions.

Abstract: A coin processing apparatus which comprises a coin selecting section for determining whether put-in coins are genuine or not and denominations of the coins determined as genuine, a coin accommodating section for accommodating the genuine coins selected by the coin selecting section, and a coin payment section for paying out coins having denominations corresponding to an amount of change from the coin accommodating section, in which the coin accommodating section is formed at the lower portion of a single housing and the coin selecting section is formed by an inner wall face of the housing having a part of the coin selecting section and by a cover having another part of the coin selecting section on its back face, the cover being adapted for covering the inner wall face of the housing, and in which a rib is formed on an upper surface of the housing, for guiding liquid fell on the upper surface of the housing to both sides of the housing and, the coin selecting section is provided with a liquid collector, a dis

Abstract: An inductive coin detector to recognize the presence of coins (2) in a coin channel (1) uses a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. The detector is equipped with a flat coil (3) located outside the coin channel (1). A high-frequency alternating magnetic field produced by the rail (3) penetrates the coin channel (1) at a right angle to the coin movement direction (13). The coil (3) consists at least of a flat helicoidal conductor arrangement and is part of the LC oscillator. The oscillator circuit, together with a measuring circuit, constitutes a detector circuit (4) for the recognition of a change in oscillator frequency caused by the presence of the coin (2). The coil (3) and the detector circuit (4) are located on a common support in immediate proximity of each other and can be enclosed in a flat housing. The coin detector can be connected by means of a three-strand line comprising a feeder (7) and a signalling line (9).

Abstract: A vending machine for bottled water is provided, which consists of a base to sit upon a floor in a building, so as to support a bottle of water thereon. A coin operated dispensing module is mounted to the base, so that when a coin is inserted into the dispensing module a specific amount of water from the bottle can be deposited into a cup placed into the dispensing module.

Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique means for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photocells. The meter also includes a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter. The components of the meter are operated in three conditions or states including an off condition, an inactive condition, and an active condition, to provide further conservation of power so that the meter is entirely battery operated.

Abstract: An apparatus end method of validating coins involves taking two independent measurements of the tested item, and determining whether both measurements lie within respective ranges for a particular coin type, the range for at least one of the measurements being dependent upon at least one other measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating and collecting coins wherein an inserted coin is received in a notch of a rotary disk. Upon sensing the insertion of a coin into the notch, a motor rotates the disk through a predetermined arc to a predetermined angular orientation where a decision is made whether to accept or reject the coin based on coin characteristics such as the sensed diameter of the coin and metal content. If the coin is accepted, the disk is rotated to an angular orientation where the coin falls from the notch into a coin collection box. However, if the coin is rejected, the disk is rotated in the opposite direction to an angular orientation where the coin falls into a coin return chute. Sensors are also provided to sense the presence of the coin in the notch on the way back to the initial angular orientation. If the coin failed to fall out for any reason, another attempt is made to collect the coin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating coins based on their metal or ferrous content. Coins are transported by a rotary mechanism that stops when a coin is accurately positioned with respect to an adjacent metal sensor. The metal sensor is then activated to provide a measurement signal of the coin in the repeatable stationary position. A plurality of measurements may preferably be taken and averaged to increase the accuracy.

Abstract: Coin selector, which defines a route or path for the coins, along which are fitted optical and electromagnetic sensors and at least one rocker arm located towards the entrance to that route or path which is responsible for directing the coins towards the correct path. The selector also includes a mobile permanent magnet and a fixed magnetic relay close to that magnet, the magnet being fitted to the rocker arm and located towards the entrance to the path for the coins. The displacement of the rocker arm pulls the magnet, varying the action of the magnet's magnetic field on the relay. The relay is connected to a power supply circuit for the sensor, which is activated when a coin is introduced.

Abstract: Discrimination between genuine coins and unacceptable coins (i.e., slugs) deposited in a coin-actuated vending machine, is achieved by guiding a deposited coin for movement along a guide path, and positioning a disk-shaped coil which forms part of an oscillator circuit at a certain position relative to the first guide path such that coins of certain diameters will interact with flux produced by the coil when the latter is excited by the oscillator circuit and the coins are guided in proximity with the coil. Amplitude and frequency values each corresponding to operation of the oscillator circuit (1) in the absence of a proximate coin, and (2) when a deposited coin is at positions along the first guide path which are in proximity with the coil, are measured. Degrees of shift in the amplitude and the frequency values between measurements made at (1) and (2) are then determined. The determined degrees of shift are compared against known shift limits for acceptable (i.e.

