Capacitance sensor for coin evaluation
US6907977B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D5/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A capacitance sensor measures a coin to determine geometrical parameters thereof and to allow assessment of different geometrical parameters of a coin which influence the measured capacitance. In a preferred arrangement, a mechanical arrangement alters the capacitance between two electrodes as a function of the diameter of the coin. This assessment is used in combination with a further measured capacitance which is a function of coin diameter, coin thickness and surface relief of the coin. The initial evaluation of diameter is useful in determining the separate influences of coin thickness and surface relief. The invention is also directed to the method of coin evaluation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.