Sensor for measuring the magnetically responsive characteristics of tokens
First Claim
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1. A magnetic field sensor assembly for producing an electric signal indicative of the magnetic characteristic of a token rolling along a track, the magnetic field sensor assembly comprising:
- A. first means for producing a magnetic field;
B. first magnetic field sensing means for producing a first electric signal influenced by the magnetic field at said first magnetic field sensing means, said first electric signal changing in response to changes in the magnetic field at said first magnetic field sensing means, said first means held in position in said assembly a first predetermined distance from said first magnetic field sensing means, said assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent said track, whereby said first magnetic field sensing means can be spaced a second predetermined distance from said track and between said first means and said track;
C. an outer shell within which are mounted said magnetic field producing means and said magnetic field sensing means; and
,D. a plurality of ribs integral to said outer shell, each of said ribs having a projecting portion which separates said magnetic field producing means and said magnetic field sensing means, said projecting portions thereby defining said first predetermined distance, said first predetermined distance being chosen so as to help keep tokens for being captured by the magnetic field and held against said magnetic field sensing means while maintaining the sensitivity of said sensing means.
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Abstract
An improved magnetic field sensor for detecting tokens is disclosed which has one Hall effect sensor located between a magnet and an inclined token track base and another Hall effect sensor located between another magnet and the inclined token track base. The Hall effect sensors are placed at distances above the inclined token track base which optimize their accuracy in detecting tokens which have two concentric regions with different magnet characteristics.
74 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A magnetic field sensor assembly for producing an electric signal indicative of the magnetic characteristic of a token rolling along a track, the magnetic field sensor assembly comprising:
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A. first means for producing a magnetic field; B. first magnetic field sensing means for producing a first electric signal influenced by the magnetic field at said first magnetic field sensing means, said first electric signal changing in response to changes in the magnetic field at said first magnetic field sensing means, said first means held in position in said assembly a first predetermined distance from said first magnetic field sensing means, said assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent said track, whereby said first magnetic field sensing means can be spaced a second predetermined distance from said track and between said first means and said track; C. an outer shell within which are mounted said magnetic field producing means and said magnetic field sensing means; and
,D. a plurality of ribs integral to said outer shell, each of said ribs having a projecting portion which separates said magnetic field producing means and said magnetic field sensing means, said projecting portions thereby defining said first predetermined distance, said first predetermined distance being chosen so as to help keep tokens for being captured by the magnetic field and held against said magnetic field sensing means while maintaining the sensitivity of said sensing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification