Abstract: A low power device for sorting tokens as part of a coin-operated meter is disclosed. The device sorts a token while it is falling under the influence of gravity and assures that a movable gate, which directs the token to one of two paths, is in the proper position before the token reaches the gate. Power to move the gate is used only when the position of the gate is to be changed.

Abstract: A coin validation system includes a coin runway (1), a coil (2) positioned adjacent to the runway and a resonant circuit (4) coupled to the coil (2). A first signal monitoring circuit (6,8,12) is arranged to monitor oscillating signals generated in the resonant circuit (4) as the coin moves down the runway. The system further includes another coil (3). The other coil (3) is displaced with respect to the one coil (2) in the direction of movement of the coin (6) down the runway (1). Another resonant circuit (5) is coupled to the other coil (3) and a second signal monitoring circuit (7,8,11) are arranged to monitor the oscillating signals generated in the other resonant circuit (5). The signal monitoring circuits (6,7,8,11,12) are arranged to compare the signals in the resonant circuits (4,5) and to determine from a measured signal parameter a measurement which is representative of the coin (6) and which is velocity and acceleration independent.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus having a coin discriminating mechanism and a plurality of coin retaining mechanisms wherein at least one of coin outlets is disposed on a side surface of the coin discriminating mechanism. Since the number of coin outlets disposed on the bottom surface of the coin discriminating mechanism is thereby decreased, the width of the coin discriminating mechanism can be decreased. Additionally, the space provided by the decrease of the size can be used as a space for extending an auxiliary coin retaining mechanism, thereby increasing the space in the apparatus for retained change.

Abstract: A coin discriminator discriminates a genuine coin from a counterfeit on the basis of a real component and an imaginary component of an impedance of the coin produced from a high frequency alternating current bridge circuit and decides an amount of the coin when the coin is genuine. An automatic balancing circuit having a sufficiently long time constant is employed to detect variations in the real component and the imaginary component of the impedance due to insertion of the coin. Whether the coin is genuine or counterfeit is discriminated on the basis of peak values of both variations and when the coin is genuine, an amount of the coin is decided.

Abstract: An electronic coin acceptor comprises a particular components portion mainly including a coin passage, at least one sensor and an oscillating circuit for providing information signals in response to the dimensions and material of a coin and a common components portion mainly including a coin discriminating circuit for producing a gate actuating signal, a coin acceptance chute and a gate at the inlet of the coin acceptance chute. The particular components portion is detachable from the common components portion and replaceably by a different particular components portion that is designed to discriminate a new coin that differs from the coins previously being examined by the acceptor.

Abstract: A rapid coin acceptor is disclosed which is capable of discriminating valid coins or tokens from counterfeit coins or tokens and for accepting the valid coins or tokens as they fall by gravity through the device. The coin acceptor includes a coin introduction chute which receives coins or tokens and directs the coins by gravity feed to a coin sensing gate which is positioned in vertical registry below the bottom of the coin introduction chute. The coin sensing gate is equipped with a plurality of sensors to sense various parameters of the coin or token for authentication purposes as the coin or token drops through the coin sensing gate. The coin sensing gate is designed of height between one and one and one-half times the diameter of the coin to assure substantially instantaneous response to prevent the rapid insertion of a spurious coin from defeating the sensor control.

Abstract: This is a coin sorting and counting apparatus for providing very accurate high throughput processing of heterogeneous coin mixtures. A rotating drum having parallel annular channels, each of which has equally spaced counterbores located around it is rotated within a vacuum plenum. A novel sensor coil constructed as a balanced transformer of four coils having rectangular geometries is used, in conjunction with a dual frequency excitation signal, to detect at least three electronic signatures for each coin, the signatures are detected by separating the frequency components in the output of the sensor coil and obtaining a peak value for the excursion of the high frequency response caused by passage of the coin, and width values corresponding to the time the excursion of the signal was above a predetermined threshold for both the high and low frequency responsive channels.

