Abstract: A device for validating a coin comprises an electro-magnetic sensor, means for monitoring a first signal generated by the sensor and means for deriving a measurement from a second signal generated by the sensor. The event of the first signal taking a predetermined threshold value is used to derive a measurement from the second signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a coin in free fall employs a coin sensor that has a pair of drive coils for generating a horizontally elongated magnetic field across a free-fall path of the coin. The drive coils are driven by a square wave, and ringing waveforms induced in a pair of sensor coils disposed on the two sides of the free-fall path are measured when the coin passes through the magnetic field. A digitized signature is derived from the measured ringing waveforms and compared to a set of pre-stored reference signatures to find a match. A diverter mechanism directs the coin to an accept path when a match is found and to a reject path when a match is not found.

Abstract: A coin collecting mechanism with top coin slot and coin return function is provided. The coin collecting mechanism has a main support onto which both a coin return mechanism and a coin comparison mechanism are mounted. The coin comparison mechanism is in a vertical position but inclined backward by about 15 degrees. The coin return mechanism includes a hood defining a downward opened chamber for the coin comparison mechanism to move up and down therein. The hood is provided at a lower front end with a horizontal rail inclined backward by about 15 degrees for catching an inserted coin vertically falling from the coin slot and guiding the coin into the coin comparison mechanism. The hood also has a spring-loaded member mounted thereto for pushing a jammed coin out of the inclined rail. A locating clamp is adjustably mounted on the hood for easily adjusting a size of the coin slot.

Abstract: A coin identification apparatus includes a pair of spaced series connected elongated, planar coils driven by an oscillator. Maximum frequency and amplitude values of the oscillator output generated by the passage of a coin between the pair of coils are compared with prestored frequency and amplitude values of acceptable coins. A processor, upon detecting a match between the detected and pre-stored frequency and amplitude values, activates a motor to rotate a coin receptacle to a position discharging coins into a storage receptacle and simultaneously causing a door latch pin to separate from a door latch allowing opening of the door to permit vending of an article from the enclosure in which the coin identification apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: A coin acceptance mechanism and a method of determining an acceptable coin includes a pair of spaced apart coils between which a coin is passed. A signal is generated in one of the coils and induced in the other coil when a coin passes between the coils. The peak amplitude of the signal induced in the other coil and the peak phase difference between the signals in the pair of coils are both compared to a range of acceptable values stored in a memory to determine if a coin is acceptable and to assign a value to the coin deemed acceptable. The coin acceptance mechanism has a program mode in which it can be programmed to recognize coins of various values and coins or tokens from various countries.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-performance coin sorting machine is provided by providing a plurality of coils which sense coins concurrently and using a simple oscillation circuit to provide oscillation signals at different frequencies, thereby reducing the size of the coin sorting machine. Right and left pairs of sensor coils are composed of inner and outer coils. When either of the connections between one inner coil and other inner coil, and between one outer coil and the other outer coil, is made in a cumulative mode, the other connection is made in a differential mode. The relationship between the oscillation frequencies is set so that one of the frequencies is greater than twice the other.

Abstract: A process for characterization of magnetic materials for validating documents carrying marks which include magnetic materials is based on an analysis of signals supplied by an oscillator generating a low frequency signal supplying emitter windings and receiver windings that have different conformations. The receiver windings (A) and (B) are joined to an amplifier that has two outputs (S1) and (S2), output (S2) yielding, upon conformation, a signal (X) that is used as a time reference, and output (S1) yielding, after various transformations, two signals (Y) and (Z), each of which is entered into a microprocessor which, together with valid magnetic marker data, generate signals accepting or rejecting the document.

