Patent ID: 6539083
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G07D

Abstract:
Coin validation apparatus comprising:a) a coin guide for guiding an input coin along a predetermined coin path with one face of the input coin resting on a side wall of the coin guide; b) at least one inductive sensor arranged to generate a magnetic field at a position along the coin path, for detecting a dimension of the input coin by interaction with the input coin; c) circuit means for detecting an effect of the input coin on an inductance of the inductive sensor and making a decision whether the input coin is a predetermined coin or one of a predetermined set of coins; d) at least a part of the side wall of the coin guide comprising a circuit board bearing at least one set of contact pads for surface-mounting a component thereto, and electrically conductive tracks for connecting the contact pads to one of other components on the circuit board and connection points for electrical connection to components not on the circuit board; and e) the inductive sensor comprising an inductor surface-mounted to the at least one set of contact pads.