Patent ID: 6223877
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: G07D,G07F

Abstract:
A coin validation apparatus, such as for use with a pay telephone, comprising:a coin chute defining a coin path;a first light source for directing light across said coin path in a first direction substantially perpendicular to said coin path;a first light sensor for sensing light directed across said coin path;said first light source comprising at least one light emitting element and a reflector for collecting light from said light emitting element and reflecting it toward said first light sensor;a second light source for directing light across said coin path in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction;a second light source for sensing light directed across said coin path from said second light source; andelectronic means for determining the amount of light blocked by an object in said coin path by comparing the amount of light sensed by said first and second light sensors with an object in said coin path with the amount of light sensed by said light sensors in the absence of an object in said coin path, said electronic means further comparing the amount of light blocked by the object in said coin path with known values for valid coins to evaluate whether the object in said coin path is a valid coin.