Patent ID: 6382386
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G07D

Abstract:
A coin validator comprising a pathway for moving a coin along a predetermined path, an eddy-current sensor positioned along said path for evaluating geometrical and magnetic features of the coin; said eddy-current sensor comprising a ferrite plate and a primary coil and a sensing coil, said primary coil having a short cylindrical winding and said sensing coil being wound around said ferrite plate structure with an axis of the primary coil perpendicular to a flat surface of said ferrite plate, said sensing coil being symmetrically located about a middle of the ferrite plate with an axis of the sensing coil extending in the length of said ferrite plate; and wherein the sensor is positioned along the pathway such that the angle of the direction of a coin moving along the pathway forms an angle of about 45 degrees with a major axis of said sensor.