Abstract: A coin identification apparatus includes a pair of spaced series connected elongated, planar coils driven by an oscillator. Maximum frequency and amplitude values of the oscillator output generated by the passage of a coin between the pair of coils are compared with prestored frequency and amplitude values of acceptable coins. A processor, upon detecting a match between the detected and pre-stored frequency and amplitude values, activates a motor to rotate a coin receptacle to a position discharging coins into a storage receptacle and simultaneously causing a door latch pin to separate from a door latch allowing opening of the door to permit vending of an article from the enclosure in which the coin identification apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: A coin collecting machine including a coin sorting device and a sequential coin receiving device. The coin sorting device includes a coin way and coin detecting oscillators disposed on two sides of the coin way for identifying whether the coin is a true one or a false one. The coin sorting device further includes an adjustable shifting member pivotally disposed in a rear section of the coin way for guiding the true coin into a coin receiving passage of the sequential coin receiving device, while guiding the false coin into a coin returning passage thereof. The sequential coin receiving device includes a sequential coin receiving mechanism disposed on outer side of the coin receiving passage for operatively releasing the coins therein into a coin collecting box one by one.

Abstract: In a coin sensing station, coins pass edgewise along a passageway through a transparent block and interrupt three optical sensing beams that transverse the passageway at spaced locations. The beams are produced by light emitting diodes which direct light into the block where it is directed by reflection from inclined surfaces integrally molded into the block. By use of a beam splitting means, it is possible to direct the first and second sensing beams from a single source beam, across the passageway at different, spaced apart locations.

Abstract: A coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating coins transported in a coin passage includes a magnetic sensor having oscillating inductors and receiving inductors, the receiving inductors being constituted by connecting a plurality of tip-like inductors disposed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the coin passage in series with each other, the respective tip-like inducers having capacities selected so that output levels thereof are equal with respect to magnetic flux density produced by supplying electrical current of high frequency into the oscillating inductors. According to the thus constituted coin discriminating apparatus, it is possible to discriminate coin acceptability and coin denomination at low cost and with high accuracy.

Abstract: A coin discrimination sensor for discriminating among desired and undesired coins, comprised of an excitation coil for producing an alternating magnetic field. These alternating magnetic fields couple to said desired and undesired coins to induce eddy-currents. The sensor also is comprised of a detection coil for detecting eddy-currents from desired and undesired coins. The detection coil produces a differential voltage corresponding to the composition of the desired and undesired coins being sensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic coin-collecting mechanism including a vertically movable sensor to examine qualified coins inserted into the mechanism so as to actuate a game on which the mechanism is mounted. The sensor consists of a first and a second oscillating coils and an inductive coil sandwiched between them, forming a first slot way and a second slot way at a lower portion of the sensor. The sensor can be set or reset to examine selected coin specifications simply by lifting it to allow a selected coin to be put into the second slot way and then letting down the sensor again. Therefore, the electronic coin-collecting mechanism is conveniently-applicable to any type of coin and may effectively detect any disqualified coin and discharges the same.

Abstract: An item discriminating method and apparatus are provided for discriminating between an acceptable and unacceptable item. An apparatus for item discriminating preferably includes characteristics for determining selected characteristics of an item under test and a deviation value determiner responsive to the characteristic determiner for determining a deviation value between the item under test and predetermined statistical variables for the selected characteristics of a plurality of acceptable items. An accepting or rejecting device responsive to the deviation value determiner accepts or rejects the item under test based upon whether the deviation value falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The coin sorting device is equipped with a coin passage which guides coins that are inserted via a coin insertion opening, a gate plate for opening and closing the coin passage, a coin jamming detection sensor which is installed at an intermediate point in the coin passage, for detecting the jamming of coins passing through the coin passage, and a gate plate opening mechanism which is actuated by a detection signal from the detection sensor, and which automatically opens and closes the gate plate.

Abstract: A security thread for use in a paper-based value document, such as currency or banknote paper, includes a plastic substrate coated with one or more regions of "soft" magnetic material. A device for verifying both the authenticity and the denomination of the document includes a coil that is driven by an alternating current to thereby provide a uniform magnetic field within a predetermined spatial region. As the document passes in proximity to the drive coil, the applied magnetic field saturates the regions of magnetic material on the security thread. The magnetic regions provide a response magnetic field that, because of the saturation of the magnetic regions, is a non-linear response containing a multiple of frequency components, including a component at the fundamental or drive frequency and various harmonic frequency components. A receive coil senses the response magnetic field.

