GB400785A - Improvements relating to coin-freed mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

400,785. Coin-actuated mechanism. CALDWELL, T. F., 12, Stafford Road, Crovdon. Nov. 15, 1932, No. 32329. [Class 27.] Testing coins.- Apparatus for testing the thickness of a coin at the annular space between the rim and the embossed face comprises a pivoted member adapted to be struck by the coin and carrying fixed and movable gauging points adapted to grip the coin at the annulus, the movable gauging point being carried by an arm adapted to engage an abutment if the coin is too thick and to prevent its withdrawal by the gauging points and delivery into a shoot for correct coins. A coin 1 inserted in the shoot 2, Fig. 1, passes between a fixed rear plate 4 and a spring- pressed front plate 7 pivoted on a rod 43. If it is too thin at the rim, it falls between the plate 7 and a ledge 3 on the plate 4 into a return shoot, and if it is of insufficient diameter it falls through an aperture 6 in the plate 7 into the same shoot. If it is too large, it becomes jammed, and may be released by pivoting the plate 7, which is preferably connected with the drawer of vending apparatus which the coin is to operate. If it is of the correct size, it rolls along the ledge 3 and hits an arm 19 pivoted at 20 to the plate 7, swinging this outwardly. The arm 19 is formed with a projection 25, Fig. 7, carrying a fixed gauging point 26, and carries an arm 29 to which is pivoted an arm 27 terminating in a movable gauging point 30. The arm 27 is also formed with a ramp 32, which, as the arm 19 swings outwardly, engages an adjustable projection 33 which moves the arm 27 inwardly and causes the coin to be gripped at the annulus between the gauging points 30, 26. If the coin is of the correct thickness at the annulus, the ramp 32 clears the projection 33, and the coin passes forward and drops into a shoot for correct coins, but if it is too thick, the ramp 32 jams against the projection 33, and the coin may be moved laterally off the ledge by pivoting the plate 7, when it falls into the return shoot. If for any other reason the coin becomes jammed between the gauging points, it may be released by pivoting the plate 7, the rod 43 carrying at its end a projection 42, Fig. 1, which engages a ramp 41 on an upper arm 40 connected with the arm 19 and swings this outwardly. A one-way catch 45 prevents a coin rebounding from the arm 19, which might lead to the passing of an incorrect coin.