GB1334157A - Coin storage mechanisms and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

1334157 Coin storing mechanism ASSOCIATED AUTOMATION Ltd 30 May 1972 [7 May 1971] 13845/71 Heading G4V A mechanism for storing coins and selectively releasing them from the store to effect payment in, for example, a coin operated telephone, the store comprising sidewall members 5, 6 and a withdrawable coin retaining stop 19, includes means for moving the members 5, 6 to a position, Fig. 3, in which the coins can roll from the store, clear of a coin collection aperture 18, and be refunded to the user. In the embodiment shown the members 5, 6 are attached to back plate 1 by pivots 7, 8, inserted coins being supported by a rail 4 formed on the back plate, and the member 5 is moved away from the back plate by the deenergization of an electromagnetic actuator 12 at the termination of a call. Member 5 is linked to member 6 by a spring 17 such that the latter is also moved but to a lesser degree, the resulting divergence of the members facilitating the refund of any coins jammed in the store. As payment is required during a call an impulse from the exchange energizes actuators 21 and 26 which respectively move pin 19 out of and pin 25 into the store thus allowing one coin to advance through collection aperture 18. As each coin enters the store it operates switch 31 and a running count of the number of coins in the store is kept by comparing the number of operations of switch 31 and impulses from the exchange. When the count reaches zero an indication is given to the user that the store is empty, and if the count indicates that the store is full an actuator 32 is energized to move an overspill flap 36 and divert any further coins to a return shoot. As an alternative to the running count photo-electric detectors may be located at the top and bottom of the shoot to indicate when it is full or empty.