Abstract: A coin discriminating device is provided which includes a circuit having a coin sensor and a capacitor connected to the coin sensor in parallel. The circuit is disposed adjacent to a passageway through which coins move in a certain direction. A direct voltage source is connected to the circuit to supply electric current through a switching element. A first responsive circuit is connected between the circuit and a switching element and responds to characteristic damped oscillations which occur in the circuit when the switching element is turned off. A passage detecting circuit is disposed adjacent to the circuit to detect the presence of a coin in the passageway. A second responsive circuit turns the switching element off in response to an output signal from the passage detector. The characteristic damped oscillations are processed and compared with stored signals for a match in order to distinguish one coin from another.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled electronic coin chute is designed for use in a coin telephone station and adapted to operate over an extended temperature range while making coin acceptance/rejection decisions that are both rapid and accurate. Within the coin chute are a pair of coin quality sensors designed to measure a different property of a coin such as composition and size. Each coin quality sensor comprises a series-connected pair of coils placed on opposite sides of the coin path. These coils are part of an oscillator circuit having a maximum frequency when the coin is positioned between them, and an idle frequency otherwise. Idle frequency measurements are made each time an associated telephone switchhook is operated. The measured idle frequency serves as a temperature indication which, together with a stored program, is used by the microprocessor to establish acceptability limits for each coin in an allowed set.

Abstract: A coin validator of a static capacitance system for discerning the thickness and/or pattern of a coin in a non-contact manner. A pair of electrode assemblies including a first and a second sensor electrodes and a first and a second guard ring electrodes are disposed on the corresponding sides of a coin path. The first and the second guard ring electrodes prevent the dispersion of electric lines of force generated by the first and the second sensor electrodes. The first and the second sensor electrodes are impressed with resonating output signals from resonators. Under such condition, when the coin passes through the coin path between these electrodes, the entire inter-electrode capacitance changes to fluctuate the resonating output voltage and hence allow the thickness and/or pattern of the coin to be detected. The guard ring electrodes serve to focus the electric lines of force into a beam to thereby allow the thickness of the coin to be detected finely.

Abstract: An unacceptable coin removing apparatus for a coin handling machine having a rotatable disk for receiving deposited coins, an annular guide provided on the periphery of the rotatable disk and formed with an opening, a coin sorting passage connected to the opening downstream thereof, a pair of guide plates provided for the coin sorting passage, the space between the pair of guide plates being adjustable and the pair of guide plates being capable of supporting a predetermined denomination of coins in accordance with the space therebetween, a coin collecting opening provided below the pair of guide plates, a coin transporting belt provided in the coin sorting passage for transporting coins by contacting the upper faces of coins in the coin sorting passage, a drive motor for driving the rotatable disk and the coin transporting belt and a sensor provided downstream of the coin collecting opening in the coin sorting passage for detecting the characteristics of the coins, the unacceptable coin removing apparatus fur

Abstract: A method and a detector for controlling coins inserted into a slot of a device are disclosed, in which a device for imparting oscillations to a coin is arranged, The frequency of oscillations is measured and compared with a predetermined value in an electronic device which actuates a coin separating device which guides unsuitable coins into a separation passage.

Abstract: A method of discriminating coins by use of a pair of oval sensor coils opposedly arranged at both sides of a coin passage in a coin acceptor with the longitudinal axis of the coils extended along a coin guide rail in the coin passage is disclosed. The method comprises steps of detecting a variation of coil reactance caused by a coin rolling on the guide rail, counting clock pulses in a pass time from a start point to a final point of the variation of coil reactance, reading the whole variation of the coil reactance from the start point to the final point thereof by a microcomputer, providing a plurality of variation divided data by dividing the pass time by an integral number and comparing the variation data with corresponding reference data of genuine coin or coins previously stored in the microcomputer.

Abstract: A compact induction coin drop assembly is provided which includes a coin guide system for guiding horizontally inserted coins rearwardly and downwardly from a coin receiving slot through a predetermined coin test area between the rear of the face plate and rearwardly spaced induction coils associated with coin sensing apparatus. The coin test area includes a coin guide adjacent the rear of the face plate for guiding an inserted coin along a path close to the rear of the face plate. After traversing the coin test area, coins are directed to either a storage receptacle or to a coin return slot in the face plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling coins and tokens comprises a coin validator (4) arranged to detect whether a received item is one of several different coin denominations or a data-storing token, and thereafter to direct coins and tokens to escrow gates (18,22). A token interrogator (6) has antenna coils (24) disposed adjacent one of the escrow gates in order to read data from a token located adjacent the gate. The escrow gates can selectively direct items either to a return chute (16) or a coin store (26).