Abstract: Device for checking metallic pieces, in particular coins, characterized in that it includes:two motorized, integral, concentric disks (3, 4) rotating in a plane that is inclined in relation to the horizontal, namely:an internal, so-called separating disk (3), onto which the pieces are thrown in loose condition, and which is provided with substantially radial edges (7) for separating the pieces, andan outer, so-called piece-recognition disk (4), the periphery of which is provided with alveoles (8), located in prolongation of the edges (7) of the internal disk (7), for receiving the pieces thus separated, the said pieces being held in the said alveoles (8) by a sliding plate (13) located under the outer disk (4), and by a circular border (12) partially surrounding the said outer disk (4);a fixed semi-circular barrier (10) disposed at the separation between the inner disk (3) and the outer disk (4) for retaining the pieces on the inner disk (3) in the lower portion thereof, anda piece-recognition device comprisi

Abstract: A coin detection and identifying apparatus and method, utilizes three closely aligned electric coils. The center coil is actively driven by an alternating current to generate a magnetic field that surrounds the center coil. The two outer coils are symmetrically disposed within the magnetic field generated by the center coil, and voltages are induced across the terminals of the outer coils which are indicative of the relative field strengths of the magnetic fields within the outer coils. A sample coin and test coin are interposed between the center coil and each of the outer coils, the coins operative to attenuate the surrounding magnetic fields. A controller compares the voltages across the terminals of the two outer coils to effectively compare the likeness of the sample and test coins. A coin sensing apparatus, located downstream of the coils, provides a plurality of optic emitter-detector pairs to detect the valid passage of a coin.

Abstract: An electronic coin detector and method for sensing the presence of a valid coin and for providing an indication of the valid coin's type. A coin is guided into position between a first set of inductor coils. The coin is then guided through a channel surrounded by a second inductor coil. A first oscillating signal is then fed to the first set of inductor coils and a second higher frequency oscillating signal is fed to a second inductor coil. An altered signal is then provided in response to the effect of the coin passing through the inductor coils. After the coin has passed adjacent one of the inductor coils, the inductor coils are fed a calibration signal to produce a calibrated signal. This calibrated signal is then used to scale the altered signal.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different discharge stations around the periphery of the disc. A plurality of coin sensor/discriminators are mounted in the stationary sorting head over the rotatable disc for discriminating between valid and invalid coins guided by said stationary sorting head. At least one coin sensor/discriminator is mounted in each of the plurality of exit channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying coins uses inductive coupling of the coin with a pair of inductors. The apparatus includes a path for coins to be tested, first and second inductors for forming concurrent inductive couplings with the coin being tested, switches for energizing the inductors in specific manners so that a sequence of coin tests results, and a sensor for sensing the resultant inductive coupling for each of the tests in the sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin-identifying method that is fast and that can reject any counterfeit coin that closely resembles a genuine coin, or a counterfeit coin that has a distribution that partially overlaps into a genuine-coin identification region, without reducing the acceptance ratio of genuine coins. It also provides an inexpensive apparatus that utilizes this method. The method and apparatus of the present invention perform a identification in which a first region is set to define a comparison reference for values measured by a first sensor and a second sensor that detect characteristics of a coin, a second region is set in such a manner as to partially overlap the first region, a preliminary identification is performed using this second region to determine whether the coin is a counterfeit. If the identification result is such that the coin is not determined to be a counterfeit, the first region is then used for further identification.

