AU660061B2 - Coin/token separator - Google Patents

Description

7' 660061 P/00/011.

Regulation 3. 2

AUSTRALIA

Patent-sAct 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Coin/token separntor The following statement Is a full description of this Invention, Including the best method of performing It known to us: TP62423/IP 21/01/93 la.

COIN/TOKEN SEPARATOR Field of the invention This invention relates to an apparatus and a method of separating coins and tokens.

Background of the Invention Generally speaking, high speed coin/token operated gaming machines, ie.

poker machines or slot machines have been limited to single coin/token acceptance.

In each of the above applications, especially in gaming machines, the quicker the coin/token validation system can operate the greater the turnover possible from such machines. It has recently been proposed in relation to gaming machines that input hoppers may be attached to the machine to allow an operator to play the game more quickly.

In Application No PCT/AU91/00295 a coin validation system is disclosed 15 which pulses an incoming coin and analyses a back EMF curve or de-energization curve to obtain a signature of the incoming coin/token.

This is compared to reference information. It is possible to analyse many (7 or more) coins/second and provide a signal to an accept/reject mechanism which forms part of the coin path. If an invalid coin is 20 identified the accept/reject mechanism does not move from constituting part of the coin path. ITowrver, if a valid coin is identified the accept/reject mechanism withdraws from the coin path and that coin is passed to another passageway.

"It will be evident that if the accept/reject mechanism used in association 25 with the coin validation system cannot react as quickly as the validation system, there will be no overall increase in the speed with which coins/tokens can be processed.

Further, current coin validation systems aim to identify valid coins from invalid coins. In gaming machines there is a further need to process the MPS0162/PS 21/01/93 stream of valid coins. For example to direct a part of the stream to different locations.

With current designs, coins are introduced into the machine through a coin validator (comparator) which, with lhe exception of the validator the subject of Application No PCT/AU91/00295, have a limited ability of only being able to recognise one particular coin denomination. These coins are directed via a diverter gate to either the coin hopper or the cash box.

If the hopper is full, a signal is given to the diverter to direct coins to the cash box. When the coins in the hopper fall to a preset level a signal is then given to the diverter to change position and direct all coins to the coin hopper.

As the complexity of the games played upon gaming machines has increased so has the maximum bet value. It is not uncommon to have a bet on a 20(¢ machine which would require the insertion of 50 coins, a tedious task. Player acceptance and cash input could both be increased if the machine were capable of accepting 20¢t coins plus higher denominations eg $1 and $2 coins and provide the appropriate number of 200 credits.

S The speed o. operation of the separator mechanism is therefore becoming critical if it is to separate a higher volume of coin or token throughput and/or separate multi-denominational coin token streams. Current separating mechanisms are not capable of reliably sorting a stream of multi-denominational coins into two paths at 7 coins/sec.

Description of the Invention Accordingly in a First embodiment of the invention a coin/token separator is provided comprising:an inlet through which coins/tokens pass; two or more outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and separating mceans interposed betwc-en and including:an arm pivot"able on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards one of the outlets and a second position in which a coin/token passes to MPSOI.2/PS 21/01/93 another of the outlets, the arm being normally biassed into the first position; ndc (ii) a solenoid and a magnet actuated by a signal to move the arm from the first position to the second position.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the arm at the floating pivot is separated from the magnet on the first position. As such upon the solenoid being actuated the arm at the floating pivot is attracted to the magnet. Upon contact a high magnetic flux is generated to apply more force to move the other end of the arm into the second position. This allows extremely rapid movement of the arm.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the arm at the floating pivot contacts the magnet in the first position, Accordingly, upon actuation of the solenoid an immediate maxiimum flux is generated between the armin and the magnet, to further improve thlie rapid movement of the aria into the second position. A gate stop is included to urge the arm at the floating pivot. into cont:cat with [he magnet. Preferably the gate stop is intermediate the ends of the arm, which combines with the biassing means to urge the arn I1nto the first position.

