Coin discrimination apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A method of counting coins, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in a coin input region of a coin counting machine;
moving the coins from the coin input region through a gap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having first and second legs extending upwardly from an annular lower portion, wherein each of the first and second legs defines, respectively, first and second generally opposed and spaced-apart faces, wherein the first and second spaced-apart faces extend for over half the overall length of the magnetic core defining the gap through which the coins move, and wherein each of the first and second legs includes an outer portion that transitions inwardly from the annular lower portion toward the end of the respective leg so that the magnetic, core has a first overall width at the annular lower portion that is greater than a second overall width at the opposing ends of the first and second legs;
discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and
sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A coin discrimination apparatus and method is provided. Coins, preferably after cleaning, e.g. using a trommel, are singulated by a coin pickup assembly configured to reduce jamming. A coin rail assists in providing separation between coins as they travel past a sensor. The sensor provides an oscillating electromagnetic field generated on a single sensing core. The oscillating electromagnetic field is composed of one or more frequency components. The electromagnetic field interacts with a coin, and these interactions are monitored and used to classify the coin according to its physical properties. All frequency components of the magnetic field are phase-locked to a common reference frequency. The phase relationships between the various frequencies are fixed, and the interaction of each frequency component with the coin can be accurately determined without the need for complicated electrical filters. In one embodiment, a sensor having a core, preferably ferrite, which is curved, such as in a U-shape or in the shape of a section of a torus, and defining a gap, is provided with a wire winding for excitation and/or detection. The sensor can be used for simultaneously obtaining data relating to two or more parameters of a coin or other object, such as size and conductivity of the object. Two or more frequencies can be used to sense core and/or cladding properties. Objects recognized as acceptable coins, using the sensor data, are diverted by a controllable deflecting door, to tubes for delivery to acceptable coin bins.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of counting coins, the method comprising:
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receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in a coin input region of a coin counting machine; moving the coins from the coin input region through a gap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having first and second legs extending upwardly from an annular lower portion, wherein each of the first and second legs defines, respectively, first and second generally opposed and spaced-apart faces, wherein the first and second spaced-apart faces extend for over half the overall length of the magnetic core defining the gap through which the coins move, and wherein each of the first and second legs includes an outer portion that transitions inwardly from the annular lower portion toward the end of the respective leg so that the magnetic, core has a first overall width at the annular lower portion that is greater than a second overall width at the opposing ends of the first and second legs; discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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2. A method of counting coins, the method comprising:
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receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in a coin input region of a coin counting machine; moving the coins from the coin input region through a pap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having substantially opposing end portions defining the gap through which the coins move; discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine, wherein moving the coins through a gap in a coin sensor includes moving the coins past a coin sensor having a low frequency winding coupled to the magnetic core and a high frequency winding coupled to the magnetic core, wherein the high frequency winding is closer to at least one of the end portions than the low frequency winding.
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11. A method of counting coins, the method comprising:
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receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins; moving the coins past a coin sensor to discriminate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins, the coin sensor including a magnetic core having first and second legs extending upwardly from an annular lower portion, wherein each of the first and second legs defines, respectively, first and second generally opposed and spaced-apart faces, and wherein the first and second spaced-apart faces extend for over half the overall length of the magnetic core defining a gap through which a portion of the coins move, and wherein each of the first and second legs includes an outer portion that transitions inwardly from this annular lower portion toward the end of the respective leg so that the magnetic core has a first overall width at the annular lower portion that is greater than a second overall width at the opposing ends of the first and second legs; receiving coin data from the coin sensor; determining a value based at least in part on the coin data; and dispensing a voucher from the coin counting machine, wherein the voucher is redeemable for the value. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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12. A method of counting coins, the method comprising:
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receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins; moving the coins past a coin sensor to discriminate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins, the coin sensor including a magnetic core having substantially opposing end portions defining a gap through which a portion of the coins move; receiving coin data from the coin sensor; determining a value based at least in part on the coin data; and dispensing a voucher from the coin counting machine, wherein the voucher is redeemable for the value, wherein moving the coins past a coin sensor includes moving the coins past a coin sensor having a low frequency winding coupled to the core and a high frequency winding coupled to the core, wherein the high frequency winding is closer to at least one of the end portions than the low frequency winding.
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17. A system for counting coins, the system comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins; means for moving the coins through a gap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having first and second legs extending upwardly from an lower portion, wherein each of the first and second legs defines, respectively, first and second generally opposed and elongated spaced-apart faces defining the gap through which the coins move, and wherein each of the first and second legs includes an outer portion that transitions inwardly from the annular lower portion toward the end of the respective leg so that the magnetic core has a first overall width at the annular lower portion that is greater than a second overall width at the opposing ends of the first and second legs; means for discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and means for sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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18. A system for counting coins, the system comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins; means for moving the coins through a gap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having substantially opposing end portions defining the gap through which the coins move; means for discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and means for sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine, wherein the means for moving the coins through a gap in a coin sensor include means for moving the coins past a coin sensor having a low frequency winding coupled to the magnetic core and a high frequency winding coupled to the magnetic core, wherein the high frequency winding is closer to at least one of the end portions than the low frequency winding.
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Specification