Apparatus and method for determining the validity of a coin
US6467604B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D5/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coin validator is provided with at least two reference positions (U, D) for determining a diameter related characteristic of a coin being validated. In order to reduce the running to the testing station, the timing of a trailing point of the coin passing a first reference position (U) is used to determine the diameter related characteristic. Embodiments using optical inductive and piezo-electric sensors associated with the reference positions are disclosed. An inductive sensor for a coin validator comprises an elongate coil, which, when in use, is arranged such that the magnetic field is substantially constant across the width of the passageway. The use of coils of this type have the advantage of wrap around coils but enable the coin passageway to be shallower and be opened. A coin validator is described wherein the backwall of a coin passageway is movable to and fro so that the depth of the coin passageway can be adjusted. In an embodiment, a cam bears against the backwall of the coin passageway to set the depth thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.