James Thomas York

US Patent:

50279351, Jul 2, 1991

Filed:

Dec 26, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/457005

Inventors:

Eilert J. Berg - Ada MI
Byron D. Bowles - Indianapolis IN
James D. York - Indianapolis IN

Assignee:

AT&T Bell Laboratories - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

G07D 508

US Classification:

194318

Abstract:

An electronic coin chute (ECC) for use in a public telephone station has only a small amount of electrical power available from the telephone line when examining coins for authenticity and denomination. To conserve power during the examination process, a plurality of coin quality sensors are used, each designed to use minimum power. Each sensor generates an oscillating magnetic field that interacts with the coin as it gravitates through the coin chute. By monitoring the output electrical signal from each coin quality sensor, the microprocessor is able to determine when the coin has moved beyond its field and, in response, power is removed from that sensor and applied to the next. After the coin's qualities have been measured, they are compared with stored acceptance limits. Power is removed from the last coin quality sensor and applied to a coin routing apparatus to guide accepable coins into a collection box.

US Patent:

50885871, Feb 18, 1992

Filed:

Apr 30, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/516932

Inventors:

Robert R. Goodrich - Indianapolis IN
James D. York - Indianapolis IN

Assignee:

AT&T Bell Laboratories - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

G07F 104

US Classification:

194345

Abstract:

A coin chute includes a coin entrance, clear-out apparatus, coin processing apparatus, a return chute and a coin ejector. The clear-out apparatus is positioned between the coin entrance and the coin processing apparatus. It comprises a cavity for trapping unwanted material stuffed into the coin entrance and a pair of sidewalls (inner and outer) that move in response to the operation of the coin ejector. A deflector plate, positioned within the cavity, assists in trapping the unwanted material. The outer sidewall permits trapped material to fall into the return chute while the inner sidewall pushes this material into the return chute. The coin ejector includes an actuator that is operatively connected to the sidewalls of the clear-out apparatus by a helical spring whose restorative force is sufficient to urge material trapped within the cavity into the return chute, but not sufficient to damage the coin ejector when excessive force is applied to the actuator.