Abstract: A control system for coin-operated automatic machines is accommodated within a frame box of a rectangular prismatic and vertically elongated shape, such that in the upper part thereof there is established an electronic coin selector. Immediately below the selector is arranged a classifier, which is aided by a display and a set of buttons, whilst in the lower area of the frame box, below the classifier, there are established a series of storage tubes corresponding to respective return mechanisms. A module for temporary storage of coins, and at least one slot in one of the side walls of the frame box are provided to allow optional coupling of an external return device which, through a guide, supplies the coins to a return duct.

Abstract: "Device for the obtaining of mechanical characteristics of coins", composed of a beam (1) that is embedded by at least one of its ends (2) and a flexible elastic by its displacement of coins through the length of the same. This beam (1) consist of an elongated plain strip of natural steel, with a lateral widening (4) at one of its extreme portions, which is introduced in an adjusted manner into a cavity encasement (6) formed in the selector, with said widening (4) remaining exteriorly retained by an anvil (8) that is fixed to the selector and pressured on the strip (1) towards the encasement, descanting the same in projecting with a certain longitudinal and transversal inclination.

Abstract: Procedure for verifying coins in which an analog electrical signal is generated when a coin passes in front of a sensor. This signal is subjected to analog-digital conversion. In a first filtration step, each of the measured digital values (D.sub.n) obtained in this manner is compared with at least one value (S.sub.1 to S.sub.n) stored in a memory. In the event of predetermined conditions being met or not being met, the average digital value (D.sub.n) is either stored or eliminated.

Abstract: A coin selector has a coin passageway wherein coins are inserted. A magnetic sensor inspects the coins in the coin passageway, and generates an inspection signal, which a controller evaluates to generate an acceptance or rejection signal. A gate plate responds to the acceptance or rejection signal, and selectively provides access to one of two chutes for the inspected coins, namely, an accepting chute for acceptable coins and a return chute for unacceptable coins. A photo sensor detects the acceptable coins in the accepting chute, and generates a detection signal. Counters are adapted to count the acceptance signals incrementally and the detection signals decrementally. A controller adds together the two counts of the counters, evaluates the sum of this addition, and generates an error signal in accordance with the sum evaluation. The error signal is utilized for the detection of fraud.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for examining the genuineness and the value of coins using inductive and opto-electronic devices, the coin diameter, the minting and the nature of the material are determined and evaluated within a test cycle, in which the coin is taken up, centered, clamped and turned through 360.degree.. The coin diameter is ascertained and checked by way of the angle of twist between two disks, which are disposed so that they can be twisted relatively to one another. The apparatus ensures an accurately centered and vibrationless clamping of the coin for an opto-electronic scanning and the inductive identification of the material.

Abstract: A power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic coin validator, wherein at least one test probe generates a measuring signal if a coin passes the probe. The digitized measuring signal is compared with an upper and a lower reference value which define an acceptance band. A validity signal is generated if the measuring signal lies within the acceptance band. The measuring signal is also compared with a second upper and lower reference value defining a second acceptance band which is narrower than the first acceptance band relative to at least one of the reference values. The second acceptance band is alternatively used for the generation of the validity signal if the measuring signal of at least one coin is outside the second acceptance band, whereas the first acceptance band is used if the measuring signal of at least one coin is within the second acceptance band.

Abstract: In a conventional coin sorting device, sensor abnormalities tend to be overlooked as the reference value used to determine whether a coin introduced is good or bad is set by the introduction of a coin with the reference characteristics during an adjustment. In the present invention, a representative value common to a plurality of coin sorting devices of a similar type is used as the reference value. From the detection value and reference value of a coin that has been introduced into the coin sorting device, the constants of a linear regression formula related to both values are obtained and set during an adjustment.

Abstract: The type of denomination of a coin inserted through a coin slot is discriminated by a coin discriminating section while the coin is being conveyed substantially horizontally by a mechanism for horizontally conveying coins, and the discriminated coin is distributed by coin distributing levers for selectively executing a first distributing operation for distributing coins to a relevant coin accumulating section and a second distributing operation for introducing the coins to an ensuing coin distributing section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing coins is described. In particular, the resistance introduced into a tuned circuit by the proximity of a coin while it is moving past an inductor of the circuit is determined by changing the amount of phase shift present in a feedback path associated with the circuit and measuring the resulting change in frequency of oscillation, which is dependent upon the resistance in the tune circuit.