Abstract: A coin validator (10) has a coin path (26) which passes between one set of detect coils (40, 42). The set of coils (40, 42) is connected in a detect circuit, and the coils (40, 42) are adapted to be energized with a single pulse. The decay curve (70) of the voltage in the coils (40, 42) is processed to produce a set of three numbers of clock counts defining each coin, which are stored in a microprocessor. Preprogramming of the validator (10) involves generating sets of numbers for representatives of a coin type to create three ranges of numbers, within which respective range a subsequent coin's set of numbers must fall in order for it to be defined as an example of the coin type. The coin path (26) is arranged at an angle to the vertical, and the base (32) is arranged at an angle to the horizontal such that the angle between one wall (36) and the base (32) is between 90.degree. and 180.degree.

Abstract: A system for validating coins comprises a transmitter coil for transmitting low-frequency electromagnetic radiation through a coin to be validated and a receiver coil for receiving radiation having passed through the coin. An inverting amplifier is provided in a feedback path between the receiver coil and the transmitter coil thereby providing a 180.degree. phase shift. Thus, for the unique frequency which causes a 180.degree. phase shift within the coin, there is provided positive feedback, and a resonance condition occurs at that frequency. By measuring the frequency of this resonance and comparing it with a reference value, the coin can be validated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating the thickness, material, diameter, and the like of a coin at high precision. A transmission coil (11) receives an AC signal generated by an AC signal generating unit (24) and applies an alternating magnetic field to a coin (C) to be discriminated. A reception coil (12) detects an electromotive force induced when the the transmission coil (11) applies the alternating magnetic field on the coin to be discriminated. A detection signal generating unit (27) generates a detection signal having a predetermined phase with respect to the AC signal generated by the AC signal generating unit (24). A phase detecting unit (26) phase-detects the electromotive force detected by the reception coil (12) in accordance with the detection signal generated by the detection signal generating unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating the thickness, material, diameter, and the like of a coin at high precision. A transmission coil (11) receives an AC signal generated by an AC signal generating unit (24) and applies an alternating magnetic field to a coin (C) to be discriminated. A reception coil (12) detects an electromotive force induced when the the transmission coil (11) applies the alternating magnetic field on the coin to be discriminated. A detection signal generating unit (27) generates a detection signal having a predetermined phase with respect to the AC signal generated by the AC signal generating unit (24). A phase detecting unit (26) phase-detects the electromotive force detected by the reception coil (12) in accordance with the detection signal generated by the detection signal generating unit.

Abstract: A computerized parking meter uses an ultrasonic transducer to precisely measure the distance to a parked vehicle and to reset the parking meter to zero when the vehicle leaves. The computerized parking meter utilizes low power and may be recharged by solar power. The computerized parking meter can be programmed with differing rates, calendar days, advertising and alarms. Unlocking the coin box requires both the proper computer code and a key. When the computerized parking meter receives the proper computer code a solenoid is activated which retracts a plunger allowing the key to unlock the coin box. A coin discriminator allows only proper coins to be inserted into the meter. Audible messages and alarms can be sounded and written messages displayed. A portable terminal can communicate with a central computer to enhance collections security and identify repeat parking violators.

Abstract: A discriminator for coins and tokens monitors the extent to which an alternating electromagnetic field is coupled through a deposited coin and a reference coin, as the deposited coin passes along a feed path. A first electromagnetic field is incident on a reference coin along an axis normal to the reference coin and displaced from a midpoint of the reference coin. As the deposited coin moves through a second electromagnetic field traversing the feed path, the deposited coin passes two positions at which the second electromagnetic field is aligned to the deposited coin to a same degree as the first electromagnetic field is aligned to the reference coin. The electromagnetic fields preferably are provided by two series connected coils in a stack, and the fields passing through the coins are added at opposite polarity by a receiver coil placed between the series connected coils (and also between the sample coin and the deposited coin).

Abstract: A coin accepting apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart plates. The plates define a coin track for receiving and guiding coins wherein each plate has a side facing the coin track and an opposing side facing away from the coin track. The apparatus further includes a sensor on the opposing side of one plate for detecting a characteristic of coins to be validated and first and second retainers on the opposing side of the plate for inhibiting movement of the sensor. The first retainer includes a spring arm for engaging the sensor and biasing the sensor against the opposing side of the plate. The second retainer engages the sensor and constrains movement of the sensor along an axis generally perpendicular to the opposing side of the plate.

