US3797628A — Device and method for testing coins employing vel…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 92 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising means for producing a magnetic field in a region through which the coin passes, coin velocity examining means including sensing means located after at least a portion of the magnetic field with respect to the direction in which the coin is traveling, means for examining a function dependent upon a chordal dimension of the coin including sensing means, and means for comparing the output from the coin velocity examining means and chordal function examining means with predetermined standards characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 92 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising means for producing a magnetic field in a region through which the coin passes, coin velocity examining means including sensing means located after at least a portion of the magnetic field with respect to the direction in which the coin is traveling, means for examining a function dependent upon a chordal dimension of the coin including sensing means, and means for comparing the output from the coin velocity examining means and chordal function examining means with predetermined standards characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said coin velocity examining means includes a pair of spaced sensors and wherein said device also includes coin direction control means actuated by the comparison means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 80 words

A device as defined in claim 1 including means for sensing the presence of a coin in said device, the presence sensing means being located ahead of the coin velocity and chordal function sensing means and including means for resetting the comparison circuit means before the coin reaches either the chordal function sensing means or the coin velocity sensing means to enable the comparison circuit means to make the comparisons, the resetting means being activated by the presence sensing means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 126 words

A device as defined in claim 1 including a coin entrance slot, an inclined guide track adjacent to the slot, a coin presence sensor adjacent to the guide track and ahead of the magnetic field to detect the presence of a coin in the device, coin arresting means adjacent to the coin presence sensor for bringing the coin to rest, magnetic coin scavenger means adjacent to the coin presence sensor for removing coins having a magnetic permeability in excess of a predeteRmined value from the track, start circuit means for rendering the arresting means ineffective and for actuating the coin scavenger, and resetting circuit means for resetting the comparison means before the coin reaches either the chordal dimension sensing means or the coin velocity sensing means.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 123 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising a coin passageway, means for admitting a coin to the passageway, means for producing a magnetic field across the passageway in a region through which the coin passes, first velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin before the coin is exposed to the magnetic field, second velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin after the coin passes through at least a portion of the magnetic field, means for examining a function dependent upon a chordal dimension of the coin and first circuit means for comparing the output signals from the second velocity examining means and the chordal dimension examining means with predetermined signals characterisitc of acceptable coins.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 123 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising a coin passageway, means for admitting a coin to the passageway, means for producing a magnetic field across the passageway in a region through which the coin passes, first velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin before the coin is exposed to the magnetic field, second velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin after the coin passes through at least a portion of the magnetic field, means for examining a function dependent upon a chordal dimension of the coin and first circuit means for comparing the output signals from the second velocity examining means and the chordal dimension examining means with predetermined signals characterisitc of acceptable coins.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 71 words

A device as defined in claim 5 including second circuit means connected to the first velocity examining means and having an output signal representative of the velocity of the coin before the coin is exposed to the magnetic field, the second circuit means output signal being fed to the first circuit means to account for the initial coin velocity of the coin before the coin is exposed to the magnetic field.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 68 words

A device as defined in claim 5 including initial sensing means for sensing the arrival of a coin at the beginning of the passageway and including resetting means for resetting the first and second circuit means before the coin reaches the first velocity examining means to enable the first and second circuit means to perform their intended functions, the resetting means being actuated by the initial sensing means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 47 words

A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the first circuit means provides a signal indicative of the denomination of an authentic acceptable coin and including an accumulator actuated by the signal from the first circuit means for totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 37 words

A device as defined in claim 8 including third circuit means to determine if a coin has become jammed in the passageway and means for disabling the accumulator when a coin has become jammed in the passageway.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 49 words

A device as defined in claim 7 including arresting means adjacent to the initial sensing means for bringing the coin to rest and magnetic coin scavenger means adjacent to the initial sensing means for removing coins having a magnetic permeability in excess of a predetermined value from the passageway.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 58 words

A device as defined in claim 7 including at least one light source on one side of the coin passageway and wherein the initial sensing means, the first velocity examining means, the second velocity examining means and the chordal dimension examining means each include a photoelectric device on the other side of the passageway from a light source.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 71 words

A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the second velocity examining means includes a pair of spaced sensors and wherein the first circuit means includes first gated means connecting the pair of sensors and a pulsating signal source to a pulse counter, the number of pulses received by the counter being representative of the velocity of the coin as it travels between the sensors of the second velocity examining means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 45 words

A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the first circuit means includes gated means connecting the chordal function examining means and a pulsating signal source to a pulse counter, the number of pulses received by the counter being representative of the sensed chordal function.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 55 words

A device as defined in claim 12 wherein the first circuit means additionally includes second gated means connecting the chordal function examining means and the pulsating signal source to the counter, and counter clearing means, the Number of pulses received by the counter from the second gated means being representative of the sensed chordal function.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 45 words

A device as defined in claim 14 wherein the chordal function examining means includes one of the pair of closely spaced sensors and wherein the counter clearing means clears the counter on completion of recording of one of the coin velocity and chordal function measurements.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 43 words

A device as defined in claim 15 including at least one light source on one side of the passageway and wherein each of the closely spaced sensors comprises a photoelectric device on the other side of the coin passageway from a light source.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 35 words

A device as defined in claim 5 including third circuit means for resetting the first circuit means when a coin approaches the magnetic field to enable the first circuit means to make the signal comparisons.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 38 words

A device as defined in claim 12 wherein the first circuit means includes sub-circuit means connected to the counter and responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 90 words

A device as defined in claim 12 wherein the first circuit means includes first and second sub-circuit means each being connected to the counter, the first sub-circuit means being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of signals representing the velocity of acceptable coins as they travel between the pair of sensors, the second sub-circuit means being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of signals representing the sensed chordal function of acceptable coins.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 37 words

A device as defined in claim 19 including further gated means connecting the first and second sub-circuit means to a coin acceptance control means and being responsive to concurrent signals from the first and second sub-circuit means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 44 words

A device as defined in claim 19 including further gated means connecting the first and second sub-circuit means to an accumulator for totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device and being responsive to concurrent signals from the first and second sub-circuit means.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 111 words

A device as defined in claim 5 including a second circuit means having a pulsating signal source and a first pulse counter and first gated means connecting the first velocity examining means and the pulsating signal source to the first pulse counter such that the number of pulses received by the first pulse counter is proportional to the velocity of the coin as it passes the first velocity examining means, the device also including fourth circuit means connected to and responsive to the output of the first pulse counter, the fourth circuit means modifying the output of the pulsating signal source in proportion to the output of the first pulse counter.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 85 words

A device as defined in claim 22 including a second pulse counter and wherein the second velocity examining means includes a pair of spaced sensors and wherein the first circuit means includes second gated means connecting the pair of sensors and the output of the fourth circuit means to the second pulse counter, the number of pulses received by the second pulse counter being proportional to the velocity of the coin as it travels between the pair of sensors forming the second velocity examining means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 55 words

A device as defined in claim 22 including a second pulse counter and wherein the first circuit means includes third gated means connecting the chordal function examining means and the fourth circuit means to the second pulse counter, the number of pulses received by the second pulse counter being proportional to the sensed chordal function.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 32 words

A device as defined in claim 23 wherein the first circuit means includes third gated means connecting the chordal function examining means and the fourth circuit means to the second pulse counter.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 58 words

A device as defined in claim 25 iNcluding second pulse counter resetting means for resetting the second pulse counter on completion of recording of one of the coin velocity and chordal function measurements and wherein the velocity examining means includes a pair of spaced sensors and wherein the chordal function examining means comprises one of the spaced sensors.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 153 words

A device as defined in claim 25 wherein the first circuit means includes first and second sub-circuit means each being connected to the second pulse counter, the first sub-circuit means being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the second pulse counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of signals representing the velocity of acceptable coins as they travel between the pair of sensors of the second velocity examining means, the second sub-circuit means being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the second pulse counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of signals representing a chordal function of acceptable coins and wherein the device further includes fourth gated means connecting the first and second sub-circuit means to a coin acceptance control means and to an accumulator for totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device, the fourth gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the first and second sub-circuit means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 99 words

A device as defined in claim 27 including initial sensing means for sensing the arrival of a coin at the beginning of the passageway and third circuit means for resetting the first and second circuit means before the coin reaches the first velocity examining means to enable the first and second circuit means to perform their intended functions for a newly admitted coin, the third circuit means also including coin jam detecting means for determining if a coin has become jammed in the passageway and means for disabling the accumulator when a coin has become jammed in the passageway.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 72 words

A device as defined in claim 28 wherein the coin jam detecting means includes a signal source responsive to the initial sensing means and set to operate for a predetermined period of time and fifth gated means connecting the signal source and first velocity examining means to the means for disabling the accumulator, the fifth gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the signal source and the first velocity examining means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 82 words

A device as defined in claim 28 including arresting means adjacent to the initial sensing means for bringing a coin to rest in the passageway, a magnetic coin scavenger adjacent to the initial sensing means for removing coins having a magnetic permeability in excess of a predetermined value from the passageway, the third circuit means including means for removing the arresting means from the coin''s path of travel and for actuating the coin scavenger to remove the magnetic coin from the passageway.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 59 words

A device as defined in claim 28 including at least one light source on one side of the coin passageway and wherein the initial sensing means, the first velocity examining means, the second velocity examining means, and the chordal function examining means each includes a photoelectric device on the other side of the coin passageway from a light source.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 141 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising a coin passageway, means for admitting a coin to the passageway, means for producing a magnetic field across the passageway in a region through which the coin passes, velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field region, means for examining a chordal dimension of the coin comprising a primary sensor and at least one secondary sensor spaced from the primary sensor, the distance between the primary and secondary sensors being comparable to a corresponding dimension of an acceptable coin, first circuit means for comparing the output signals from the velocity examining means with predetermined signals characteristic of acceptablE coins, and second circuit means for comparing the output signals from the chordal dimension examining means with predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 141 words

A device for determining the denomination of a coin comprising a coin passageway, means for admitting a coin to the passageway, means for producing a magnetic field across the passageway in a region through which the coin passes, velocity examining means for examining the velocity of the coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field region, means for examining a chordal dimension of the coin comprising a primary sensor and at least one secondary sensor spaced from the primary sensor, the distance between the primary and secondary sensors being comparable to a corresponding dimension of an acceptable coin, first circuit means for comparing the output signals from the velocity examining means with predetermined signals characteristic of acceptablE coins, and second circuit means for comparing the output signals from the chordal dimension examining means with predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 44 words

A device as defined in claim 32 including initial sensing means for sensing the arrival of a coin at the beginning of the passageway and including resetting means for resetting the first and second circuit means to enable them to perform their intended functions.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 56 words

A device as defined in claim 32 including third circuit means connecting the first and second circuit means to an accumulator, the third circuit means providing a signal indicative of the denomination of an authentic acceptable coin, the accumulator being actuated by the third circuit signal for totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 37 words

A device as defined in claim 34 including fourth circuit means to determine if a coin has become jammed in the passageway and means for disabling the accumulator when a coin has become jammed in the passageway.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 49 words

A device as defined in claim 33 including arresting means adjacent to the initial sensing means for bringing the coin to rest and magnetic coin scavenger means adjacent to the initial sensing means for removing coins having a magnetic permeability in excess of a predetermined value from the passageway.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 76 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the means for examining a chordal dimension comprises a primary sensor and at least two secondary sensors, the distance between the primary sensor and one of the secondary sensors being equal to the minimum acceptable dimension for an acceptable coin, the distance between the primary sensor and another of the secondary sensors being equal to the maximum acceptable corresponding dimension for an acceptable coin of the same denomination.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 65 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the means for examining a chordal dimension comprises a primary sensor and a plurality of secondary sensors, the number of secondary sensors corresponding to the number of coins the device is designed to accept, the distance between the primary sensor and each of the secondary sensors being equal to the minimum acceptable dimension of an acceptable coin.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 17 words

A device as defined in claim 38 wherein the velocity sensing means includes two spaced secondary sensors.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 44 words

A device as defined in claim 65 including initial sensing means for sensing the arrival of a coin at the beginning of the passageway and including resetting means for resetting the first and second circuit means to enable them to perform their intended functions.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 61 words

A device as defined in claim 32 including a signal source and a signal receiver and wherein the first circuit means includes first gated means connecting the signal source and velocity examining means to the signal receiver such that the signal received by the signal receiver is indicative of the velocity of the coin as it passes the velocity examining means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 40 words

A device as defined in claim 41 wherein the first circuit means includes sub-circuit means connected to the signal receiver and responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the signal receiver which corresponds to signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 119 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the second circuit means includes a first signal source, first gated means connecting the primary and one secondary sensor to the signal source, the first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the primary sensor and the one secondary sensor, the first signal source being responsive to the first gated means and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, second gated means connecting the first gated means and the first signal source to first sub-circuit means, the second gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the first gated means and the first signal source and the first sub-circuit means being responsive to the second gated means.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 35 words

A device as defined in claim 73 including second sub-cIrcuit means connected to the signal receiver and responsive to a predetermined signal pattern from the signal receiver which corresponds to signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 41 words

A device as defined in claim 44 wherein the second sub-circuit means is connected to the first gated means, the first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the primary sensor, the one secondary sensor and the second sub-circuit means.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 57 words

A device as defined in claim 45 including a. an accumulator for totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device, b. a coin acceptance control means for controlling the direction of travel of acceptable and nonacceptable coins and c. third gated means connecting the first sub-circuit means to the accumulator and the coin acceptance control means.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 37 words

A device as defined in claim 46 including third circuit means to determine if a coin has become jammed in the passageway and means for disabling the accumulator when a coin has become jammed in the passageway.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 63 words

A device as defined in claim 47 including initial sensing means for sensing the arrival of a coin at the beginning of the passageway and including resetting means for resetting the first, second and third circuit means to enable them to perform their intended functions, the resetting means being actuated by the initial sensing means before the coin reaches the velocity examining means.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 80 words

A device as defined in claim 48 wherein the coin jam detecting means includes a second signal source responsive to the initial sensing means and set to provide a signal for a predetermined period of time and fourth gated means connecting the second signal source and the one of the secondary sensors to the means for disabling the accumulator, the fourth gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the second signal source and the one of the secondary sensors.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 35 words

A device as defined in claim 45 including a magnetic coin scavenger adjacent to the beginning of the passageway for removing coins having a magnetic permeability in excess of a predetermined value for the passageway.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 200 words

A device as defined in claim 38 wherein the second circuit means includes a plurality of first signal sources and a plurality of first gated means, a first signal source and a first gated means corresponding to each of the secondary sensors, each first gated means connecting its corresponding secondary sensor and the primary sensor to its corresponding first signal source, each of the first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from its corresponding secondary sensor, and the primary sensor, each first signal source being responsive to its corresponding first gated means and being set to provide a signal for a predetermined period of time, a plurality of second gated means, and first sub-circuit means, each second gated means corresponding to one of the secondary sensors and connecting the corresponding first gated means and first signal source to a corresponding first sub-circuit means, each second gated means being responsive to concurrent predetermined signals from its corresponding first gated means and first signal source and each first sub-circuit means being reaponsive to the corresponding second gated means, a signal from a second gated means indicating that a coin having a dimension within a predetermined range has traveled through the device.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 182 words

A device as defined in claim 51 including a pulsating signal source and a pulse counter and wherein the first circuit means includes third gated means connecting the pulsating signal source and velocity examining means to the pulse counter such that the number of pulses received by the pulse counter is representative of the velocity of the coin as it passes the velocity examining means, a plurality of fourth gated means, each fourth gated means corresponding to an acceptable coin, each of the fourth gated means being connected to the pulse counter and being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern frOm the pulse counter which corresponds to signals characteristic of an acceptable coin, each of the fourth gated means being connected to the first gated means corresponding to the same acceptable coin, each first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the primary sensor, its corresponding secondary sensor and its corresponding fourth gated means, whereby a signal from a second gated means indicates that a coin having a velocity and chord dimension within a predetermined range has traveled through the device.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 53 words

A device as defined in claim 52 including an accumulator and fifth gated means connecting the first sub-circuit means to the accumulator, and transmitting a signal to the accumulator indicative of the denomination of the coin which has traveled through the device, the accumulator totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 40 words

A device as defined in claim 52 including a coin acceptance control means and a fifth gated means connecting the first sub-circuit means to the coin acceptance control means which controls the direction of travel of acceptable and non-acceptable coins.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 22 words

