Patent ID: 6182811
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A coin escrow device comprising:a housing for receiving coins;at least one gate connected to the housing having a closed position to support coins and an open position to discharge coins;a magnetic switch; anda first magnet attached to a first movable support, wherein under unjammed conditions, when the gate opens, the first magnet is moved toward the magnetic switch from a normal position and when the gate closes, the first magnet moves back to the normal position of the first magnet, and wherein when a coin jam occurs, the magnet is outside its normal position and the magnetic switch is on;said coin escrow device, further comprising a second magnet attached to a second movable support, the second support being operably connected to a coin trigger for detecting coins and to at least one solenoid operably connected to the gate for controlling the position of the gate such that, under unjammed conditions, when a coin is detected, the coin trigger moves the second magnet from a normal position toward the magnetic switch and the solenoid moves the second magnet back to the normal position of the second magnet when one of the gates is opened, wherein when a coin jam at the coin trigger occurs, the second magnet is outside its normal position and the magnetic switch is on.