Patent US3739895A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3739895A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for testing coins employing dimensional categorizing means
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-08-16
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Granted: 1973-06-19
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Expires: 1991-08-16
Abstract
Abstract A coin selector and a method of coin selection are disclosed which utilize a coin presence sensor array including a primary sensor and a series of secondary sensors, which together with combinatorial circuitry provide signals indicative of the size category of a coin and signals indicative of the acceptance ratio of the coin and compare the signals with predetermined values for acceptable coins.
Inventors
- 👤 G Fougere
- 👤 J Rothery
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:21
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07D; G07D5/00; G07D5/08; G07D5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
227 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of acceptable denominations comprising, a passageway along which coins may travel, means for causing a magnetic field to move relative to a coin in the passageway, at least two coin presence sensors spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, means to establish the coin path in the region of the sensors, means to measure the duration of concurrent presence of a coin at at least two of the sensors, means to measure the interval subsequent to the presence of a coin at the first sensor and prior to the arrival of the coin at a second sensor, means to compare each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and means to produce an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
227 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of acceptable denominations comprising, a passageway along which coins may travel, means for causing a magnetic field to move relative to a coin in the passageway, at least two coin presence sensors spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, means to establish the coin path in the region of the sensors, means to measure the duration of concurrent presence of a coin at at least two of the sensors, means to measure the interval subsequent to the presence of a coin at the first sensor and prior to the arrival of the coin at a second sensor, means to compare each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and means to produce an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
222 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of acceptable denominations comprising, a coin passageway, means for causing a magnetic field to move relative to a coin in the passageway, an array of coin presence sensors down the passageway from at least a portion of the magnetic field, the array including a primary sensor and secondary sensors each spaced from the primary sensor and secondary sensors each spaced from the primary sensor distances less than a given chordal dimension of an acceptable denomination coin and greater than the chordal dimension of the next smaller acceptable denomination diameter coin, means to determine the coin path in the region of the array, means to generate a signal denoting the occlusion of each sensor, a logic circuit using the signals to determine whether a coin is large enough to be particular acceptable denomination and small enough not to be the next larger acceptable denomination, the logic circuit having an output representative of the denomination determined, means to measure the duration of concurrent signals, means to measure the interval between the end of a signal and the beginning of another signal, means to compare each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and means to produce an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
222 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of acceptable denominations comprising, a coin passageway, means for causing a magnetic field to move relative to a coin in the passageway, an array of coin presence sensors down the passageway from at least a portion of the magnetic field, the array including a primary sensor and secondary sensors each spaced from the primary sensor and secondary sensors each spaced from the primary sensor distances less than a given chordal dimension of an acceptable denomination coin and greater than the chordal dimension of the next smaller acceptable denomination diameter coin, means to determine the coin path in the region of the array, means to generate a signal denoting the occlusion of each sensor, a logic circuit using the signals to determine whether a coin is large enough to be particular acceptable denomination and small enough not to be the next larger acceptable denomination, the logic circuit having an output representative of the denomination determined, means to measure the duration of concurrent signals, means to measure the interval between the end of a signal and the beginning of another signal, means to compare each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and means to produce an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
257 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, a coin track, first means for comparing a value related to a chordal dimension of the coin with predetermined values, and second means for comparing a value related to the coin velocity and chordal dimension with predetermined values, wherein the first means includes a primary sensor and two or more secondary sensors, each secondary sensor being spaced by a different distance than the other secondary sensors (a) from the primary sensor in the direction of coin travel and (b) normal to the crack transversely of the direction of coin travel, at least one of the sensors being spaced from the track in a direction normal to the track a distance less than the diameter of the smallest permissible coin, a first circuit to determine if said chordal dimension is at least equal to the distance between the primary sensor and one of the secondary sensors, and wherein the second means includes means for producing a magnetic field in a zone through which the coin passes before the coin reaches at least one of said sensors, and a second circuit for examining the time that a coiN, whose said chordal dimension is at least equal to the distance between the primary and one of the secondary sensors, is sensed concurrently by those sensors, and a coin, whose said chordal dimension is less than the distance between the primary sensor and one of the secondary sensors, takes to travel between those sensors.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
257 words
A device for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, a coin track, first means for comparing a value related to a chordal dimension of the coin with predetermined values, and second means for comparing a value related to the coin velocity and chordal dimension with predetermined values, wherein the first means includes a primary sensor and two or more secondary sensors, each secondary sensor being spaced by a different distance than the other secondary sensors (a) from the primary sensor in the direction of coin travel and (b) normal to the crack transversely of the direction of coin travel, at least one of the sensors being spaced from the track in a direction normal to the track a distance less than the diameter of the smallest permissible coin, a first circuit to determine if said chordal dimension is at least equal to the distance between the primary sensor and one of the secondary sensors, and wherein the second means includes means for producing a magnetic field in a zone through which the coin passes before the coin reaches at least one of said sensors, and a second circuit for examining the time that a coiN, whose said chordal dimension is at least equal to the distance between the primary and one of the secondary sensors, is sensed concurrently by those sensors, and a coin, whose said chordal dimension is less than the distance between the primary sensor and one of the secondary sensors, takes to travel between those sensors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the distance between at least one secondary sensor and the primary sensor is greater than the maximum acceptable predetermined dimension of a permissible coin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the distance between at least one secondary sensor and the primary sensor is less than the maximum acceptable predetermined dimension of a permissible coin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the distance between each secondary sensor and the primary sensor is greater than the maximum acceptable predetermined dimension of one permissible coin and less than the minimum acceptable predetermined dimension of another permissible coin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein, for a coin whose said chordal dimension is less than the distance between the primary and any of the secondary sensors, the second circuit means examines the time interval between the instant the coin ceases being sensed by one of said primary and secondary sensors until it is sensed by the other of said primary and secondary sensors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device as defined in claim 3 including a third circuit for comparing the time with predetermined values representative of acceptable coins, the third circuit means providing a signal indicative of the denomination of acceptable coins.