Patent GB-979216-A (GB)
Title: Coin box telephone with automatic coin storage and coin returning mechanism for varous types of coins
IPC: H04M17/02
Filed: 1962-01-03
Abstract: 979, 216. Coin-freed telephone apparatus. SOC. DES COMPTEURS DE GENEVE. Jan. 3, 1962 [Feb. 13, 1961], No. 238/62. Heading G4V. [Also in Division H4] Prepayment telephone apparatus has at least one differential counter 14 in which the total value of inserted and temporarily stored coins of different values is recorded and then reduced by charge pulses from the exchange, scanners B 1 , B 2 , B 5  for indicating the presence of the different types of coin held in temporary store and an electronic coin return circuit 17 which, in accordance with the state of the counter and the scanners at the end of a call, operates firstly solenoids R 1 , R 2 , R 5  to return from temporary store any coins capable of forming or contributing towards a refund of remaining credit and then a solenoid Kwhich delivers the remaining coins, covering the total charge, to a collecting box. The apparatus may be batteryoperated. The inserted coins operate switches S 1 , S 2 , S 5  to produce pulses which cause a multiplier 10 to issue one, two or five pulses according to the unit value of each coin. These pulses are applied to a counter 11 to provide a record of the total value of all call charges made and through a pulse separator 12 to the differential counter which records the credit existing for each call. The differential counter is preferably in two parts, an electronic counter 14 which records only up to the highest unit value of inserted coins, i.e. five, but can issue pulses to the electronic circuit 17, and a large capacity mechanical counter 13 connected in parallel. The charge pulses from the exchange pass through the switch hook and a receiving circuit by way of the separator 12 to the differential counters. The separator ensures the transmission of pulses to the differential counter from both the exchange and the multiplier at separate times even if they arrive at the same time. For certain calls in which only one charge pulse is received from the exchange the separator issues two pulses for the pulse received. An indicator lamp 15 warns the caller that his credit is exhausted and that further coins must be inserted if the connection is not to be cut at the end of the next unit of time. At the end of a call, replacement of the receiver energizes a pulse generator 16 so that pulses are applied to the differential counters until they return to zero. These pulses are also applied to the coin return circuit 17 as a measure of the unused credit and if this is as large or larger than the value of the highest value coin the circuit attempts to energize the return magnet R 5 . This is, however, only possible if a high value coin has been inserted and is held in store and if this is not so, the circuit operates the magnets R 1 , R 2  for the return of smaller coins. If the unused credit is only only one unit and only two- and fiveunit coins have been inserted, return of a one-unit coin is not possible but a separate magazine for return coins could be provided. The total receipts counter 11 is stepped back by the pulses from the generator 16 in order that it should indicate the total value of coins sent to the cash box in payment for calls.