Abstract: An electronic coin detector and method for sensing the presence of a valid coin and for providing an indication of the valid coin's type. A coin is guided into position between a first set of inductor coils. The coin is then guided through a channel surrounded by a second inductor coil. A first oscillating signal is then fed to the first set of inductor coils and a second higher frequency oscillating signal is fed to a second inductor coil. An altered signal is then provided in response to the effect of the coin passing through the inductor coils. After the coin has passed adjacent one of the inductor coils, the inductor coils are fed a calibration signal to produce a calibrated signal. This calibrated signal is then used to scale the altered signal. The frequency and amplitude of the scaled altered signal for the first set of inductor coils and the second inductor coil are combined with prestored statistical variables corresponding to frequency and amplitude values of a sample of valid coins.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus is provided in which two oscillating magnetic fields interact with a coin and these interactions are monitored to test for the acceptability and/or the presence of a coin. The fields are associated with respective inductive coils which have a common core so arranged that not more than a minor proportion of the field of one coil interacts with the other coil. In a preferred embodiment one of the two coils encircles the other, which provides a very compact two-field coin sensing arrangement. In some embodiments one coil encircles the other but they have respective core elements.

Abstract: Procedure for detecting the operation of the coin return mechanism in coin selectors, especially in selectors having a passage through which the coins pass, which can be opened for the recovery thereof, and having at least one coin passage detector, the operating conditions of which are sensitive to the passage of the coins and to the opening of the passage. The procedure consists of detecting the alterations in the operating conditions of the said detector caused by the opening of the channel. These alterations result in changes of amplitude and frequency which are measured, for example, by the microprocessor of the selector, and differentiated from the alterations due to the passage of a coin.

Abstract: The present housing for coin selectors is provided with an electronic circuit wherein are included elements for measuring the variation of the field produced by the passage of coins through a magnetic field generated by a group of coils, said housing being provided, on one of its faces (9) corresponding to the paths of coins, with various ribs (10) parallel to each other and parallel with the rolling ramp for the coins, preferably three ribs, with self-cleaning effect which avoids the deposition of dirt entrained by the coins.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for discriminating between true and false coins wherein a coin satisfying both the electrical success conditions at their lowest levels is regarded as a false coin, and a coin satisfying at least one of the two electrical success conditions at a high level is regarded as a true coin.According to the method discriminating apparatus is mounted relative to a predetermined passage along which a coin or the like to be discriminated passes, wherein true/false discrimination is carried out in accordance with whether or not the two or three different data detected from the coin and developed on a two- or three-dimensional coordinate system falls within a predetermined two- or three-dimensional function closed area.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a horizontal coin conveying unit for forcibly conveying a coin inserted through a coin insert slit in the horizontal direction while the coin is held between an opposing pair of endless belts. The horizontal coin conveying unit is slidably arranged in a housing of the coin selector, and moreover, the space defined by the opposing pair of endless belts is enlarged by turnably opening the opposing pair of endless belt about their one end. The upstream side of the horizontal coin conveying unit is covered with a cover, and a liquid collecting portion is attached to the cover so as to allow a liquid received through the coin insert slit to be quickly discharged outside of the coin selector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin discriminating apparatus and method for discriminating genuine coins from counterfeit coins, and determining their denominations. And more particularly, the present invention purports to detect genuine coins based on the inherent difference in degree of peripheral thickening or convex configuration between genuine coins and counterfeit coins so as to provide a coin discriminating apparatus and method capable of preventing counterfeit coins from being used in an unauthorized or unfair way. In one specific example, there is provided a thickness detecting sensor 8 adjacent to a coin passage, and a coin face contour detecting apparatus 11 measures a time during which an output of the thickness sensor 8 exceeds a threshold value 22, thereby detecting degree of peripheral thickening or convex configuration of coins to discriminate genuine coins from counterfeit.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a horizontal coin conveying unit for forcibly conveying a coin inserted through a coin insert slit in the horizontal direction while the coin is held between an opposing pair of endless belts. The horizontal coin conveying unit is slidably arranged in a housing of the coin selector, and moreover, the space defined by the opposing pair of endless belts is enlarged by turnably opening the opposing pair of endless belt about their one end. The upstream side of the horizontal coin conveying unit is covered with a cover, and a liquid collecting portion is attached to the cover so as to allow a liquid received through the coin insert slit to be quickly discharged outside of the coin selector.