Abstract: A coin validator has a thickness sensor formed by two coils positioned one on each side of the coin path. The coil outputs are processed separately to derive values which, when combined, produce a thickness-indicating measurement which is independent of coin position. Each output may be processed to give values which are linearly dependent upon coin position with the same constant of proportionality. Alternatively, one output is scaled relative to the other to an extent dependent upon the thickness for which the coin is to be tested, so that the thickness-indicating measurement does not vary significantly over a region which corresponds to a likely maximum variation in the position of coins of that thickness.

Abstract: Methods and validation apparatus for achieving improved acceptance and rejection for coins, bills and other currency items. One aspect includes modifying item acceptance criteria by creating and defining three-dimensional acceptance clusters, the data for which are stored in look-up tables in memory associated with a microprocessor. A second aspect involves fraud prevention by temporarily tightening or readjusting item acceptance criteria when a potential fraud attempt is detected. A third aspect relates to minimizing the effects of counterfeit items such as slugs on the self-adjustment process for the item acceptance criteria. A final aspect relates to calculation of a relative value of the acceptance criteria in order to conserve memory space and minimize computation time.

Abstract: A device and procedure for obtaining the mechanical characteristics of coins includes an element onto which coins pass which element is elastically deformable under the weight of the coins. This elastically deformable element has sensors to detect an electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the element from which can be obtained the inherent mechanical characteristics sought after in the coin. From the signals produced by the coin rolling along the aforementioned element, which can be in the form of a beam, the device uses frequency analysis to determine a parameter which is representative of the mechanical elasticity of the coin. This parameter is then compared to various stored data to determine whether or not the coin is authentic.

Abstract: Apparatus for more accurately distinguishing between metal objects including coins based on the affect of the object or coin on the electrical characteristics of a pair of tank circuits when the tank circuits are subjected to a charging pulse which ends at a time when the object or coin is in the field thereof. The tank circuits can be connected into different configurations with the fields of their respective coils positioned to be subjected to the object or coin to be distinguished. The tank circuits can have similar or different characteristics and the coils of the tank circuits can be arranged in an aiding or in an opposing relationship. The present apparatus may also include apparatus to provide automatic tuning and self adjustment using a comparison between a portion of a signal produced by ringing one or more tank circuits and a fixed reference voltage level.

Abstract: A coin analyzer system includes a coin detecting sensor having a body defined by a magnetic core with spaced apart sides to define there-between an air gap that is large enough to position any size coin which may be deposited. A coil that is magnetically coupled to the core generates a uniform magnetic flux through the air gap from one side to the other so that the positioning of the coin in the air gap is not critical. A return path is provided in the core for returning the magnetic flux to the one side from the other side and thereby completing the magnetic circuit. The arms surrounding the coin sensing region define facing surfaces which converge outwardly from the bite portion in order to produce a uniform magnetic circuit reluctance for all portions of the facing surfaces. The core may be divided into two core portions separated by a secondary air gap in the return path with a pair of coils provided, one magnetically coupled with each of the core portions.

Abstract: Coins corresponding to a payment, thrown into a hopper, fall on a recessed disk and each lodge in one of the recesses. If two coins are superposed in one recess, the upper coin is deflected outwardly by a slot and then raised by the inclined bottom of this slot to finally be ejected from the recess. The coins are then, as a function of the result of a detection, oriented toward one or the other of two compartments of an annular display which surrounds the separation disk. At the end of each payment, the annular display turns a fraction of a turn to bring the two compartments into a presentation position, while two empty compartments are presented to receive the following payment, and the coins corresponding to the preceding payment arrive at a transmission position for example toward collection boxes. The drive of the movable portion of the display is effected by its radially outer edge.

Abstract: Improvements in coin selectors to determine weight as an additional measurement to the alloy, diameter and cross section consisting of a mechanical device made up of two overlapped levers (2) and (3) the free end of lever (2) remaining under an orthogonal projection (6) of lever (3), lever (3) being in connection with a ferrite (7) in whose magnetic field it penetrates, upon the coin being located in area A of lever (2). It has an electronic device made up of an oscillator (8) of ferrite (7) with a rectifier (15) to determine the wave amplitude of the oscillator, as well as an analogic-digital converter (16) which transforms the analogic value provided by the rectifier into a number that the C.P.U. (17) processes. On the other hand, the Schmitt scale (18) transforms the sinewave into rectangular impulses, passing over a bridge (19), the C.P.U. determines the period and processes this information, obtaining the weight of the coin.

