Token having predetermined optical characteristics and a token validation device therefor

• US 6,112,876 A
• Filed: 11/22/1999
• Issued: 09/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: IDX Incorporated
• Original Assignee: IDX Incorporated
• Inventors: Juds, Scott, Dauterman, Dave
• Primary Examiner(s): Olszewski, Robert P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JAKETIC, BRYAN J
• Application Number:
  US09/444,382
• Time in Patent Office: 288 Days
• Field of Search: 194/344, 194/352, 194/334, 194/335, 194/345
• US Class Current: 194/344
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 5/00 Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 5/005 Testing the surface pattern, e.g. relief
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 1/06 Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms

Abstract

A token for use with a token operated device includes a plurality of predetermined optical characteristics. The plurality of predetermined optical characteristics are disposed in a substantially radially symmetrical manner with respect to the token, and each of the optical characteristics have the property of a facet wherein an effective surface normal of said facet is a line along a predetermined vector angle with an elevational angle ranging preferably between 30° and 60°. An azimuthal angle of the facet surface is other than substantially along a radial line of the token or substantially along a line tangent to an annular ring centered on the token such that a token operated device can validate the predetermined optical characteristics substantially independent of token orientation. A token testing apparatus includes a chute defined by a field adjustable pair of spaced token edge guides spaced a predetermined distance from each other such that each token passing through the chute is sensed along its center.

Claims

1. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied diameters comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, a pair of spaced token edge guides between said opposite walls and further defining therewith said chute, said edge guides being spaced a substantially predetermined distance from each other corresponding substantially to the diameter of a token passing through said chute whereby each token axis moves along a center line of a centered token path of travel corresponding to substantially one-half said substantially predetermined distance, first token characteristic sensing means for sensing a first token characteristic during token movement along said token path, said first token characteristic sensing means being constructed and arranged for sensing each token substantially along said token path center line whereby on-axis token sensing is effected, and means for changing the perpendicular distance between said edge guides while maintaining token path center line sensing thereby adapting the same testing apparatus for sensing tokens of different diameters.

2. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 including second token characteristic sensing means for sensing a second token characteristic during token movement along said token path, and said second token characteristic sensing means being constructed and arranged for sensing each token substantially along said token path center line.

3. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said changing means includes means for securing said edge guides at points defining a predetermined distance between said points, and said points establish said substantially predetermined distance from each other.

4. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said changing means includes means for snap-securing said edge guides at points defining a predetermined distance between said points, and said points establish said substantially predetermined distance from each other.

5. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pair of edge guides are each of a substantially identical width.

6. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pair of edge guides are each of a substantially identical width and are one of several optional pairs of edge guides of varying widths for selectively altering said substantially perpendicular distance to thereby adapt said token testing apparatus for testing tokens of different diameters.

7. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said edge guides are a pair of substantially vertically disposed guide ribs having opposing substantially vertically disposed opposing vertical guide edges, means for snap-securing said guide ribs at points defining a predetermined distance between said points, and said snap-securing means includes interengageable slots and detents carried at least one by said guide ribs and another by one of said opposite walls.

8. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said edge guides are a pair of substantially vertically disposed guide ribs having opposing substantially vertically disposed opposing vertical guide edges, means for snap-securing said guide ribs at points defining a predetermined distance between said points, said snap-securing means includes interengageable slots and detents carried at least one by said guide ribs and another by one of said opposite walls, said guide ribs are each of a substantially identical width, and said guide ribs are one of several optional pairs of guide ribs of varying widths for selectively altering said substantially perpendicular distance to thereby adapt said token testing apparatus for testing tokens of different diameters.

9. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said edge guides are a pair of substantially vertical disposed guide ribs, said changing means include means for slidably mounting each guide rib relative to one of said opposite walls, and means for selectively securing each guide rib to said one opposite wall to thereby selectively change the perpendicular distance between said guide ribs.

10. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said edge guides are a pair of substantially vertical disposed guide ribs, said changing means include means for slidably mounting each guide rib relative to one of said opposite walls, means for selectively securing each guide rib to said one opposite wall to thereby selectively change the perpendicular distance between said guide ribs, and fastening means for fastening each guide rib to said one opposite wall at any selectively changed perpendicular distances between said guide ribs.

11. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 7 including a pair of generally vertically disposed substantially parallel lateral walls projecting from one of said opposite walls and said lateral walls include one of said slots and detents.

12. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 7 including a pair of generally vertically disposed substantially parallel lateral walls projecting from one of said opposite walls, said lateral walls include said slots, and said guide ribs include said detents.

13. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, a pair of spaced token edge guides between said opposite walls and further defining therewith said chute, said edge guides being spaced a substantially predetermined distance from each other corresponding substantially to the diameter of a token passing through said chute whereby each token axis moves along a center line of a centered token path of travel corresponding to substantially one-half said substantially predetermined distance, first token characteristic sensing means for sensing a first token characteristic during token movement along said token path, said first token characteristic sensing means being constructed and arranged for sensing each token substantially along said token path center line whereby on-axis token sensing is effected, and means for selectively changing the spacing between said opposite walls.

14. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 including means for pivoting said opposite walls relative to each other.

15. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said spacing changing means includes a spacer between said opposite spaced walls.

16. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said spacing changing means includes a spacer carried by one of said opposite walls against which abuts another of said opposite walls.

17. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said spacing changing means includes a spacer carried by a lateral wall portion of one of said opposite walls against which abuts another of said opposite walls.

18. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said spacing changing means includes a spacer carried by an edge of a lateral wall portion of one of said opposite walls against which abuts another of said opposite walls.

19. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 13 herein said spacing changing means includes a spacer movably carried by one of said opposite walls against which abuts another of said opposite walls.

20. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, said chute having an entrance end and a discharge end, one of said opposite walls having a plurality of relatively shallow narrow token guide ribs thereon, ends of said guide ribs being disposed contiguous along said entrance end, a wall at least partially overlying protecting selected ones of said rib ends to prevent damage to said rib ends upon insertion of tokens into said entrance end, and said partially overlying wall includes an inclined token guiding surface for directing tokens away from said rib ends and toward another of said opposite walls.

21. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, said chute having an entrance end and a discharge end, one of said opposite walls having a plurality of relatively shallow narrow token guide ribs thereon, ends of said guide ribs being disposed contiguous along said entrance end, a wall at least partially overlying protecting selected ones of said rib ends to prevent damage to said rib ends upon insertion of tokens into said entrance end, and said partially overlying wall is a slidably removable cover which can be slidably removed from said chute.

22. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, said chute having an entrance end and a discharge end, one of said opposite walls having a plurality of relatively shallow narrow token guide ribs thereon, ends of said guide ribs being disposed contiguous along said entrance end, a wall at least partially overlying protecting selected ones of said rib ends to prevent damage to said rib ends upon insertion of tokens into said entrance end, said wall in part defines a token entrance slot at said chute entrance end, and said partially overlying wall includes an inclined token guiding surface for directing tokens away from said rib ends and toward another of said opposite walls.

23. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, said chute having an entrance end and a discharge end, one of said opposite walls having a plurality of relatively shallow narrow token guide ribs thereon, ends of said guide ribs being disposed contiguous along said entrance end, a wall at least partially overlying protecting selected ones of said rib ends to prevent damage to said rib ends upon insertion of tokens into said entrance end, said wall in part defines a token entrance slot at said chute entrance end said wall is a removable cover which can be removed from said chute, and said partially overlying wall includes an inclined token guiding surface for directing tokens away from said rib ends and toward another of said opposite walls.

24. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, said chute having an entranced end and a discharge end, one of said opposite walls having a plurality of relatively shallow narrow token guide ribs thereon, ends of said guide ribs being disposed contiguous along said entrance end, a wall at least partially overlying protecting selected ones of said rib ends to prevent damage to said rib ends upon insertion of tokens into said entrance end, said wall in part defines a token entrance slot at said chute entrance end, said wall is a removable cover which can be removed from said chute, and said partially overlying wall is a slidably removable cover which can be slidably removed from said chute.

25. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, first token characteristic sensing means for sensing a first token characteristic during token movement along said token path, said first token characteristic sensing means being constructed and arranged for sensing each token substantially along a token path center line of said token path whereby on-axis token sensing is effected, at least one of said opposite walls being transparent, light source means for emitting light through said transparent wall toward said chute, said transparent wall including in situ formed lens means for directing light rays at a predetermined angle to thereby properly impinge upon tokens moving through said chute, and means for sensing light emanating from each token during movement thereof along said token path.

26. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 25 wherein said light source means and said means for sensing light are each positioned at one of a plurality of predetermined locations disposed at least in part in a circular pattern centered on said in situ formed lens means wherein said predetermined locations are defined by index positioning means and are substantially uniformly spaced.

27. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 26 wherein said index positioning means includes holder means for said light source means and for said light sensing means wherein said holder means includes detent interlock means for positively locating holder means at one of said predetermined locations.

28. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 27 wherein said holder means includes a hole housing one of said light source means or light sensing means wherein said hole further acts as an aperture to substantially direct light only between said holder means and said in situ formed lens means.

29. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, first token characteristic sensing means for sensing a first token characteristic during token movement along said token path, said first token characteristic sensing means being constructed and arranged for sensing each token substantially along a token path center line of said token path whereby on-axis token sensing is effected, each of said opposite walls being transparent, light source means for emitting light through said transparent walls, each of said transparent walls including in situ formed lens means for directing light rays at a predetermined angle to thereby properly impinge upon tokens moving through said chute, and means for sensing light emanating from each token during movement thereof along said token path.

30. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 29 wherein said light source means and said means for sensing light are each positioned at one of a plurality of predetermined locations disposed at least in part in a circular pattern centered on said in situ formed lens means wherein said predetermined locations are defined by index positioning means and are substantially uniformly spaced.

31. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 30 wherein said index positioning means includes holder means for said light source means and for said light sensing means wherein said holder means includes detent interlock means for positively locating holder means at one of said predetermined locations.

32. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 31 wherein said holder means includes a hole housing one of said light source means or light sensing means wherein said hole further acts as an aperture to substantially direct light only between said holder means and said in situ formed lens means.

33. Apparatus for testing tokens of varied sizes comprising opposite walls in part defining a chute through which a token is adapted to pass, first and second token characteristic sensing means for sensing different first and second token characteristics during token movement along said token path, said first and second token characteristic sensing means being located for sensing sequential first and second token characteristics of each token substantially along a token path center line of said token path whereby on-axis token sensing is effected, and means for adjusting the size of said chute without altering the position of said token path center line and without altering the position of said first and second token characteristic sensing means relative to said token path center line.

34. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 including means for altering the distance between said opposite walls.

35. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 including means for selectively varying the width of said chutes thereby adapting the apparatus for testing tokens of varied diameters.

36. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 including means for edge-guiding tokens during passage of tokens through said chute, and said size adjusting means effects relative position changes between said token edge-guiding means and said token path center line.

37. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 wherein one of said first and second token characteristic sensing means is optic and another of said first and second token characteristic sensing is inductive.

38. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 wherein said first and second token characteristic sensing means are located at one side of said chute.

39. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 33 herein said first and second token characteristic sensing means are located at one side of said chute and third and fourth token characteristic sensing means for sensing further token characteristics during token movement along said token path are located at a second side of said chute opposite said chute one side.

40. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 36 wherein one of said first and second token characteristic sensing means is optic and another of said first and second token characteristic sensing is inductive.

41. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 36 wherein said first and second token characteristic sensing means are located at one side of said chute and third and fourth token characteristic sensing means for sensing further token characteristics during token movement along said token path are located at a second side of said chute opposite said chute one side.

42. The token testing apparatus as defined in claim 39 wherein one of said third and fourth token characteristic sensing means is optic and another of said third and fourth token characteristic sensing means is inductive.

43. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 33 wherein one of said first and second token characteristic sensing means is optic.

44. The apparatus for testing tokens as defined in claim 33 wherein one of said first and second token characteristic sensing means is inductive.