Patent GB-351635-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to coin-testing devices for use in connection with coin-freed or actuated apparatus
IPC: G07F1/02
Filed: 1930-04-22
Abstract: 351,635. Coin-freed apparatus. CUTLER, E. N., 4, Park Hill Rise, Croydon. April 22, 1930. No. 12422. [Class 27.] Testing coins.-A diameter testing device comprises an obstructing member arranged behind the slot and adapted, when a coin of the correct diameter is inserted, to move clear of the slot either bodilv or else by rotation about a suitable axis, in a substantially lateral direction with respect to the coin. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the coin slot 1 is formed in a metal pressing 2 having a hemispherical recess, the coin being first inserted through a steel ring 4 with upper and lower grooves 4a. The slot is normally covered by a semicircular or rectangular bridge member 5, pivoted to one side of the slot at 6, and having at its lower end an arcuate slot 5c slidably engaging a screw 7. This slot has a recess 5d normally engaged by a projection 8a on a member 8 pivoted at 9. When a coin of the correct diameter is inserted, its lower edge depresses the member 8 and disengages the projection 8a from the recess 5d, while its upper edge exerts an upward pressure on an adjustable screw 12 in the member 5, thereby causing it to move sidewise and uncover the slot. Instead of the recess 5a and projection 8a, a projection may be provided on the end of the slotted portion 5c which normally engages a lower lateral flange on the member 8. In a modification, Fig. 6, the member 5 is pivoted at 6 to a member 14, attachment to the flange of the pressing 2 being effected by an upper screw 15 passing through a slot 5h in the member 5, and a lower screw 7 passing first through a horizontal slot 5c in the member 5 and.then through a vertical slot 14a in the member 14, the slot 5c being sufficiently wide to permit a limited vertical movement to the whole assembly. In order to uncover the slot it is therefore necessary for the upper edge of the coin to engage the screw 12, the member 14 being held down by engagement of the projection 5g thereon by the lower edge of the coin. The member 14 may take an annular form, or may be replaced by the pressing 2 itself, which in this case would be loosely mounted in the above manner on the front steel disc 4, Fig. 2. In a simpler form the member 14 is dispensed with, a lower sloping coin-engaging surface being provided on the member 5 to prevent vertical movement when a correct coin is inserted, and to cause the upward pressure on the screw 12 to effect the desired pivotal movement. In a modification, also adapted to test for milling, Fig. 7, the member 5 is mounted as in Fig. 1, and the lower coin-engaging surface takes the form of a milled part 15b on a rod 15 which is rotated against a spring 15c on a milled coin, thereby disengaging a projection 15a from a slot 5i on the member 5. In further modifications the member 5 is caused to pivot about an axis parallel with the coin slot, or to move bodily to one side of the slot, the coin in this case engaging two steel balls located in upper and lower recesses in the member 5. In a still further modification the member 5 is formed with a central slot normally making an angle with the coin insertion slot, but is adapted to be rotated about a horizontal axis passing through the centre of the slots when a correct coin is inserted, thereby bringing the slots into alignment and permitting the passage of the coin. Where possible the coin-engaging surface may be of V or wedge form to test for thickness and hardness, and the usual means may be provided for intercepting washers or steel discs.