Abstract: Apparatus for use primarily in toll road systems for receiving and validating coins including a coin acceptor which comprises a rotating disc provided with recesses in its periphery for receiving coins and a coin validator adjacent the path of movement of the coins for sensing coin validity. A coin ejection mechanism is provided to reject coins if invalid as sensed by the coin validator. The apparatus also includes a compartmented coin receiving assembly for receiving coins from the acceptor and transferring them to a vault chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting inserted coins and method thereof in units which are operated by inserting coins such as a vending machine, by using the configuration including the microcomputer for controlling the whole operation to detect the inserted coins, the quality, thickness and diameter detecting sensors for detecting the quality, the thickness and the diameter of the inserted coin and having the method comprising the steps of: counting the time required until the lastly positioned sensor senses the maximum value data after the firstly positioned sensor sensed the maximum value data; performing reset of the apparatus in case that the time required is more than the predetermined time; and discriminating the kinds of the inserted coins based on the quality, the thickness and the diameter maximum value data of the detected coins and the time required, thereby obtaining the advantage that the apparatus stops the operation and is reset when the insertion path is stopped up and

Abstract: An electronically controlled coin tester which generates an audio frequency response in a coin to be tested, then electronically analyzes the response to determine if it matches the characteristic response of an acceptable coin. The audio frequency response is generated by a striker which mechanically impacts the coin as it traverses the coin chute. The striker may be deflectable so that it is deflected from the path of coin travel after it performs its function. Gating is provided to enable the detector circuitry only in the presence of a coin, thereby reducing the susceptibility to tampering. Signal processing circuitry, which can store a plurality of responses relating to a plurality of acceptable coins, makes a comparison with a sampled characteristic to determine if the tested coin is acceptable or should be rejected.

Abstract: A method of testing a coin in a coin testing mechanism, comprising subjecting a coin inserted into the mechanism to an oscillating field generated by an inductor, measuring the reactance and the loss of the inductor when the coin is in the field, and determining whether the direction in the impedance plane of a displacement line, representing the displacement of a coin-present point which is defined by the measurements, relative to a coin-absent point representing the inductor reactance and loss in the absence of a coin, corresponds to a reference direction in the impedance plane. The reactance and loss measurements may be taken by a phase discrimination method.

Abstract: In a coin testing apparatus, the front face of an inductive coil, the front fact of a high-permeability core for the coil, and a structural part of the apparatus, are all accurately located relative to each other by having the coil wound on a former having a front flange which determines the relative positioning of those features.

Abstract: Device for checking metal disks and especially coins, characterized in that it comprises a sorting mechanism essentially constituted by a single motor-driven circular plate 4 which makes it possible to carry out simultaneously the functions of separation and identification of coins, this plate being toothed around its periphery and reinforced at the center by a portion 9 of frusto-conical shape onto which the coins fall in a bulk admission zone. This plate rotates above a stationary portion 2 which is almost entirely surrounded by a circular rim 3 on which the coins slide when they are engaged between the teeth of the plate. Provision is made for the identification and authentication of coins, which take into account both the material, the thickness and the diameter of these latter, including a single electromagnetic detector 15 placed above the plate 4. The detector is eccentric to the path of the centers of the coins, so that variation in the diameters of the coins can be detected.

Abstract: A method for analyzing analog signals for coin detection comprises establishing, in an analog signal different measurement areas TA, TB, TC, based upon the gradient changes of that signal, to determine a digital signal according to such changes. An electronic circuit is used, which includes an operational amplifier with a time delay that compares the analog signal with the same signal, insignificantly delayed with regard to the signal duration.

Abstract: Methods and validation apparatus for achieving improved acceptance and rejection for coins, bills and other currency items. One aspect includes modifying item acceptance criteria by creating and defining three-dimensional acceptance clusters, the data for which are stored in look-up tables in memory associated with a micorprocessor. A second aspect involves fraud prevention by temporarily tightening or readjusting item acceptance criteria when a potential fraud attempt is detected. A third aspect relates to minimizing the effects of couterfeit items such as slugs on the self-adjustment process for the item acceptance criteria. A final aspect relates to calculation of a relative value of the acceptance criteria in order to conserve memory space and minimize computation time.