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device as defined in claim 3 including means for sensing the arrival of a coin at a point prior to said first means and said second means and including means for enabling the first and second circuits to perform their intended functions, the enabling means being actuated by the arrival sensing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the second circuit includes a signal gate responsive to the primary sensor and the secondary sensors, a signal source and a counter, the signal from the signal source being directed to the counter through the signal gate, the signal received by the counter being representative of the combined property of the coin as it travels between the sensors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
145 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the first circuit includes at least a first and a second coincidence gate, the first coincidence gate being responsive to signals indicating concurrent coin presence at the primary sensor and a secondary sensor, and the second coincidence gate being responsive to signals indicating initial coin presence at one of the sensors and the concurrent absence of a coin at the primary sensor and a secondary sensor, the first gate when enabled indicating the existence of a coin in the device within the group of coins whose said chordal dimensions is at least equal to the distance between the primary and secondary sensors and the second gate when enabled indicating the existence of a coin in the device within the group of coins whose said chordal dimension is less than the distance between the primary and secondary sensors.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
106 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein the second circuit includes a signal gate responsive to each of the coincidence gates, a pulse source and a counter, the signal from the pulse source being directed to the counter through the signal gate, the signal received by the counter being representative of the duration of presence signals, the device including means for receiving information from the counter and from the coincidence gates and for comparing such information with predetermined values characteristic of acceptable coins, and means for providing a signal representative of the denomination of the coin if said values are equal to the predetermined values.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
180 words
A device as defined in claim 3 including at least a first and second secondary sensor and where the first circuit comprises first, second, tHird and fourth coincidence gates; the first coincidence gate being responsive to signals indicating concurrent coin presence sensing by the first secondary sensor and the primary sensor; the second coincidence gate being responsive to signals concurrently indicating a concurrent coin presence sensing by the second secondary sensor and the primary sensor, and the absence of concurrent coin presence sensing by the first secondary sensor and the primary sensor; the third coincidence gate being responsive to signals indicating absence of coin presence sensing by the first secondary sensor and concurrent coin presence sensing by the second secondary sensor and primary sensor; and the fourth coincidence gate being responsive to signals indicating absence of coin presence sensing by the first secondary sensor, absence of concurrent coin presence sensing by the second secondary sensor and primary sensor and previous coin presence sensing by the second secondary sensor, each of the coincidence gates providing a signal when it is enabled.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
94 words
A device as defined in claim 13 wherein the second circuit includes a signal gate responsive to each of the coincidence gates, a pulse source and a counter, the signal from the pulse source being directed to the counter through the signal gate, and including means for receiving output information from the counter and from the coincidence gates, means for comparing such information with predetermined values characteristic of acceptable coins, and means for providing a signal representative of the denomination of the coin if said values are within a predetermined tolerance of predetermined values.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
213 words
A method for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, propelling a coin at a velocity influenced by the motion relative thereto of a magnetic field, subsequent to affecting the velocity of the coin, passing the coin by at least two coin presence sensors spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, measuring the duration of concurrent presence of a coin at least two of the presence sensors, measuring the interval subsequent to the presence of a coin at a first sensor and prior to the presence of the coin at a second sensor, comparing each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and producing an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
213 words
A method for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, propelling a coin at a velocity influenced by the motion relative thereto of a magnetic field, subsequent to affecting the velocity of the coin, passing the coin by at least two coin presence sensors spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, measuring the duration of concurrent presence of a coin at least two of the presence sensors, measuring the interval subsequent to the presence of a coin at a first sensor and prior to the presence of the coin at a second sensor, comparing each of the measurements with standards for acceptable coins, and producing an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a standard.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
215 words
A method for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, affecting the velocity of a coin by causing the coin to move with respect to a magnetic field, subsequent to affecting the velocity of the coin, passing the coin by an array of sensors at least two of the sensors of the array being spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, generating a signal denoting the occlusion of each sensor of the array, measuring the duration of concurrent signals, measuring the interval between the end of a signal anD the beginning of another signal, comparing each of the measurements with values representative of acceptable coins, and producing an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a value.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
215 words
A method for determining the authenticity and denomination of coins of a plurality of permissible denominations comprising, affecting the velocity of a coin by causing the coin to move with respect to a magnetic field, subsequent to affecting the velocity of the coin, passing the coin by an array of sensors at least two of the sensors of the array being spaced apart in the direction of coin travel, the distance between the sensors being such that when the edge of a coin of the largest acceptable diameter of one acceptable denomination is at a first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between the sensors is shorter than the spacing of the sensors and when the edge of a coin of the smallest acceptable diameter of another acceptable denomination is at the first sensor the chord of that coin along the line between sensors is longer than the spacing of the sensors, generating a signal denoting the occlusion of each sensor of the array, measuring the duration of concurrent signals, measuring the interval between the end of a signal anD the beginning of another signal, comparing each of the measurements with values representative of acceptable coins, and producing an output signal if a measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of a value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 16 wherein signals are also introduced to a logic circuit which operates on the signals to produce an output signal representative of the denomination of the coin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3653481A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-18 | 1976-12-18 | 1977-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-12-18 | 1981-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-18 | 1984-12-18 | 1985-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |