Coin escrow apparatus with relay switch contact simulator
US6163603A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M17/026
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coin escrow apparatus for use with a pay telephone includes a housing defining a coin hopper, a coin acceptance chute, and a coin return chute. The apparatus also includes a door mounted within the housing for selective movement between an escrow position for supporting coins in the hopper, an acceptance position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin acceptance chute, and a return position for releasing coins from the hopper to the coin return chute. The apparatus also includes structures for selectively moving the door between its escrow, acceptance, and return positions. An integrated circuit is provided for unconditionally simulating a relay switch contact normally indicative of successful firing of the escrow coin apparatus to allow the coin escrow apparatus to be used with so-called "smart" telephones without requiring electromechanical components to sense and indicate successful firing of the coin escrow apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.