Coin validator
US5476168A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D5/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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., causing coins passing along the coin path (26) to orient themselves such that each of them has point contact on the base (32) and on one wall (36), thereby occupying a generally similar position with respect to the coils (40, 42).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.