Patent ID: 7635059

Claim:
A coin separator and rejector apparatus, comprising: (a) a coin separator and rejector body having two or more segments hinged together in pivotal connection, said pivotally connected segments adapted to pivot around said hinge from a closed position to an open position, said hinged segments defining one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed between said hinged segments, said rejector body having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, and said coin races further comprising a first wall and a second wall, at least a portion of one of said walls in pivotal connection with at least one of said hinged segments of said coin separator and rejector body; (b) one or more sensors located in said upstream portion of said rejector body; (c) an actuator in mechanical connection with said pivotal portion of said race wall; and (d) a programmed processor in electrical communication with said one or more sensors and with said actuator whereby, in accordance with the programming of said processor, said actuator will pivot said pivotal portion of said race wall from said closed position to said open position upon detection of a coin by said one or more sensors.