Apparatus and method for separating and rejecting coins

Abstract: A coin separator/rejector system includes a plurality of coin races which are disposed in a compact coin receiver body. The races have at least one protrusion along their length so as to deflect downwardly traveling coins and force these coins to alter both their attitude and direction of travel to encounter apertures formed in the receiver body between successive coin races. Coins of a selected diameter travel downwardly along any given coin race for ultimate deposit or credit. Coins of less than the selected diameter are directed into an alternative direction and path of travel along an alternate or secondary race where they are either credited or rejected.

Description: This application is a continuation-in-part of Applicant's co-pending US application Serial No. 163,307 which is a continuation-in-part of US application Serial No. 042,797, now abandoned. The present invention relates generally to a coin separator and rejector for use in vending machines, coin operated telephones, video game machines or other applications where mechanical sorting, selection and rejection of coins is required. More particularly, this invention relates to coin separator and rejector systems which utilize principles of inertia and controlled deflection to selectively discriminate and collect coins deposited in a coin operated machine or appliance. The simplest type of coin operated machine is one which requires a single coin of a single denomination for operation. In this instance, the basic consideration or problem involving a separator/rejector is to accept the single, desired coin and to reject all others. The problem is solved in one aspect by designing the coin inlet to accept coins no larger in diameter than the desired coin. In a second aspect, the coins which pass through the inlet enter a separator/rejector which accepts the desired coins -- i.e., the largest coins -- and rejects all smaller coins. More complex coin operated machines are designed to perform a variety of functions such as accepting more than one coin denomination, accepting combinations of coin denominations, returning change, and returning undesirable coins, tokens, slugs and counterfeit coins. The more complex machines therefore require more sophisticated means for separating coins. Some of these coin separators, for example, sort the coins and direct coins of different desired denominations into separate chutes or cash boxes, or into escrow devices in advance of the cash boxes. As will be further discussed herein, a multiple of devices have been developed to address the problem of coin separation/rejection. In general, coin operated machines must be rugged as well as reliable. Numerous attempts have been made toward the design of an effective, yet trouble-free, coin separator/rejector to be used in coin operated machines and the like, so that coins which are inserted in the machines may be readily organized and separated. In this connection, the desired coins are deposited for credit, and the undesirable coins are rejected and/or ultimately returned to the user. Many times, the principal design feature of a rejector is to limit the operation of a machine to a particular denomination of coin, as dictated by the price of the merchandise, service, or entertainment available through the machine. Other times, a principal desire is to limit the size of the machine as dictated by space concerns. There is generally very limited space in most machines for a coin rejector; and this is especially the case when the rejector must be capable of accepting a variety of coin denominations. In almost all instances, it is desirable to reject pennies and foreign coins. A variety of rejectors have evolved to address the need to discriminate among various coin denominations. Early coin rejectors used a combination of coin diameter and gravity to reject all coins but those of a preselected denomination. One example of such a rejector is seen in U.S. Patent No. 917,629. This patent describes a coin rejector with a spiral coin race containing an aperture through a portion of its length. As a coin descends in this device, it is pulled toward the outer diametrical extent of the coin race. If the coin is too small (and thus not of a desired denomination) to be supported at its top and bottom as its passes over the aperture, it is simply hurled out of the coin race. Disadvantages associated with the apparatus of the device described in this patent include its cumbersome configuration. The spiral shape of the device requires that it be at least as wide as the diameter of the desired coin. Additionally, the use of a spiral configuration involves an overall vertical length which would be prohibitive in many contemporary applications. Further, it is generally undesirable for the coin to "tumble" from the coin separating mechanism, since the ability of a coin to tumble requires that the rejector employ a width which is oftentimes impractical or even inoperable in conventional vending machines. Another design using gravity as a means for rejecting inappropriately sized coins is seen in U.S. Patent No. 2,014,506. This device employs an inclined coin race which is fitted with an aperture along a portion of its length. The coin race itself is fitted with an inclined bottom track and a low tolerance upper guide. In this device, coins of less than a minimum diameter travel along the coin race and "tumble" out of the device upon encountering the aperture, since they are no longer supported at both their top and bottom. Although this type of device appears sound in principal, it