Abstract: A coin processing apparatus arranged to automatically execute a cancellation process for canceling acceptance of an inserted coin by detecting, on the basis of output levels of receiving coils in a plurality of sets of coin selecting coils disposed on a coin path, a fact that the inserted coin has been guided into a return path through the operation of a return lever, and also to judge the occurrence of coin jamming and coin counter-flow on the basis of the output levels of the receiving coils. The output level of the receiving coil in each of the plurality of sets of coin selecting coils is monitored so as to carry out the automatic cancellation process in case the output levels of the respective receiving coils concurrently exceed a predetermined threshold level and persist longer than a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An electronic coin detector and method for sensing the presence of a valid coin and for providing an indication of the valid coin's type. A coin is guided into position between a first set of inductor coils. The coin is then guided through a channel surrounded by a second inductor coil. A first oscillating signal is then fed to the first set of inductor coils and a second higher frequency oscillating signal is fed to a second inductor coil. An altered signal is then provided in response to the effect of the coin passing through the inductor coils. After the coin has passed adjacent one of the inductor coils, the inductor coils are fed a calibration signal to produce a calibrated signal. This calibrated signal is then used to scale the altered signal. The frequency and amplitude of the scaled altered signal for the first set of inductor coils and the second inductor coil are combined with prestored statistical variables corresponding to frequency and amplitude values of a sample of valid coins.

Abstract: A coin selector includes a single coin passage and a single coin rolling-down passage. The coin passage is equipped with a coin discriminating mechanism so as to discriminate whether a coin inserted through a coin insert slit is a true coin or a false coin, and moreover, discriminate the kind of the coin which has been recognized as a true coin. On the other hand, the coin rolling-down passage is equipped with a coin distributing mechanism so as to selectively distribute the true coin conveyed from the coin passage depending on the kind of each coin. Conculsively, the coin selector is contructed in a very compact configuration.

Abstract: A controller for an automatic vending machine in which the specification for each of a plurality of countries is set easily. If a country setting switch sets a specification for a desired country, parameter values corresponding to the specification are read from a memory and elements required for changing the specification are controlled in accordance with the parameter values. The parameter values include, for example, respective threshold levels for the inserted coins for each of the countries and the values indicative of the distributing manners to distribute the respective inserted coins for each of the countries.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus has a sensor outputting a detected signal corresponding to a deposited coin, a determinator for determining the value of the detecting signal, a discriminator for discriminating the authenticity and type of the coin by comparing the determined value with a coin acceptance range defined by maximum and minimum reference values, an initializor for initializing the coin acceptance range and memory for renewing the coin acceptance range by adding a predetermined value to or subtracting the predetermined value from the maximum and minimum reference values, respectively, when the practical determination range varies. Since the coin acceptance range is automatically corrected by the operation even if there is a variation in the range of the detected signal due to a drift of an electronic circuit or by variation in temperature, a correct and precise determination can be achieved.

Abstract: Counterfeit coin sensing apparatus including a transport system for continuously directing a plurality of successive coins along a feed path. A first coin sensor is disposed along the feed path for producing a denomination output signal corresponding to the diameter of each coin, and a second coin sensor is arranged along the path to produce a phase and amplitude displacement output signal corresponding to the metal content of the coin. The output signals from the two sensors are received by an acquisition system which converts the signals into corresponding standardized signals and then directs the standardized signals to an analysis system which compares the denomination and phase and amplitude displacement signals with stored signals representative of valid coins.

