Patent ID: 6053300
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: G07D

Abstract:
A coin validation apparatus comprising:means defining first and second reference lines spaced along a coin path by the diameter of the coin type to be accepted by the validator;means defining a third reference line downstream of the first reference line by the diameter of a further coin type to be accepted by the validator;sensor means for detecting a trailing point on a coin passing the first reference line and a leading point on the coin reaching the second reference line;further sensor means for detecting a leading point on the coin reaching the third reference line; andprocessing means for checking the diameter of a coin under test on the basis of said trailing point passing the first reference line and said leading point reaching the second reference line,whereinthe reference lines extend across the coin path so as to be parallel to a major face of a coin under test and the processing means checks the diameter of the coin under test without reference to said leading point reaching the first reference line, andthe processing means is responsive to the further sensor means to produce a characterising signal for a coin under test on the basis of the time difference between the trailing point on the coin passing the first reference line and said leading point reaching the third reference line.