Abstract: A coin sensor arrangement to sense the different diameters of coins in a singulated stream of coins moving along a coin path includes a movable member that is displaced from a first position to a second position by passage of the largest-diameter coins moving along the coin path. When the member reaches the second position, the member actuates the coin sensor arrangement to signal the presence of the coin. Actuation of the coin sensor arrangement can take place spaced away from the coin stream where possible contaminants that might affect sensing are less likely to be present.

Abstract: Disk-shaped object thickness-restricting means is provided in a disk-shaped object guiding path for transferring a disk-shaped object, inserted through a disk-shaped object slot, in an inclined direction. The disk-shaped object thickness-restricting means comes into contact with the inserted disk-shaped object and changes its position depending on the thickness of the disk-shaped object in the contact, restricting the thickness of the inserted disk-shaped object.

Abstract: A capacitance sensor measures a coin to determine geometrical parameters thereof and to allow assessment of different geometrical parameters of a coin which influence the measured capacitance. In a preferred arrangement, a mechanical arrangement alters the capacitance between two electrodes as a function of the diameter of the coin. This assessment is used in combination with a further measured capacitance which is a function of coin diameter, coin thickness and surface relief of the coin. The initial evaluation of diameter is useful in determining the separate influences of coin thickness and surface relief. The invention is also directed to the method of coin evaluation.

Abstract: A combination pawl and coin wheel for use in a vending machine is disclosed. The pawl has a beveled disk-engaging tooth adapted to engage a disk or coin at a coin corner so as to urge that coin against wheel surfaces and thereby inhibit coin rotation while the coin is in the pocket. Coin wheel wear is thus inhibited, and vending machine maintenance is minimized.

Abstract: A coin denomination distinguishing apparatus that can initialize reference denominations, comprising: a circuit board on which there is installed an arched conductive strip and plurality of contact segments concentric with the conductive strip; the contact segments are queued in different serial numbers, define the first contact segment as a start point, divide the rest into several groups and connect the contact segments with each other of the same group; a sweep concentric with the conductive strip that can glide along an imaginary arched path and can contact the conductive strip and one of plurality of contact segments; the apparatus can select the corresponding measurement of the maximum serial number when the sweep contacts plurality of contact segments and initialize a reference denomination with the initializing and choice unit when first use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including at-least a fixed member for guiding a pushed-out disk body and a movable member which moves in a direction opposing the fixed member and becomes free in the contact with the pushed-out disk body. An elasticity member is provided for drawing this movable member to the direction of the fixed member, and detection device is for detecting the movement of the movable member. A signal handling device is provided for processing a signal from the detection device and for measuring the diameter of the disk body. A rotating body is provided for pushing out a disk body. An angle of rotation detection device may also be provided for detecting the rotation angle of the rotating body.

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 circuitry and components 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 photo-cells. 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.

Abstract: A disk actuated mechanism for a toy which accepts and responds to disks of different diameters. The mechanism can be adapted to a housing having a circular opening in the housing and a disk reservoir in the housing located below the circular opening. A shaft connects the opening and the disk reservoir. A disk carrier is mounted in the shaft for vertical movement from the opening towards a disk discharge position. A handle is connected to the disk carrier for moving the carrier to the disk discharge position. A mechanism engages a disk on the disk carrier to determine its diameter and provide an output indicative of its diameter. A detent mechanism is provided to prevent the handle from moving the disk carrier to the disk discharge position unless a disk is inserted in the disk carrier. Downward insertion of the disk into the disk carrier disengages the detent mechanism and allows the handle to move the disk carrier to the disk discharge position.

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: 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 universal, convertible coin receiving mechanism for a coin-operated bulk vending machine has an insert removably attached to the coin wheel. The insert alters the coin compatibility of the coin receiving mechanism by permitting dimensional modification of the coin channel.

Abstract: A coin distinguishing mechanism, installed preferably in a coin keeper, capable of discriminating coins of varying denominations and adding up the total value of the coins being kept therewithin. The coin distinguishing mechanism includes a coin slot means having a passageway which is defined on one side by a fixed element and the other side by a movable element. The movable element is generally kept to the same position by an elastic means. As the movable element is forced to move by a coin passing through the passageway, the moving distance will be magnified by a magnifying mechanism, and an attached arm with a conductive wiper having a first and a second contact ends is thereby actuated.

Abstract: Deflecting elements and other elements contacting coins in a coin-checking apparatus are provided with plastic bodies which have a hard metallic coating to reduce wear to the exterior surface of the bodies.

Abstract: A manually actuated self-collecting parking meter includes a single lockable coin insertion device for receiving a range of available coin diameters. A coin checking device is arranged to receive one coin at a time from the insertion device and is placed in operation by turning a rotary locking handle. A parking time period display mechanism is arranged to be set based on the coin inserted into the checking device when the handle is rotated. The rotary locking handle can be rotated in either direction up to a stop for loading a force accumulator which automatically drives an operating mechanism for effecting the operation of the coin checking device and the setting of the display mechanism. For proper phase control of the operating mechanism, a closing segment and an operating segment are provided which uncouple the operating mechanism when the rotary handle is completely rotated so that the automatic operation is carried out.

Abstract: A coin mechanism for vending machines comprising a coin receptacle, a detector for unlocking a dispensing mechanism only when a coin of the proper size is received in the receptacle, and a coin retaining device for retaining coins deposited in the mechanism only when a selected product has been properly dispensed from the machine. The detector includes a wall defining part of a coin slot, a window in the wall, a coin holding lever for holding coins across the window only when such coins are of the proper denomination, and a detector arm for entering the window when it is open to prevent the actuation of the product dispensing mechanism and for enabling the actuation of the dispensing mechanism when the window is closed by a coin.

Abstract: A coin activated timer mechanism particularly useful as a parking meter including a sensing device for sensing the value of coins received in a coin receiving device in order to actuate through a transmission lever a time indicator mechanism which includes a timer disc rotatable in individual angular steps for providing an indication of a time period dependent upon the value of the coins received. A clockwork mechanism returns the time indicator mechanism to a position indicating expiration of the time period and a function lever operates to effect actuation of the timer disc through the individual angular steps. The function lever is driven by the transmission lever to a position at which the time indicator mechanism is released with the timer disc being simultaneously guided to a position indicating a determined time allotment.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus is disclosed having a hopper for storing coins, a rotary disc rotatably mounted within said hopper at an angle to the horizontal, a plurality of delivery pins spaced in the peripheral direction on said rotary disc, a delivery knife for guiding coins at the upper delivery portion to a discharge chute and a counter at the upper delivery portion. The rotary disc is rotatably supported on a supporting plate by means of a plurality of balls interposed between the bottom surface of the rotary disc and the upper surface of the supporting plate and the rotary disc is urged toward the supporting plate so as to obtain effective engagement therebetween through the balls. The counter has a removable and replaceable counter roller rotatably mounted on a rocker arm having an actuating arm adapted for moving into a slot between a pair of sensor coils of an electromagnetic sensor such as a proximity switch or a slot switch.