is cumbersome in size, and it has a propensity to fail or "jam", especially when bent or oversized coins are introduced into the coin chute. This device also fails to maintain coins in a preferred on-edge orientation. To address the need to process multiple denomination coins, a number of coin rejectors have been suggested which use a plurality of coin inlet slots disposed along the face of the machine, each slot being connected to a different coin race. Such a device is seen in U.S. Patent No. 3,768,618. In this device, a number of coin chutes are connected to a corresponding number of coin inlet portals disposed along the machine body. Each coin chute is formed is an angled, downwardly inclined fashion with an aperture or "window" formed along part of its length. When coins of less than a minimum diameter move down these coin chutes, they "tumble" through the windows, thereby resulting in rejection. A multiple race setup such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,716,618 also has many of same drawbacks described above. It is inherently bulky because of the number of coin chutes it needs to process multiple coin denominations. Thus, the proper sorting and collection of three different denominations of coins would require at least three separate coin slots, each with its own coin rejector. Due to a general trend toward miniaturization, as well as the need in the industry to separate multiple denomination coins, more compact coin devices have been designed that employ a plurality of moving parts in order to establish a correct coin credit system with coins introducible from a solitary coin insert. Such a coin rejector is seen in U.S. Patent No. 2,292,628. In this and similar designs, a coin inserted in a solitary coin slot on the face of the machine travels downward until it engages a series of coin cradles or "flippers" disposed within the apparatus itself. Depending on the width and diameter of the coin, the coin moves downward and across the face of the rejector via a plurality of coin handling cradles until it reaches a particular coin outlet slot. In this fashion, multiple denominations of coins may be used in the machine, with undersized domestic coins (usually pennies) or foreign coins being rejected and returned to the user. Many of the drawbacks associated with this design revolve around the overall complexity of the device itself. In this and similar coin separating devices, up to 80 separate and moving parts may be used, each part subject to varying degrees of wear and contamination from dirt and other corrosives, soon reducing the overall reliability and efficiency of the device and resulting in undesirable incidences of "jamming." Such a multi-component device is also highly sensitive to moisture, and often requires periodic balancing. High incidencies of "jamming" resultant from inoperability of the device significantly decreases the profitability of any given vending operation. Servicing "jams" is expensive and often results in user frustration and ultimately nonuse of the machine or appliance itself. The present invention is defined in claim 1 and addresses problems associated with prior art devices by providing a compact coin system which is capable of receiving and separating multiple diameter coins inserted through a solitary coin inlet. The present invention also enables simultaneous or near simultaneous separation of coins, thus enabling even a further decrease in the size requirements of the coin separator/rejector. Further, the present invention enables the early removal of larger or oversized coins from the separating mechanism so as to enable a longer separating process for similarly sized coins. In a broad aspect, the present invention comprises a system in which a coin is introduced at the upper end of a downwardly extending coin race through a solitary coin inlet. The coin travels downward in the race and in a vertical disposition, i.e., on-edge. The race has vertically disposed walls on each side of the coin which help to guide the coin on its way. The walls are preferably spaced laterally a sufficient distance to tolerate coins which are bent but still capable of passing through the entrance of the race. Most importantly, the race is configured so as to enhance the natural passage of the coin through the system, thereby minimizing undesired deflection while maintaining control over the coin. As the coin travels down the race, it encounters a flange or a portion of the wall itself which extends laterally into the coin race at a selected height above the track of the race sufficient to engage coins of a minimum diameter. In most cases, this protrusion or flange is adapted to remove the largest coin operable in the device, e.g., a quarter. This wall portion or flange is generally configured to alter the course of the coin sufficiently to move the coin through an aperture deposed in the wall of the coin race wherein the coin may be rechanneled to a second coin race for credit or return to the customer. It is preferred that the coin maintain a generally vertical or an edge disposition at all times as it travels through the rejector. The use of the present invention allows a variety of coins to be separated into adjoining parallel races in a simultaneous or near simultaneous fashion. Near simultaneous separation may be accomplished by the placement of the directing flanges or protrusions on opposite walls of the coin race in a offset fashion and at a height sufficient to remove coins of a selected but decreasing diameter, while allowing coins of a lesser diameter to travel through the primary coin race unimpeded. Corresponding