SIn another preferred embodiment of the invention the separating means further comprises a timer t:o maintain the solenoid activated For a predetermined period of time after which the solenoid is deactivated.

e In another preferred embodiment of tlhe invention the inlet and one of the outlets are vertically aligned to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet .and, if uninterrupted, through Ihe outlet.

In another preferred embodimenti of the invention the inlet and another of the outlets are vertically offset by a minimum amount to permit a coin/token to free fall from the inlet, be deflected by the separating means and pass through the othcr ou tlet.

In another preferred embocilmnent of the invention a partition is located between adjacent onutlets and define passageways for the coins/tokens.

This enhances the clihannelling of coins/tokens through the outlets.

MPSOIG2/PS 21/03/93 In another preferred embodiment of the invention the coin/token separator further comprises a chute. The chute preferably has an opening between the inlet and the partitions through which a portion of the arm (eg. angle plate) is movable between the first position in which it extends into the coin/token passageway and a retracted position in which the arm does not extend into the coin/token passageway. In this way the arm and solenoid are substantially isolated from the coin/token path.

As coins/tokens may be dirty or wet, it is unlikely that dirt or moisture may interfere with the action of the solenoid upon the arm or upon the movement of the arm.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention the separator may be incorporated downstream of a coin/token validator which coin validator includes: a reference path for a coin/token; detection means to detect the presence of at least a part of the coin/token on the reference path; defining means operable in response to the coin/token being detected as in above, to derive a definition of said coin/token; and comparator means to compare the definition to stored information 20 relating to coins/tokens.

In a fifth embodiment of the Invention a coin/token validator is provided including:a reference path for a coin/token; detection means to detect: the presence of at least a part of the coin/token on the reference path; defining means operable in response to the coin/token being detected as in above, to derive a definition of said coin/token; comparator means to compare the definition to stored information relating to coins/tokens; S' 30 separator means operable in response to the comparison as in above to allow the coin/token to move to one of a plurality of destinations; the separator means comprising:an inlet through which coins/tokens pass; two or more outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and separating means interposed between and including: MPSOI.62/PS 21/01/93 an arm pivotable on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards one of the outlets and a second position in which a coin/token passes to another of the outlets, the arm being normally biassed into the first position in which the arm at the floating pivot contacts a magnet; and (ii) a solenoid and the magnet actuated by a signal to move the r.rm from the first position, to the second position.

In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a method is provided of separating coins/tokens according to predetermined information and directing them to a plurality of destinations comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of at least a part of a coin/token falling in a free fall reference path; and (ii) moving separating mean into the reference path to direct the coin/token towards one of a plurality of outlets in response to the predetermined information.

s e In a preferred form of the above embodiment of the invention the separating means includes an arm pivotable on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards S: 20 on.e of the outlets and a second position in which a coin, passes to another of the outlets, the arm being normally biassed into the first position; and a solenoid actuated by a signal to move the arm from the first position to S* the second position.

Description of the Drawings 25 The invention is now illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I is a cross-sectional view of a separator according to one form of the invention Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of a separator with an alternative diverter mechanism.

MPSO1.62/PS 21/01/93 As shown in Figure th.e separator 10 comprises a multi part housin.g 11, 11.A and 11B. Hlousing .1 and 11.A combine to define a coin/token chute through which a coin/token may pass.

A coin/token validator 13 is shown in ghost outline to which the separator 10 is slidingly engaged at A. The coin/token validator 13 has a coin/token exit sensor 14 which senses the trailing edge 15 of an exiting coin/token. This information is used in conjunction with other coin/token valiclator information to initiate the separaling function of separator The preferred coin/token validator is disclosed in patent application no.

PCT/AU91/00295.

Whilst the drawings show separator 10 in combination with a coin/token validator its use is not so limited, It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that the separator 10 can function in response to a.ny predetermined information.