A device as defined in claim 52 including further circuit means to determine if a coin has become jammed in the passageway.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 194 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein a. the means for examining the chordal dimension comprises a primary sensor and a plurality of pairs of secondary sensors, the distance between the primary sensor and one of each pair of secondary sensors being comparable to the minimum acceptable predetermined dimension for an acceptable coin, the distance between the primary sensor and the second of each pair of secondary sensors being comparable to the maximum acceptable predetermined dimension for an acceptable coin of the same denomination, b. the second circuit means includes a plurality of first gated means and first sub-circuit means, each first gated means corresponding to one of the pairs of secondary sensors and connecting each sensor of the corresponding pair of sensors and the primary sensor to the first sub-circuit means, each first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from each sensor of the corresponding pair of secondary sensors and the primary sensor, the first sub-circuit means being responsive to a signal from any of the first gated means, such first gated means signal indicating that a coin having a predetermined dimension within a predetermined range has traveled through the device.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 176 words

A device as defined in claim 56 including a pulsating signal source and a pulse counter and wherein the first circuit means includes a second gated means connecting the pulsating signal source and velocity examining means to the pulse counter such that the number of pulses received by the pulse counter is proportional to the velocity of the coin as it passes the velocity examining means, a plurality of third gated means, each third gated means corresponding to an acceptable coin, each third gated means being connected to the pulse counter and to the first gated means corresponding to the same acceptable coin and being responsive to a predetermined signal pattern from the pulse counter, each first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the primary sensor, each sensor of its corresponding pair of secondary sensors, and its corresponding third gated means, whereby a signal from the first gated means indicates that a coin having a velocity and chord dimension within a predetermined range and corresponding to an acceptable coin has traveled through the device.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 66 words

A device as defined in claim 57 including a coin acceptance control means and fourth gated means connecting the first sub-circuit means to the coin acceptance control means which controls the direction of travel of acceptable and non-acceptable coins and including an accumulator and fifth gated means connecting the first sub-circuit means to the accumulator, the accumulator totalizing the value of coins accepted by the device.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 19 words

A device as defined in claim 8 wherein the accumulator is connected to a plurality of coin operated devices.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 19 words

A device as defined in claim 34 wherein the accumulator is connected to a plurality of coin operated devices.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 77 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the means for examining a chordal dimension comprises a primary sensor and a plurality of secondary sensors, the number of secondary sensors corresponding to the number of different denominations of coins the device is designed to accept, the distance between the primary sensor and each of the secondary sensors being equal to an acceptable dimension for an acceptable coin, and wherein the velocity examining means includes two spaced sensors.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 28 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the distance between the primary and secondary sensors is equal to the minimum acceptable corresponding dimension for an acceptable coin.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 23 words

A device as defined in claim 45 wherein the signal source provides a pulsating signal and wherein the signal receiver is a counter.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of determining the authenticity and denomination of a coin comprising the steps of providing a magnetic field across a coin passageway, examining a first velocity of a coin immediately prior to the coin''s exposure to the magnetic field, examining a second velocity of the coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field, examining a chordal dimension of the coin and comparing signals representative of the second velocity and the chordal dimension with corresponding predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of determining the authenticity and denomination of a coin comprising the steps of providing a magnetic field across a coin passageway, examining a first velocity of a coin immediately prior to the coin''s exposure to the magnetic field, examining a second velocity of the coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field, examining a chordal dimension of the coin and comparing signals representative of the second velocity and the chordal dimension with corresponding predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method as defined in claim 64 including the step of utilizing a signal representative of the first velocity to modify the signal representative of the second velocity.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as defined in claim 65 including providing an acceptance signal if the comparison of second velocity signal and chordal dimension signal with the predetermined signals is acceptable, and using the acceptance signal to actuate an accumulator for totalizing the value of coins accepted.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 83 words

A method of determining the authenticity and denomination of a coin comprising the steps of providing a magnetic field across a coin passageway, examining the velocity of a coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field, sensing the concurrent presence of a coin at at least two points spaced apart a distance equal to an acceptable corresponding chordal dimension for an acceptable coin, and comparing signals representative of the velocity and the chordal dimension with corresponding predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 83 words