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and including circuits for controlling changeable parameters, such as temperature drift, low voltage levels, aging etc. The electronic parking meter has a power source which may be a solar type power source with a low voltage control circuit. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. The microprocessor has a power-up mode, a standby mode and an operational mode. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information. A coin received in the meter causes a signal to be generated upon receipt of the coin by a sensor. The meter also has a coin detector and a microprocessor controlled circuit for adjusting a setpoint of the coin detector.

Abstract: This is a coin sorting and counting apparatus for providing very accurate high throughput processing of heterogeneous coin mixtures. A rotating drum having parallel annular channels, each of which has equally spaced counterbores located around it is rotated within a vacuum plenum. A novel sensor coil constructed as a balanced transformer of four coils having rectangular geometries is used, in conjunction with a dual frequency excitation signal, to detect at least three electronic signatures for each coin, the signatures are detected by separating the frequency components in the output of the sensor coil and obtaining a peak value for the excursion of the high frequency response caused by passage of the coin, and width values corresponding to the time the excursion of the signal was above a predetermined threshold for both the high and low frequency responsive channels.

Abstract: A coin validator for discerning a thickness or a pattern of a coin in a non-contact manner. When the coin passes through a coin path, a coin sensor senses the passage of the coin to cause a change in a resonant frequency of a resonator and hence to fluctuate a resonant output voltage. The thickness and pattern of the coin are detected in accordance with that fluctuation. The resonator has a variable capacitance diode added thereto as a resonant element. If the resonant frequency of the resonator deviates out of a reference resonant frequency range, a voltage corresponding to the deviation is applied across the variable capacitance diode to provide feedback control such that the resonant frequency returns within the reference resonant frequency range.

Abstract: A method of correcting coin data and an apparatus for inspecting coins in which determination data is formed on the basis of data read out from a permanent memory, and authenticity and determination of coins are determined on the basis of the readout data. At the same time, maximum and minimum values corresponding to physical characteristics of coins are obtained. When the number of stored coins reaches a predetermined number or an operating time reaches a predetermined duration, the maximum and minimum values are updated. When such updating is performed a predetermined number of times, a standard deviation is also updated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for evaluating a conductive coin to verify its authenticity and to determine its denomination. A first oscillator circuit generates a first oscillating signal for energizing a first coil producing a first magnetic field. The first oscillating signal has a first parameter which is a function of disturbances in the first magnetic field when the coin to be evaluated is located within the first magnetic field. A second oscillator circuit generates a second oscillating signal for energizing a second coil producing a second magnetic field. The second oscillating signal has a second parameter which is a function of disturbances in the second magnetic field when the coin to be evaluated is located within the second magnetic field. The parameters are converted to digital signals and provided to a computer which indicates the acceptability and denomination of the coin when a ratio or other arithmetic relationship of the first and second parameters is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: The coin handling system prevents coin to coin contact taking place in coin operated equipment. This is achieved by an arrangement whereby the presence of a coin activates a first lever which moves a second lever in the coin path behind the coin so that a subsequent coin abuts the second lever. A series of such levers are employed in the coin store of coin operated equipment, the actual number depending upon the number of coins to be stored. When the first coin is cleared from the store by a suitable gate arrangement, all coins move along the store by one position, the separation being maintained by the interaction of the levers and coins. The advantages of the system are that a wider range of coins from one coin set can be accommodated in a single store than is presently possible. The coin insertion sequence is maintained for the purposes of microprocessor control since a single store is used. Since coins cannot overtake each other the risk of coins jams is lessened.

Abstract: Deposited coins are stored in a coin storing device and change is paid out of coins storred in this storing device. For detecting an amount of coins going in and out of the coin storing device, a going-in-and-out detector is provided. For setting an initial amount P of stored coins in the coin storing device, an initial stored coin amount setter is provided. In an operation device, an operation for obtaining difference N between a current amount S of stored coins and the initial amount P in accordance with the output of the going-in-and-out detector and the initial amount P. When the amount of stored coins in the coin storing device is to coincide with the initial amount P (e.g., when an inventory operation is to be performed), a command device commands this. In response to this command, a payout control device performs, if the current amount S is larger than the initial amount P, control for paying out the number of coins corresponding to the difference N.

Abstract: A plurality of plate members are provided to be aligned with each other in order to define a plurality of coin paths in units of denominations which are aligned with each other and capable of communicating with a common path along which all inserted coins pass. Selectors are provided at a position immediately upstream from two successive aligned coin paths. Each selector is driven by a solenoid operative in accordance with a detection result from a coil for detecting denominations of coins. An inserted coin is directed to a corresponding coin path by the selector.

Abstract: When an electrically conducting material is subjected to an alternating magnetic field local changes in the magnetic field adjacent to the conducting material are detected by a detector comprising a magnetoresistor or Hall crystal which generate an electrical signal when subjected to the magnetic field.The process and apparatus can be used to identify, classify and locate electrically conductive material.The detectors can be of the order of a few millimeters in size and so can be used to detect local changes in the magnetic field over correspondingly small areas of the material.The invention is particularly useful in identifying coins used in coin operated machines.

Abstract: A device for measuring a weak magnetic field is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a magnetic core having a high magnetic permeability and in the form of a surface film on a substrate, and at least two coils magnetically coupled to the magnetic core. A pulse generator is connected to one of the coils and is used to drive the magnetic core into intermittent saturation. The other coil is used to generate an output signal. The device can be used for measuring the weak magnetic fields associated with bank notes for identifying the values of the bank notes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a coin provides first, second, and third digital signals respectively indicative of the coin's metallic content, diameter, and thickness. A microprocessor-based control circuit identifies the coin as being one of a number of known coins in response to the digital signals. If the coin does not match any of the known coins, it is identified as a false coin, for example, a slug or foreign money.

Abstract: A counterfeit coin detector circuit comprising an constant frequency and voltage maxima and minima square wave oscillator input to a tank circuit including an inductive probe and an adjustable capacitance. The tank circuit is driven at a fixed and stable frequency and has a variable peak to peak AC output voltage amplitude which is a function of the characteristics of the coin under test. The AC output of the tank circuit is converted to a DC voltage correlated to the peak to peak AC ouput from the tank circuit. A group of window detector circuits are employed to determine whether the DC voltage output falls within certain preset ranges corresponding to the presence of particular coins. The presence or absence of a window detect can be used to accept or reject the coin or to otherwise take appropriate action with respect to the coin under test.

Abstract: A sensor coil for discriminating a coin has an oval configuration in a section parallel to the side of a coin passing through a coin passage, with one end in the longitudinal direction of the oval configuration having a large radius of curvature and the other end having a small radius of curvature. The oval shaped sensor coil is able to accurately discriminate a genuine coin or coins from others having different diameters and different materials.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and having an electronic parking meter and an auditor. The electronic parking meter comprises a power source which may be a solar type power source, as well as, having terminals for connection to an external source of power. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information for the meter. The auditor may be connected to the microprocessor in the electronic meter by means of a direct cable link or by infrared transmission. The electronic parking meter system may have a sonar range finder connected to the microprocessor in the meter which detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in an associated parking space with the parking meter.

Abstract: In order to check whether the coin (2) has the impress design of an acceptable coin, the coin surface is scanned along a track (10) by an inductive probe (5), thus producing a signal which corresponds to the depth of the impression along the track (10). The relative movement of the probe (5), which is needed for scanning, in relation to the coin (2) is obtained as the coin (2) rolls past the probe (5). A memory stores, as comparison signals, signals obtained at mutually displaced tracks (10, 11) of the obverse side and reverse side of each acceptable coin. These signals are obtained as each coin to be verified rolls past the probe (5) from various starting positions. The verification signal received from the coin to be checked is compared with each of the stored comparison signals. If one of these comparisons results in coincidence within specific limits, then a coincidence signal is transmitted.

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

Abstract: A coin detecting device suitable for use in conjunction with a coin acceptor of a type employed in a gaming or vending machine comprises an inclined channel-shaped track which is formed from an insulating material and along which a coin may roll. Three flat metal plates are located on one side wall of the track, the plates being spaced apart in the direction of movement of the coin down the track and being separated from the coin by the (insulating material) wall of the track. The plates are spaced apart by a distance such that the coin will initially overlap first and second ones of the plates to form a first pair of series capacitors and, thereafter, will overlap the second and third plates to form a second pair of series capacitors. Voltage pulses are applied to the second (intermediate) plate and a detector circuit is connected in circuit with the first and third plates.

Abstract: A multicoin tester has a coin inlet path 1 along which coins under test run edgewise past coils 2, 3 on opposite sides of the path, and through the windings of a coil 4. Electronic circuitry responsive to the inductive coupling of the coin with the coils operates a gate 5 to either reject the coin onto path 1b or to accept the coin into path 1a. As shown in FIG. 2 each of the coils 2, 3 and 4 is arranged in a parallel L-C resonant circuit 10, 11, 12 connected in the feedback path of an amplifier A1, the resonant circuit being energised sequentially by multiplexer M1. Each of the circuits 10, 11 and 12 has its own natural resonant frequency. The resonant circuits 10, 11, 12 are driven by a voltage controlled oscillator VCO. A phase locked loop including a phase comparator PS1 drives the oscillator VCO at a frequency corresponding to the natural resonant frequency of whichever of the circuits 10, 11 and 12 is connected thereto.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus in which the oscillation constants of oscillators change with the passage of a coin, and the amount of change in each of the oscillation constants or a value converted therefrom is compared with a reference value of a coin to be identified which is stored in a memory to identify whether the coin is genuine and the class thereof. Whether the reference values for each coin are corrected is determined by a plurality of counters which correct the reference values of corresponding classes of coins when their counts exceed a predetermined set value. At the same time, when the inserted coin is identified as genuine, a corresponding counter is activated, thus improving the performance of eliminating spurious coins without reducing the acceptability of genuine coins even under ambient temperature changes or secular variations of component elements with time.

Abstract: The coin to be checked for several characteristics influences, partially in succession and partially simultaneously, the coils (7-12) of several oscillator tank circuits (1-6). The oscillator tank circuits (1-6) are correspondingly connected to an amplifier (14) for the formation of an oscillator, individually in succession, those circuits with simultaneously influenced coils being connected periodically in alternation to this amplifier. Thereby, successive and simultaneous, high-frequency test signals are produced which are nested in one another in accordance with the time-division multiplex principle, these test signals corresponding to the influences exerted by the coin on the oscillator tank circuit coils (7-12). These test signals, after demodulation (19) and analog-to-digital conversion (20), are compared in an evaluating unit (22) individually with criteria stored in a memory (23) for each type of coin to be accepted.

Abstract: A coin validation circuit and method of operation thereof, including a memory having stored therein a data entry for each acceptable denomination, a validation control circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, operatively connected to the memory, an analysis circuit, preferably a ringing circuit, operatively connected to the validation control circuit and operable to produce output signals, and a monitor circuit operatively connected to the analysis circuit to respond to a particular predetermined output signal characteristic, the validation control circuit operable during a coin validation operation with respect to any one of the acceptable denominations to retrieve from the memory a predetermined data entry, to produce a conditioning signal corresponding to the retrieved predetermined data entry to effect a pre-conditioning of the analysis circuit in accordance therewith, and to thereafter produce a coin analysis initiation signal, the analysis circuit responsive to such initiation signal to produce a

Abstract: A coin discriminator for discriminating good coins from bad coins among a plurality of different types of coins and sorting the coins by denomination has a cradle for selecting the coins in accordance with their diameter, and a swing lever which is urged in a direction toward the space between the two ends of the cradle. The swing lever biases a small coin so as to cause it to pass the space between the two ends of the cradle. A large coin urges the swing lever and is removed from the cradle.

Abstract: A coin refund signal generator includes a coin sorting sensing circuit which is normally in a quiescent state but which generates a sensing signal of a first duration in response to the deposit of a genuine coin and of a second duration in response to the actuation of a coin return requesting device. A detection circuit determines the duration of the sensing signal and generates a coin refund signal if the duration of the sensing signal equals or exceeds the second duration.

Abstract: The coins roll along track surfaces (1, 2, 3) merely supporting the bottoms of the coins, these track surfaces each being associated with respectively one steep guide surface supporting the coins along one side. The guide surfaces are formed on plates (11, 19, 24) that can be spread apart by pivoting. Beside the end of a first track surface (1) oriented toward a baffle surface (8), a second track surface (2) begins that extends in the opposite direction, on which the coins roll into a steadying chamber (15) having a V-shaped bottom cross section (35, 36), from which emanates a third track surface (3) on which the previously steadied coins pass through a coin checking station (20) at a velocity independent of the speed with which the coins have reached the steadying chamber (15).