Abstract: A classification accuracy setting device and a method therefor of a coin selector used in an automatic vending machine, a money exchanger and other various automatic service apparatuses. In accordance with the operation of the device, a reed switch is turned on to set a classification accuracy selection mode, the number of coins of each denomination received in this mode is counted, and reference values of classification accuracies which have been stored in a memory are rewritten in response to the counted number.

Abstract: A coin selecting apparatus includes a coin detection coil disposed in a coin channel for outputting a coin detection signal having a waveform changing gradually as the coin passes in the channel and uniquely accordance with the kind of the coin, and window device having a plurality of different windows for corresponding coins to be detected for producing a pulse signal when the coin detection signal is in a window. A timer device monitors the time duration of the pulse signal to thereby determine the validation and kind of the coin in accordance with the output from the timer device. A counter counts pulse signals produced by the window device to thereby determine the validation and kind of the coin in accordance with the count therein.

Abstract: A coin selector comprises a first receiving coil and a first exciting coil disposed along one side of a coin path, a second receiving coil and a second exciting coil disposed along the other side of the coin path facing the first receiving coil and the first exciting coil, and drive devices for exciting and driving the first and second exciting coils. A magnetic field developed by the first exciting coil acts on the first and second receiving coils and a magnetic field developed by the second excitign coil acts on the second and first receiving coils. The coin selector further comprises judging devices. When a coin is put into and passes through the coin path, the magnetic fields presented to the first and second receiving coils change and consequence a change in the output voltages of these coils. The judging devices judge the coin passing through the coin path on the basis of the sum of the output signals of the first and second receiving coils.

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: A coin analyzer system and apparatus that provides a detection circuit for comparing a tested coin with at least two different sample coins. Two different sample coins are located in a magnetic field, and the tested coins pass through another region of the magnetic field. In the event the tested coin does not match either sample coin, a rejecting gate forces the tested coin out of the coin chute in a laterally normal direction and into a rejected coin chute. In the event that the tested coin matches either sample coin, the rejecting gate is opened and the tested coin drops through a substantially vertical accepted coin chute. Credit is not extended the tested coin until the coin passes a confirmation sensor, and the determining circuit may be adjusted to vary the credit value extended to at least one of the sample coins. A lockout circuit rejects and prevents a subsequent coin from being analyzed during the time that the circuit is crediting a prior tested coin with multiple credits.

Abstract: A coin receiving apparatus for a vending machine is disclosed which has a coin detector for producing an output corresponding to the diameter of a deposited coin. One or more additional coin detectors of a differential transformer type are sequentially arranged adjacent to the coin diameter detector in the coin detection path for producing an output corresponding to coin characteristics other than the coin diameter. A coin determination circuit judges whether the deposited coin is true or false in response to the detected outputs from the respective coin detectors. A coin receipt control circuit responsive to the true or false judgement output from the coin determination circuit controls the receipt or return of the deposited coin. The deposited coin is received in the receiving apparatus if the detected outputs from all of the coin detectors indicate that the deposited coin is true.

Abstract: An electronic coin chute (ECC) for use in a public telephone station has only a small amount of electrical power available from the telephone line when examining coins for authenticity and denomination. To conserve power during the examination process, a plurality of coin quality sensors are used, each designed to use minimum power. Each sensor generates an oscillating magnetic field that interacts with the coin as it gravitates through the coin chute. By monitoring the output electrical signal from each coin quality sensor, the microprocessor is able to determine when the coin has moved beyond its field and, in response, power is removed from that sensor and applied to the next. After the coin's qualities have been measured, they are compared with stored acceptance limits. Power is removed from the last coin quality sensor and applied to a coin routing apparatus to guide accepable coins into a collection box.