apertures are preferably situated in the wall of the coin race so as to allow for the removal of coins into alternate races. Simultaneous rejection may be accomplished utilizing the aforementioned flanges in conjunction with rejecting/separating mechanisms disclosed in applicant's copending US application Serial No. 163,307. An other example of a coin separator can be found in EP-A-0288955. In such a fashion, coins or tokens of a larger diameter are moved into alternate races while smaller coins, e.g., nickels and dimes, remain in the primary race for further processing. The ability to maintain such coins in the primary coin race is beneficial to allow fine size differentiations between coins. Initial rejection of larger coins is desirable from the standpoint of allowing a greater number of coins to be stored in the coin changer. Initial rejection of larger coins is also desirable so as to allow the overall size of the rejector to be decreased. The present invention also contemplates the use of magnets strategically placed along the individual coins races so as to induce the removal of ferrous slugs, tokens, or undesirable coins from the coin race. Such magnets may be used individually or in conjunction with other separating and rejecting systems, and their strength may be modified dependent on a given application. Depending on the nature of the machine or device with which the coin rejector of the invention is employed, coins separated and moved through apertures as above described may be processed in several ways. If the machine is designed to accept and operate on coins of a single denomination, all coins greater than a selected diameter are simply routed to a return race or chute which returns them to the customer. Alternately, if the machine is designed to accept coins of more than one denomination, each coin separated and moved through an aperture is directed into a second, downward race which then routes the coins for credit. The above system is applicable to coins of several desired denominations, simply by the addition of a sufficient number of apertures and races. In all such applications, it is important that the overall sequence of races and apertures be configured to keep the several coins in a vertical disposition and in substantially continuous motion. The overall shape of the coin separator/rejector of the present invention may vary as desired. It is specifically contemplated that a block-like structure be used to replace the box-like collectors that are used in many present-day vending machines, coin operated soft-drink machines, laundry machines, and the like. It is further contemplated that at least one embodiment of the present invention be used to replace specific parts of existing rejectors, thereby incorporating the pre-existing framework of the rejectors while substantially eliminating all moving parts. Replacement of rejector components which employ coin cradles or flippers is of particular interest. It is specifically contemplated that the rejectors of the present invention be molded or otherwise fabricated from synthetic resins in preference to metals. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a series of coin races are formed together in a rejector body, the uppermost coin race being connectedly disposed below a solitary coin inlet. The coin races themselves are closely situated in side-by-side planes in a substantially coplanar fashion with each other, and are connected by a series of apertures formed therebetween in the receiver body. One or more directing flanges are situated along the side walls of each coin race opposite each aperture, the number of directing flanges and apertures being commensurate with the application for which the rejector is used. Beyond the aperture from the directing flanges is the next coin race which is designed to receive coins directed through the aperture, and guide the coins downwardly in the receiver body for further processing and collection. In this fashion, multiple denominations of coins may be accurately processed in a very compact manner. As a coin is inserted in the coin inlet, it travels downward along the uppermost or primary coin race until it engages a directing flange which preferably causes the coin to alter its direction of travel. In negotiating the directing flange, the coin is forced to describe a generally arcuate path leading along the directing flange. In other embodiments, the directing flange may be supplemented with the placement of a magnet along the coin race. Although the system of the invention operates remarkably free from jamming by bent coins and the like, specific means may be provided to dislodge mangled coins and other like items which may find their way into the device from time to time. Dislodging levers and similar devices already in use may be adapted for this purpose. It is common practice in the case of rejectors employing coin cradles to build a rejector in segments which are hinged together with a coin path housed between two segments. By depressing a suitable lever, the hinged segments are forced apart, and a trapped coin simply drops out. As suggested above, in a preferred embodiment of the device, the rejector body of the invention may be forced in multiple distinct sections so as to be directly adaptable to a conventional coin freeing mechanism. Using this setup, activation of the freeing mechanism would cause the distinct sections or plates of the receiver body to move apart about a hinged area at one edge of the receiver body, such that any coins trapped or lodged within the received body may free fall for ultimate recovery by the user. The present