Abstract: A device for counting and sorting coins belonging to a set of coins with a guideway 8 tangentially connected to a horizontal coin plate 3 is to be developed for separating foreign coins 11' through a sort-out opening 16. To this end, and behind a coin identifying device 14 and immediately in front of the sort-out opening 16, a diversion element 18 is movably arranged for the coins 11' identified as foreign or counterfeit coins by the coin identification device 14, with its front edge 35 arranged at a distance of at least the width of guide rail 17 from the guiding edge 9, with the diversion element 18 able to be triggered by the coin identification device 14. The diversion element 18, which in its active position is brought into the path of movement of coins 11, 11', diverts the coins from guiding edge 9 by at least a distance that is equal to or greater than the width of guide rail 17. In this manner, the foreign coins 11' to be separated out can drop through the sort-out opening 16.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing, switching and modulating relying upon apparent resonant properties of thin conductive materials are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. According to the present invention, an output of an oscillating circuit is selectively varied as a function of the relationship between a coil within the oscillating circuit, a thin conductive member and the apparent resonant condition of the thin conductive member to achieve appropriate sensing, switching and modulating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a moving coin by detecting an oscillating signal generated in coils connected in a tuned oscillating circuit. A property of the signal which varies linearly with coin displacement in one direction for a first period and varies linearly in an opposite direction with coin displacement for a second period is measured. From measurements made during the first and second periods a signal characteristic of the coin, and substantially independent of the coin's velocity is derived. The coin is validated by comparing this signal with stored reference values.

Abstract: A coin validation circuit and method of operation thereof, including a memory having stored therein a data entry for each acceptable denomination, a validation control circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, operatively connected to the memory, a ringing circuit operatively connected to the validation control circuit and operable to produce damped wave output signals, and a monitor circuit operatively connected to the ringing circuit to respond to a particular predetermined damped wave output signal characteristic, the validation control circuit operable during a coin validation operation with respect to any one of the acceptable denominations to retrieve from the memory a predetermined data entry, to produce a conditioning signal corresponding to the retrieved predetermined data entry to effect a pre-conditioning of the ringing circuit in accordance therewith, and to thereafter produce a ring initiation signal, the ringing circuit responsive to such ring initiation signal to produce during a ringing

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus subjects a coin inserted into a coin entry (1) and rolling down an inclined track (2) to testing at a testing station (3) comprising sensors (4,5,6) which may for example be inductive sensors. If a coin is found to be acceptable an accept signal is generated and this causes gate mechanism (8) to open to permit the coin to access accept path (9), the gate mechanism (8) being normally closed so that unacceptable coins can only access a reject path (10). A post-gate detector (11) in the accept path (9) senses the passage of an accepted coin and serves to close the gate mechanism (8) and also to determine allocation of a customer credit. A pre-gate detector (12) upstream of the gate mechanism (8) has its output logically processed with the accept signal produced when an acceptable coin is tested and/or with the output of the post-gate detector (11).

Abstract: This invention pertains to a microcomputer controlled coin telephone set which prevents coin call fraud and performs all of the coin discrimination functions. The microcomputer also checks the operational readiness of the telephone set to prevent the acceptance of coins into a hopper for late collection by a coin box unless or until the set is fully functional.

Abstract: An improved coin validation apparatus for detecting and accepting or rejecting a coin in a limited vertical and horizontal space. The validator includes a first downwardly inclined coin path for guiding a rolling coin along a predetermined first pathway toward a coin box, and a second downwardly inclined short coin path beginning at a predetermined point along the first coin path and positioned below the first coin path for directing a rejected coin from the first coin path along a predetermined second pathway toward a coin return outlet. An electronic coin sensor is positioned to sense the presence of a valid coin travelling along the first coin path, and a coin-directing guide member or flipper is provided along the first coin path to guide a valid coin toward the coin box and to release a rejected coin to fall to the second coin path to the coin return outlet.

Abstract: An electronic coin validator comprising an inductive coin sensor (10) producing a predetermined response to a valid coin and a coin equivalent circuit (18, 20) which can be switched by a switch (14, 16) into operable connection with the sensor to produce an effect on the coin sensor similar to that of a coin but with the coin absent, and a comparator (26) for comparing the two sensor responses. The arrangement has the advantage of ensuring stability against temperature drift, small mechanical changes, aging and the like, because these disturbances have the same effect on both of the signals which are compared for coin validation purposes.

Abstract: A coin discrimination member and a coin selection member are mounted on one of two plates defining a coin path. Counterfeit coins are removed from the coin path between the two plates at an upstream portion thereof in response to a discrimination signal from an electronic discrimination unit. Thereafter, the authentic coins are discriminated and sorted by the coin discrimination member and the coin selection member. One plate is detachably pivoted about the other plate.