A method of determining the authenticity and denomination of a coin comprising the steps of providing a magnetic field across a coin passageway, examining the velocity of a coin after the coin emerges from the magnetic field, sensing the concurrent presence of a coin at at least two points spaced apart a distance equal to an acceptable corresponding chordal dimension for an acceptable coin, and comparing signals representative of the velocity and the chordal dimension with corresponding predetermined signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 55 words

A method as defined in claim 67 wherein the concurrent presence of a coin is sensed at two points spaced apart a distance equal to the maximum acceptable corresponding chordal dimension for an acceptable coin and at two points spaced apart a distance equal to the minimum acceptable corresponding chordal dimension for an acceptable coin.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as defined in claim 67 including the step of sensing the duration of concurrent presence of a coin at the two points.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 68 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the means for examining a chordal dimension includes at least three sensors, the distance between a first sensor and a second sensor being comparable to the minimum corresponding acceptable dimension for an acceptable coin, the distance between the first sensor and a third sensor being comparable to the maximum acceptable corresponding dimension for an acceptable coin of the same denomination.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 25 words

A device as defined in claim 37 wherein the secondary sensors are located in a region between the primary sensor and the magnetic field region.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 25 words

A device as defined in claim 38 wherein the secondary sensors are located in a region between the primary sensor and the magnetic field region.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 88 words

A device as defined in claim 43 wherein the first circuit means includes a signal source, a signal receiver, first gated means connecting the signal source and velocity examining meaNs to the signal receiver such that the signal received by the signal receiver is indicative of the velocity of the coin as it passes the velocity examining means, and also includes sub-circuit means connected to the signal receiver and responsive to a predetermined signal pattern generated by the signal receiver which corresponds to signals characteristic of acceptable coins.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 148 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the velocity examining means includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced in the direction of coin movement; and the first circuit means includes a first signal source responsive to the first sensor and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, a second signal source responsive to the cessation of operation of the first signal source and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, first gated means connecting the first signal source and the second sensor to first sub-circuit means, the first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the first signal source and the second sensor, second gated means connecting the second signal source and the second sensor to the second sub-circuit means, the second gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the second signal source and the second sensor.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 148 words

A device as defined in claim 43 wherein the velocity examining means includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced in the direction of coin movement; and the first circuit means includes a first signal source responsive to the first sensor and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, a second signal source responsive to the cessation of operation of the first signal source and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, first gated means connecting the first signal source and the second sensor to first sub-circuit means, the first gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the first signal source and the second sensor, second gated means connecting the second signal source and the second sensor to the second sub-circuit means, the second gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from the second signal source and the second sensor.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 34 words

A device as defined in claim 75 wherein at least one of the first and second sensors of the velocity examining means is one of the secondary sensors of the chordal dimension examining means.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 178 words

A device as defined in claim 32 wherein the velocity examining means includes a plurality of spaced sensors, and the first circuit means includes at least one primary signal source responsive to a first sensor and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, at least one secondary signal source responsive to the cessation of operation of a primary signal source and being set to operate for a predetermined period of time, a plurality of primary gated means each connecting one of the sensors and the primary signal source to a primary sub-circuit means, each primary gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from its associated sensor and primary signal source, each of the plurality of primary sub-circuit means being responsive to one of the primary gated means, a plurality of secondary gated means each connecting a secondary signal source and a sensor and its associated primary gated means to a secondary sub-circuit means, each of the secondary gated means being responsive to concurrent signals from its associated secondary signal source, sensor and primary gated means.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 20 words

A device as claimed in claim 32 wherein at least one of the examining means includes an elongated photosensitive sensor.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 64 words

A device as claimed in claim 32 wherein a mask separates at least one of the sensors from the coin passageway, the sensor is a photosensitive device, a light source is located on the other side of the passageway from the sensor, and the light from the light source reaching the sensor is limited to that passing through an elongated opening in the mask.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 41 words

A device as defined in claim 4 wherein the coin arrEsting means includes a barrier which is removed from the intended direction of coin movement when the arresting means is rendered ineffective with a motion at least partly in that direction.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1977-03-18	1977-09-17	1978-03-19	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1981-03-18	1981-09-17	1982-03-19	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1985-03-18	1985-09-17	1986-03-19	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Device and method for testing coins employing velocity determining means

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