The separating mechanism 16 is mounted within housing iB via a printed circuit board 1.7. This mechanism 16 includes an electromagnet 18 comprised of a solenoid coil 19, a magnet 20 and solenoid core 19A.

As shown in Figure 1 the separator 1.0 is in a deflecting position. Arm 21 has a projection 22 extending through opening 23 in housing 1.1A.

The projection 23 has an angle pnlate surface which. assi- to achieve the desired deflection. No otlher openings are provided in housing 11A which restricts the potential for dirt and moisture entering and interfering with the separating mechanism 16. Hlou.sings 11A and 1.1B combine to provide a sealed unit for electronics.

Projection 22 is urged th rough opening 23 by a spring 24 mounted upon a base 25 of hoiusing 11B.

A stop gate 26 provides a pivot point which by the combined operation of spring 21 on projection 22 binsses the other end 27 into contact with the magnet 20. End 27 Is not attached to magnet 20 and forms a floating pivot 28 about which the arm 2.1. and projection 22 may rotate when solenoid 18 is energised.

MPS0162/PS 21/01/93 The chute 12 is split into two exit passageways 29 and 30 by partition 31. Partition 30 does not extend above opening 23 so that any separation of coins/tokcens by the projection 22 is not interfered with.

In operation, a coin/token C falls from coin/token validator 13. The trailing edge 15 of coin C is sensed and a control signal is generated to either maintain exit passageway 30 bloclked by projection 22 or to energise solenoid coil 19 to withdraw projection 22. In the latter case a timing mechanism (not shown) can cointrol the period of energisation of the coin and hence the time that projection 22 with withdrawn.

By sensing the trailing edge 15 of coin/token C and allowing the coin to free fall the timer can be set for a standard period of energisation. No matter the size or mass of coin/token C the same time interval will be appropriate to allow the coin/token to fall a predetermined height.

The following is a more detailed explanation. of the separating mechanism 15 1.8. 'rhe energisation of solenoid coil 19, magnet 20 and solenoid core 19A *will cause north and south magnet poles of a magnetic field to be generated. Arm 21 is attracted towards solenoid core 19A thereby **withdrawing projection, 22 from the chute 1.2 against the bias of spring 24. The incoming coin will free fall uninterrupted through chute 12 and in particular through exit passageway 30 and from the separator Upon de-enetgisation, thie solenoid coil 19 no longer attracts arm 21.

Spring 24 operates to urge projection 22 into the chute 12 and. deflect an incoming coin fromn its free fall path into exit passageway 29.

A sensing system 3.1 is located at the lower part of exit passageway System 31 comprises a light emitting diode 32, a lens 33 and receiver 34. The LED 32 and receiver 34 are mounted side by side in the body formed by housings 11A and :1I.E opposite the lens 33 which is located in partition 31.

The sensor systemrn 31. olperates such that light romn LED 32 travels horizontally across exit: passageway 30 and enters the base of lens 33.

The light is reflected internally at one point on the internal surface of MPS0162/PS 21/01/93 lens 33. It is then reflected upon an opposed, point of the internal surface of lens 33 and in turn back across the exit passageway 30 into receiver 34.

Any coin/token breaking either or both light beams will cause a signal to be generated. This sensor system 31 is located close to the exit from the separator 1.0 below separating mechanism 16 thereby ensuring that a coin/token which generates a signal has in I'act left the separator The sensing system 31 can be used to generate signals to facilitate measurement of the quantity of coins/tokens going through exit passageway Accordingly if the separator 10 was incorporated into a gaming machine, exit passageway 29 feeds the ca-sh box whilst exit passageway 30 feeds a hopper. If the hopper is full a signal is given to the separator 10 to all direct coins/tokens to the cash box. When the coins in the hopper fall to 15 a preset level a signal may be given to the separator 10 to direct particular coins/tokens to the hopper.

Likewise by attaching this type of separator downstream of a coin validator which can distinguish multi denominations, it is possible to have the separator direct certain value coins/tokens to a preselected exit passage.

'An alternate separator 40 is shown in Figure 2 and like components are given like numerical designations to those of Figure 1. Unless otherwise specified these components have the same Function/description to that given in relation to Figure 1.

25 The basic difference between the separator of Figures 1 and 2 is the separating mechanism. Figure 2, comprises the same basic componentry, however, magnet 20 is nol: in contact with the end 27 of arm 25 when projection 22 projocts into chute 12, hTowever it is only marginally spaced og. .5 ml. 'The end 27 of arm 25 is a floating pivot 28. When solenold coil 19 is energised, a magnetic flux flows through magnet which attracts end 27 of arm 25, Once end 27 is in contact with magnet MPS0162/PS 21/01/93 arm 25 is thien. rapidly pivoted towards solenoid coil. 19 thereby withdrawing projection 22 against spring 24 and out of chute 12.

MPSOI.62/PS 2,1/0.1/93

Claims (27)

1. A coin/token separator including: an inlet through which coin/tokens pass; at least two outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and separating means interposed between and including: i) an arm pivotable on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards one of the outlets and a second position in which a coin/token passes to another of the outlets, the arm being normally biased into the first position in which the arm at the floating position is separated from a magnet; ii) a solenoid and the magnet actuated by a signal to move the arm from the first position to the second position; and iii) upon activation of the solenoid, the arm of the floating pivot contacts the magnet prior to the arm moving into the second position.

2. A coin/token separator according to claim 1, further comprising a gate stop to limit pivotal movement of the arm by the biasing means.

3. A coin/token separator according to claim 2, wherein the gate stop contacts the arm intermediate the ends of the arm.

4. A coin/token separator according to any one of claims 1 to wherein an angle plate is connected to the arm to direct the coin/token.

5. A coin/token separator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inlet and one of the outlets are vertically aligned to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet and through said one of the outlets.

6. A coin/token separator according to claim 5, wherein the inlet and another of the outlets 25 are marginally vertically offset to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet, be deflected "by the separating means and pass through the other outlet.

7. A coin/token separator according to claim 4, wherein the angle plate in the first position is contacted by a rim or face of a coin/token falling from the inlet.

8. A coin/token separator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a partition is located between adjacent outlets but below the first position, said partition defining passageways for the coins/tokens.

9. A coin/token separator according to claim 1, further including a chute defining a coin/token passageway having: i) an opening at an upper end thereof defining the inlet through which coins/tokens pass; S EFME 94363003.2 15 February 1995 (16:54) IL ii) at least two openings at a lower end thereof defining the outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and iii) at least one partition defining separate passageways to each of the outlets.

A coin/token separator according to claim 9, wherein the chute has an opening between the inlet and said at least partition, wherein when in the first position the angle plate extends into the coin/token passageway and in a retracted position the angle plate does not extend into the coin/token passageway.

11. A coin/token separator according to claim 9, wherein the chute between the inlet and the separating means comprises at least two converging wails.

12. A coin/token separator according to claim 9, wherein the chute has a minimum width above the separating means smaller than the minimum width of the separate passageway of each of the outlets.

13. A coin/token separator according to claim 9, wherein the inlet and one of the outlets are vertically aligned to permit a coin/token to fall down the coin/token passageway from the inlet and through said one of the outlets.

14. A coin/token separator according to claim 13, wherein the inlet and another of the outlets are marginally vertically offset to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet, be deflected i in the coin/token passageway by the separating means and pass through said another of S the outlets. 0: •i0o

15. A coin and/or token validator/separator including: 0 a reference path for a coin/token; detection means to detect the presence of at least a part of the coin/token on the .reference path; 0 defining means operable in response to the coin/token being detected as in (b) above, to derive a definition of said coin/token; comparator means to compare the definition to stored information relative to oo00 coins/tokens; and separator means to separate coins/tokens received in at least one of the plurality of destinations, the separator means comprising: an inlet through which coins/tokens pass; at least two outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and separating means interposed between and including: R L A FHELCD\94363003.2 15 February 1995 (16:54) jP \3 i) an arm pivotable on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards one of the outlets and a second position in which a coin/token passes to another of the outlets, the arm being normally biased into the first position; ii) a solenoid actuated by a signal to move the arm from the first position to the second position; and iii) the arm in the first position is in contact with a magnet at the floating pivot.