invention provides many advantages over the prior art. First, the overall simplicity of the present device markedly reduces problems associated with mechanical failure due to wear, corrosion, and dirt buildup caused by environmental exposure as well as constant use. In most embodiments, the present system has no moving parts and is therefore substantially unaffected by moisture or other corrosive agents that may be present in the area where the device is used. Additionally, the present system has no electrical components which might be particularly affected by such corrosive agents. This is felt to be very important if a rejector is to be used in such applications as car washes, laundromats, or other areas where steam or moisture are present. Second, the design of the present invention allows for continuous uninterrupted operation, greatly reducing the need for periodic maintenance or delicate balancing of the machine in which it is used. This is important since vending machines, video game machines and the like are often exposed to bumping or jostling during operation. It has been found that such movements can soon render conventional rejector setups at least partially inoperable. Third, the present invention allows for effective handling of coins which are bent or damaged. This function is accomplished by the internal coin race configuration which encourages coins to undergo a sliding motion as they move through the system even if they are unable to roll about on axis. This function is also accomplished by the tolerances of the coin races themselves, which in most embodiments do not usually discriminate as to the width of the coin. Thus, bent coins may be accepted and readily processed. Additional advantages associated with the present invention include its ability to maintain control over the coin during all aspects of its travel through the system, thus eliminating random deflections such as may be caused by free falling coins. This is felt important since controlled coin handling allows the present system to accurately process a plurality of different diameter coins, organizing each for credit, and returning any undesired coins or tokens to the user. This feature also substantially reduces the noise commonly associated with coin rejectors. Most importantly, this feature substantially contributes to the overall efficiency of the system itself by providing for a constant, regulated flow of coins. As earlier described, the coins processed by coin operated machines are generally passed through coin chutes to deposit boxes, or to accumulators or escrow devices and thence to deposit boxes. The system of the present invention facilitates the delivery of coins to the coin chutes in a vertical disposition. Movement of the coins is thereby under substantially continuous control; tumbling and erratic movements of the coins are greatly reduced. Some conventional rejectors use coin races which are vertically disposed but tilted from the vertical such that coins travelling along the races may fall by gravity through apertures arranged along the races toward which the coins are inclined. It is contemplated that races of this nature may be used with the present invention, but their use is not preferred since travel of a coin while leaning against a wall may tend to slow down the coin. The present system offers a further advantage over the prior art by providing a low cost compact coin separator/rejector which is able to efficiently process a variety of different diameter coins. FIG. 1 is a cutaway, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the movement of coins through the primary and secondary coin races. FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the supplemental use of a magnet for the purpose of separation. FIG. 4 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating simultaneous separation. A general embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. With reference to these figures, the present invention generally comprises a primary and secondary coin race 2 and 10, respectively, which are downwardly formed in a rejector body 4 in a side-by-side relationship. Primary race 2 is comprised of two substantially parallel walls 6 and 8, respectively, which are spaced apart sufficiently from each other so as to enable the free, rotational, downward movement of coins, including bent or damaged coins. Though races 2 and 10 are illustrated as existing in a substantially coplanar relationship in the rejector body 4, other relative spacial relationships of races 2 and 10 also contemplated in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. In all embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the primary race 2 and secondary race 10 share a common wall, herein illustrated at 8, during that portion of the rejector body where coin separation into the two races is desired to take place. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, at that portion of the primary race where coin separation is desired, primary race 2 and secondary race 10 communicate through an aperture 12 disposed in the common wall 8 as above described. Aperture 12 is situated generally opposite a deflecting flange 14 which is formed along and extends outwardly from a second wall 6 of the primary race 2. Preferably, flange 14 is offset from aperture 12 as illustrated so as to facilitate coin separation as will be further described herein. In a preferred embodiment, flange 14 extends laterally across the entirety of race 2 such that all coins traveling downwardly along race 2 are forced to engage said flange 14 for the purpose of coin separation. Other embodiments requiring only substantial lateral extension of flange 14 are also believed possible, especially when other separating means are utilized. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, deflecting flange 14 preferably adopts an arcuate shape when seen in top view section. As illustrated, flange 14 is provided with an upstream and downstream surface 30, said upstream surface substantially merging with the plane described by wall 6, while the downstream surface 30 extends laterally from wall 6. In a preferred embodiment, upstream and downstream surfaces of flange 14 are coupled in an arc like fashion as illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, deflecting flange 14 is formed integrally with wall 6, although it is envisioned that deflecting flange 14 may be separately formed. If separate manufacture or affixation of deflecting flange 14 is desired, the separator/rejector of the present invention may be readily modified to accept foreign coinage by the exchange of selected parts, including flange 14. Alternately, separate manufacture enables the replacement of parts subject to greater wear. The arcuate contact surface of flange 14 enables the smooth reorientation of coins 20 engaging its downstream contact surface 30. Coins thus engaging flange 14 are forced to adopt a travel path suggested by the downstream surface of flange 14, which surface preferably culminates at aperture 12. In such a fashion, the general attitude of coin 20 engaging flange 14 is altered, thereby enabling coin 20 to travel from primary race 2 through aperture 12 into secondary race 10. Accordingly, aperture 12 is of a sufficient configuration and size so as to allow the movement of larger diameter coins 20 from the primary race 2 into the secondary race 10, taking into consideration the clearance tolerances necessitated by variations in the speed and relative orientation of coins encountering flange 14. To assure the smooth traverse of coins from the primary race 2 to secondary race 10, secondary race 10 may be provided with a receiving shoulder 13 such as that described in Applicant's copending application Serial No. 163,307. In a preferred embodiment, shoulder 13 is arcuate in shape with the downstream surface of said shoulder substantially parallel or flush with the outside wall 15 of secondary race 10. In such a fashion, coins negotiating aperture 12 may be realigned in a direction generally parallel with races 2 and 10 such that the coins may continue downwardly in the rejector body for rejection or credit. As described in relation to primary race 2, secondary race 10 is also preferably provided with walls spaced apart a sufficient distance so as to allow the downward, rotational movement of coins, including the passage of bent or damaged coins. In a preferred embodiment, deflecting flange 14 is preferably situated a selected distance h above the floor or track 3 of the primary race 2 so as to engage all coins 20 having a minimum diameter equal to or greater than h. In such a fashion, larger coins 20 contact flange 14 and are directed though aperture 12 into the secondary coin race 10 as earlier described. Coins having a diameter less than a selected height h do not contact and thus pass under deflecting flange 14. Absent lateral deflection, smaller coins bypass aperture 12 and continue along primary race 2 for further processing or credit. FIG. 3 generally illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention utilizing a supplemental deflecting means for removing ferrous coins, tokens and slugs from the primary race and moving said objects into a third or supplemental race for purposes or rejection or return to the customer. Though the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown in combination with a deflecting flange as described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is also envisioned that this means for rejecting ferrous coins, tokens, etc will have significant independent application, or alternatively, application with other separating/rejecting mechanisms. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a primary race 40, secondary race 42, and a tertiary race 44 are disposed in a rejector body 50 in a side-by-side relationship. Though races 40, 42, and 44 are shown to exist in a coplanar relationship to each other, other relative alignments of these races are also contemplated in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. As illustrated, secondary race 42 and tertiary race 44 share a common wall, 41 and 47, respectively, with the primary race 40. For purposes of the separating means of the invention, it is envisioned that each of the secondary or tertiary races, alone or concurrently, share a common wall with the primary race 40 or with each other in that portion of the rejector where separation of coins is desired. For example, it is envisioned that a secondary race be bordered by a primary and tertiary race so that the primary and tertiary races would each share a common opposite wall with the secondary race. Primary 40, secondary 42, and tertiary races 44 generally each include a pair or walls situated generally parallel to each other, and a coin track or floor (not shown) on which the coins move downwardly in the rejector body. As earlier described, it is preferred that the walls of the individual coin races be spaced sufficiently apart from each other so as to allow the downward movement of bent or damaged coins. In such a fashion, jamming of coins in the rejector body is minimized. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a deflecting flange 48 is situated along one wall 41 of primary race 40 relative to an aperture 43 disposed in opposite wall 47. Consistent with the embodiment illustrated in association with FIGS. 1 and 2, aperture 43 allows communication between the primary race 40 and secondary race 42, so as to allow the passage of coins therebetween. As also disclosed in reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, deflecting flange 48 is preferably situated at a height h above the track or floor of primary race 40 so as to engage and redirect coins 52 having a selected minimum diameter through aperture 43 into secondary race 42. Coins 54 having a diameter less than a selected minimum diameter pass underneath flange 48 and continue along race 54 for further processing and/or credit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, tertiary race 44 is formed on the opposite side of primary race 40 from secondary race 42. Tertiary race 44 communicates with primary coin race 40 via an aperture 62 disposed therebetween. Preferably, aperture 62 is situated upstream from deflecting flange 48 as illustrated, although other relative juxtapositions are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a second deflecting means 60, i.e., a magnet, is situated upstream from aperture 62. In instances where wall 41 is formed of a material allowing the effect of magnetism to easily pass through said wall, e.g., plastic or nylon, magnet 60 may be affixed to the opposite side of wall 41, or alternatively, embedded in wall 41 as shown. In instances where a stronger magnetic field is required to effect larger or heavier coins, a small aperture 67 may be provided in wall 41 so as to more readily allow the effect of the field created by magnet 60 to be exerted on ferrous coins 69 moving along the primary race 40. It is contemplated that it may be desireable to vary the strength of the magnetic field exerted upon ferrous coins or tokens dependent on the given application of the rejector and also taking into account the type of coins generally encountered in a given area. In some cases, it may be necessary to utilize the fullest magnetic potential to remove ferrous coins or tokens alloyed with non-ferrous materials, e.g., nickel. In other incidences where iron or steel tokens are prevalent, it may be desirable to decrease the magnetic field so as to prevent coins from adhering to the magnet 60 itself, and thus causing the rejector to jam. To accommodate the variability in the magnetic fields exerted upon coins passing along primary race 40, magnet 60 may be slidably positioned in the wall 41 so as to allow lateral movement. When a stronger magnet field is desired, the magnet may be moved laterally in the wall to a position closer to the primary race 40. When a weaker magnetic field is desired, magnet 60 may be displaced outwardly from the primary race 40. The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 may be generally described as follows. Coins of various denominations, e.g., quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies, are inserted in a solitary coin inlet (not shown) at the upstream extent of the rejector and ultimately move downwardly along the primary race 40. Larger non-ferrous coins having a diameter at least equal to the height h engage flange 48 and are redirected through aperture 43 into secondary race 42 whereupon the coins are collected for credit, or in cases where flange 48 is positioned at a height to differentiate desired currency from oversized coins, slugs or tokens, coins directed into secondary race are rejected or returned to the customer. Ferrous coins, slugs or tokens inserted in the rejector also pass along primary race 40 and move downwardly toward deflecting flange 48. These coins, however, are deflected from their direct, downward travel by the field emanating from magnet 60 and are redirected through aperture 62 into tertiary race 44 for rejection and return to the customer. Yet a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus for simultaneous separation of coins having varying diameters. Since domestic coinage as well as foreign coinage generally differentiates coin denomination based upon coin diameter, this embodiment can simultaneously separate coin denominations as well as reject odd sized coins, tokens, etc. In such a fashion, the overall size of the rejector body may be reduced. It is envisioned that this embodiment of the invention may be used individually or in combination with the other separating and rejecting mechanisms. FIG. 4 illustrates a primary race 72, a secondary race 74, and a tertiary race 76 disposed in a rejector body 70 in a side-by-side fashion. As earlier noted, it is preferred but not necessary that races 72, 74, and 76 be situated in a coplanar relationship. It is, however, desireable that the secondary race 74 and tertiary race 76 be situated on opposite sides of primary race 72 so as to share a common wall with said race 72 at a region in the rejector where coin separation is desired. Primary, secondary, and tertiary races preferably include a pair of walls 73 and 75 oriented in a parallel fashion, and spaced apart sufficiently to allow the passage of bent or damaged coins therealong. In a preferred embodiment, a coin deflecting flange 78 is situated along wall 75 of the primary race 72. Consistent with the embodiments earlier described, deflecting flange 78 is positioned at a height h above the track or floor of primary race 72 so as to engage coins 20 having at least a minimum diameter. A complementary aperture 82 is disposed in wall 73 opposite deflecting flange 78 so as to compel the movement of larger coins through aperture 82 and into tertiary race 74 as