Coin validation apparatus and method
US6119844A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D5/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coin validator with an improved coin processing rate, performs primary validation testing on coins at a primary validation station as successive coins roll down a coin rundown path. Unacceptable coins pass to a coin reject path but coins found acceptable by the primary validation testing are deflected by a solenoid operated gate to a coin accept path. The acceptable coins pass a further sensor coil. Auxiliary coin testing is carried out by a microprocessor by analyzing the time taken for the coin to reach and move away form the further sensor. The microprocessor performs undertimer and overtimer routines FIGS. 3A, B and if the coin arrives within the under and overtimer ranges t.sub.1, t.sub.2, the coin is accepted. When the coin throughput rate is increased, the undertimer is switched off in order to permit the coin throughput rate for valid coins to be increased, without loss of security.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.