James H York

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.