Abstract: A coin validator includes improved compensation circuitry for compensating for ambient conditions such as temperature or the presence of metallic objects, includes a path (1) for passage for coins under test, sensor coils (2, 3, 4) which form an inductive coupling with coins under test during their passage along the path, detectors (DM1, ADC) responsive to the impedance presented by the coil in the absence of a coin, for producing an ambient condition signal which is a function of an ambient condition such as temperature of the presence of metallic objects a controller (MPU 17) responsive to the inductive coupling between a coin travelling along the path past the coil, for providing signal which is a function of a characteristic of the coin, and a microprocessor (MPU) for modifying operation of the controller in dependence upon the ambient condition signal.

Abstract: A coin handling mechanism for vending machines has a coin validation sensor, a coin accepting gate, a plurality of coin distributing gates and a cutter for cutting a string which is suspending a deposited coin. When a coin suspended by a string is deposited in a coin inlet of the mechanism, the string is caught by the coin accepting gate before the coin reaches the coin distributing gates. When the string is then pulled towards the coin inlet in an attempt to remove the coin, the string is cut by the cutter. The coin with the cut string portion attached thereto then falls down in the machine. In this situation the coin distributing gates are automatically oriented to form a coin path communicating with a cash box therebelow. The coin with the cut string thus falls to the cash box, thereby preventing it from being paid or given to a customer.

Abstract: An improved magnetic field sensor for detecting tokens is disclosed which has one Hall effect sensor located between a magnet and an inclined token track base and another Hall effect sensor located between another magnet and the inclined token track base. The Hall effect sensors are placed at distances above the inclined token track base which optimize their accuracy in detecting tokens which have two concentric regions with different magnet characteristics.

Abstract: An electronic device with no moving parts identifies and counts coins. The device may comprise a plurality of sensors and appropriate circuitry for interpreting the signals emitted by the sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor to detect the presence of a ferrous object, a sensor to detect the presence of a solid object, and a sensor to measure the weight of a coin are each implemented in an inexpensive and reliable manner by use of electronic components. Sensed information is collected and processed by a programmable microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically discriminating coin diameter includes a vertical or inclined coin passage defined by a pair of opposed side plates and a pair of opposed edge plates. A pair of proximity switches are opposedly arranged at the opposed edge plate sides and spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the diameter of a genuine coin to be discriminating, and an electronic circuit is arranged such that when both of the proximity switches are simultanuously turned ON by a coin passing through the coin passage, a genuine coin diameter signal is output.

Abstract: A coin discriminating and counting apparatus including a light emitter disposed linewise in the direction perpendicular to a coin transporting direction on one side of a coin passage with respect to the vertical direction, a sensor array disposed so as to be opposite to the light emitter on the other side of the coin passage, a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic properties of coins, the magnetic sensor being disposed so that the coin passage and the sensor array are disposed therebetween with respect to the vertical direction, an optical data memory for storing optical data detected by the sensor array, a magnetic data memory for storing magnetic data detected by the magnetic sensor, a coin diameter detector for detecting diameters of coins based upon the optical data stored in the optical data memory, a denomination discriminator for discriminating coin denominations based upon the coin diameters detected by the coin diameter discriminator, a reference magnetic data memory for storing reference magnetic

Abstract: By combining a number of different types of coin sensors including a reflective sensor, a capacitive sensor and inductive sensors together with a logic circuit it is possible to provide for highly accurate and flexible discrimination between authorized and unauthorized coins or tokens. Fexibility is further enhanced by a self teaching feature where a microprocessor is used to iteratively adjust upper and lower value limits in the sensor circuits in response to the insertion of a limited number of sample coins.

Abstract: Coin validation apparatus having a coin chute including a hard striking surface upon which a coin entering the apparatus is directed. A microphone is positioned to detect acoustic vibrations of the coin after it strikes the striking surface. An output from the microphone is applied to a fast fourier transform device to produce a signal analysis of the coin vibration. A weighbridge measuring apparatus which is made up of a flexible strip of resilient material carried on a support at each end is provided. The coin rolls across the flexible strip to cause a temporary deflection of a center portion of the strip. A strain gauge located at the strip center to produce an electrical signal representative of the deflection. A classifier compares the signal analysis and the strain gauge signal with stored data representative of a set of standard coins, for classifying the coin as a particular coin value.