Coin identification apparatus
US6148987A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F5/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coin identification apparatus includes a pair of series connected coils driven by an oscillator. Frequency and/or amplitude characteristics of the oscillator output generated by the passage of a distinct token between the pair of coils are compared with prestored characteristics of acceptable tokens. A processor, upon detecting a match between the detected and pre-stored frequency and amplitude characteristics, activates a motor to rotate a coin receptacle to a coin return position discharging the token to the user, simultaneously causes a door latch pin to separate from a door latch allowing opening of the door to permit access to the interior of the enclosure in which the coin identification apparatus is mounted and selects a new total vend value from memory associated with a detected token.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.