16. A coin/token validator including: a reference path for a coin/token; detection means to detect the presence of at least a part of the coin/token on the reference path; defining means operable in response to the coin/token being detected as in bD) above, to derive a definition of said coin/token; comparator means to compare the definition to stored information relating to the coins/tokens; separator means operable in response to a signal to allow the coin/token to move to one of a plurality of destinations; the separator means comprising; an inlet through which coins/tokens pass; S.0 at least two outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; and separating means interposed between and including: oO i) an arm pivotable on a floating pivot and movable between a first position in which a coin/token is directed towards one of the outlets and a second position in which a coin/token passes to another in which a coin/token passes to another of the outlets, the arm being normally biased into the first position in which the arm at the floating pivot contacts a magnet; and 99 ii) a solenoid and the magnet actuated by a signal to move the arm from the first position to the second position.

17. A coin/token validator according to claim 16, wherein the inlet and one of the outlets are vertically aligned to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet and through the outlet.

18. A coin/token validator according to claim 16, wherein the inlet and another of the outlets are marginally vertically offset to permit a coin/token to fall from the inlet, be deflected by the separating means and pass through the other outlet. FHPMELCD\94363003.2 15 February 1995 (16;54) T ^li 13

19. A coin/token validator according to claim 16, wherein the arm in the first position is contacted by a rim or face of the coin/token.

A coin/token validator according to claim 16, wherein a partition is located between adjacent outlets but below the first portion so as to define separate passageways to each of the outlets.

21. A coin/token validator according to claim 16, further including a chute defining a coin/token passageway having: i) a chute inlet through which coins/tokens pass; ii) at least two openings at a lower end thereof defining the outlets to receive separated coins/tokens; iii) at least one partition defining separate passageways to each of the outlets.

22. A coin/token validator according to claim 21, wherein the chute has an opening between the inlet and the partitions and in the first position the angle plate extends into the coin/token passageway and in a retracted position the angle plate does not extend into the coin/token passageway.

23. A coin/token separator according to claim 21 or 22, wherein between the chute inlet and the separating means the chute comprises at least two converging walls.

24. A coin/token validator according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the g: separator inlet and one of the outlets are vertically aligned to permit a coin/token to oi 20 fall down the coin/token passageway from the separator inlet and through that outlet.

A coin/token validator according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the separator inlet and another of the outlets are marginally vertically offset to permit a *coin/token to fall from the separator inlet, be deflected in the coin/token 25 passageway by the separating means and pass through the other outlet.

26. A coin/token separator according to anyone of claims 5, 6, 8, 9 to 14, 24 or wherein said fall of said coin/token is a free fall.

27. A coin/token validator according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein said fall of said coin/token is a free fall. MICROSYSTEM CONTROLS PTY LTD A.C.N. 003 187 291 6 April 1995 F-C FII'M ELCD\943631X)3.2 ABSTRACT The invention relates to a coini/token separator comprising: an inlet through which coins/tokens plss; two or more outlets (29, 30) to receive separated coins/tokcens and separating means interposed between and including: i) an arm pivoiable on a floating pivot (28) and movable between at first position in which at coin/ token is directed towards one of the outflets (29) and a second position in which a coin/tokeon passes to another of the outlets (30) the arm beig normally biassed Into the first positio,.; and (ii) a solenoid (18) itctuated by a signal to move the arm (21) from the first position to the second position. Goo* S. IPG 2426/ I:P