earlier described. A second aperture 80 is disposed in wall 75 so as to allow communication between the primary race 72 and tertiary race 76. In a preferred embodiment, a coin deflecting protrusion 84 is situated in primary race 72 on wall 73 opposite deflecting flange 78. Preferably, protrusion 84 is situated upstream from aperture 82, and opposite and upstream from aperture 80 as shown. As illustrated, the overall lateral extent of protrusion 84 overlaps with the lateral extension of flange 78. It is preferred that protrusion 84 be displaced or offset from flange 78 a sufficient distance to eliminate or minimize the possibility of jamming. The overall configuration of protrusion 84 may be seen by reference to Applicant's co-pending US application Serial No. 163,307. In general terms, protrusion 84 is adapted to change both the attitude and direction of travel of coins engaging its upstream contact surface, thereby redirecting said coins toward aperture 80. Unlike aperture 82 which is adapted to receive larger coins and hence may adopt a vertical height equal to that of the primary race itself, aperture 80 is preferably formed of a size so as to prohibit the introduction of coins having a diameter greater than a maximum diameter s. In such a fashion, smaller coins having a maximum diameter less that s are deflected through aperture 80 into tertiary race 76. The operation of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 may be described as follows. Coins of varying denominations, e.g., quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies, are inserted through the solitary coin inlet portal (not shown) and pass downwardly along primary coin race 72. Coins having a maximum diameter at least equal to h encounter protrusion 84 and are moved into contacting relationship with the deflecting flange 78 which then directs the coins through aperture 82 into secondary race 74 for further processing, credit or return. Coins having a diameter less than h encounter protrusion 84 and pass underneath flange 78 where they are moved toward aperture 80. If the coin has a diameter greater than s, the size of aperture 80 serves as a barrier to the coin which then continues to move downwardly along primary race 72. Coins having a diameter less than s are deflected by protrusion 84 and pass through aperture 80 for further processing, credit or return.

Claims: A coin separator/rejector device comprising: a body member (4); a first coin race (2) having first and second side walls (8, 6) and extending downwardly in said body, said first coin race (2) being configured to transmit coins in a vertically disposed, on-edge orientation; a second coin race (10) in said body (4), said second coin race being downwardly inclined and disposed in general side-by-side relationship with said first coin race (2) and communicating with said first coin race (2) through a first aperture (12) disposed in the first side wall (8) separating said first and second coin races; and a first coin deflecting protrusion (14) situated on the second side wall (6) of said first coin race (2) opposite said first aperture (12) and configured so as to engage coins and deflect them through said first aperture (12) into the second coin race (10) in a vertically disposed, on-edge orientation, characterized in that said first coin deflecting protrusion (14) is situated on said second side wall (6) at a selected height so as to engage and deflect only coins of a first minimum diameter. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said improvement further comprises a downwardly inclined third coin race (44) disposed in said body member in side-by-side relation with said first coin race and separated fromsaid first coin race by a sidewall; and a second aperture (62) in said second sidewall adapted to pass coins from said first coin race into said third coin race (44). A device as claimed claim 1, further comprising a magnet (60) placed upstream of said second aperture (62) and capable of removing ferrous coins from said first coun race through said second aperture into said third coin race. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the improvement further comprises a second protrusion (84) situated on said first sidewall upstream of said first protrusion (78) and configured to deflect coins of all diameters across the first coin race to engage said first protrusion or to pass under said first protrusion depending on the diameter of the coin. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the improvement further comprises a third aperture (80) in said second sidewall situated proximate said first protrusion (78) and sized to pass coins of a first maximum diameter under said first protrusion into a tertiary coin race (76), and to deflect coins greater than said first minimum diameter down said secondary coin race. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first protrusion (14) has a generally arcuate contact surface. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary coin race includes a receiving shoulder (13) to realign coins passing through said first aperture (12) in a direction generally parallel with said first and second races (2, 10). A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second protrusion (84) is situated generally upstream of said third aperture (80) and wherein said first protrusion (78) extends generally proximate said second aperture (82).

Inventors: BRUNER PHILEMON L, BUGGE DAVID CARLTON, BRUNER, PHILEMON L., BUGGE, DAVID CARLTON
Applicants: IMONEX SERVICES INC, IMONEX SERVICES, INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: G07F3
IPC codes: G07D3