US3032161A - Crediting apparatus for automatic coinresponsive machines - Google Patents

Description

4 Sheets-Sheet l W. GERSPACH CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES iw f 7 May 1, 1962 Filed Sept. 22, 1958 INVENTOR WO//ICL/77 @ers aac/y GS GLULML JM ATTO R IV E35 May 1, 1962 w. GERSPACH 3,032,161

CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES Filed Sept. 22, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fly. 2

INVENTOR ATTOILNEBS y 1, 1962 w. GERSPACH 3,032,161

CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES Filed Sept. 22, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENTOR OLLMQW ATTORNESS w. GERSPACH 3,032,161 CREDITING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC COIN-RESPONSIVE MACHINES May 1, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 22, 1958 o2 on INVEN TOR WO/ffa m Gem 0 Qch GLJMIL ATTORNEESS states Unite This invention relates to automatic coin-responsive machines, for example amusement devices or gramophones or the like, and is particularly concerned with crediting apparatus for use therein responsive to the value of coins of different kinds inserted into the machine. Such crediting apparatus converts the value of an inserted coin or coins into demand units, the number of which is predetermined in accordance with the value of the coin, and stores such units in readiness to be taken out of store on demand for the performance of an output function, such for example as the playing of a gramophone record.

According to the invention there is provided for each kind of coin at least one recognition condenser, which is discharged through a coin contact closed by the insertion of the coin and by its discharge current impulse energises switching means which bring at least one stepping switch into operation for storing demand units, whilst a switch arm moving synchronously with the stepping switch is provided, through which at the end of a predetermined number of switching steps the same recognition condenser is charged again, thus energising by the charging current impulse further switching means which bring the storage stepping switch to rest.

The invention ensures that coins of different kind and quantities inserted into one or more coin receivers, perhaps mounted separately from the crediting apparatus are automatically converted into demand units of predetermined value corresponding to the actual kind of com.

The crediting apparatus is thus energised only by contact operation from the coin receiver. The demand units resulting from all inserted coins are added and stored in a common storage device. A further advantage of the invention is, that for any desired selection and sequence of output functions, possibly from a number of automatic machines, for example gramophones or the like, demand units can be taken out of the stored demand units as long as any such remain in the storage device. A special advantage of the invention also consists in that the coin contacts need not be formed as micro contact switches, but as ordinary contacts, perhaps with buffer action, pro,- duce from one contact operation an ensured single storage process. It is no longer possible by any kind of manipulation of the apparatus to use one inserted coin unit for multiple storage.

In a preferred construction according to the invention the switching means start up simultaneously two stepping switches, one of which serves as a recognition stepping switch and carries the switch arm, which cooperates with contact elements connected to the recognition condensers and which on reaching the contact element for the previously discharged recognition condenser brings the other stepping switch, serving as storage stepping switch, to rest by the charging current impulse through further switching means. In this way it is ensured that the storage stepping switch performs just as many steps as the recognition stepping switch from starting until reaching the contact element connected to the recognition condenser. The number of demand units per kind of coin can thus be predetermined by simply transferring the connection of the recognition condenser in question to another contact element.

Conveniently, the recognition stepping switch according ice even during operation of the device connected to the crediting apparatus further coins may still be subsequently inserted in relatively quick succession. The storage can increase with each new coin insertion without any need for using up the already existing storage, until the storage capacity of the storage stepping switch is fully used up. In order to make possible the insertion of very different coins, for example even coins of different currencies and the like, the number of coin contacts can be chosen relatively high, however smaller than or at the most equal to the number of steps of the recognition stepping switch.

According to the invention also a third stepping switch can be provided as demand stepping switch, which is operable in steps by closing a demand contact as often as the.

storage stepping switch is at a step position in advance of the demand stepping switch. recognition stepping switch and the demand stepping switch is thus obtained, so that the cycle of operation cannot be influenced or disturbed by the demand stepping switch.

In this arrangement of the invention switching means are conveniently provided, which prevent the power magi net coil of the demand stepping switch from being put under continuous current even by inadvertent operation of.

the demand contact. This prevents the demand stepping switch from being damaged by inadvertent operation.

Another arrangement according to the invention depends on the fact that the number of switching means, especially the number of stepping switches, can be (16'. creased if the possibility of storing further new demand units in addition to alreadystored demand units is relinquished.

This arrangement makes use of this restriction and fulfills the three functions of the recognition, storing and demand stepping switches with only one stepping switch, without reducing the advantages of the invention.

This problem is solved by providing a single stepping switch, which is arranged at the same time through one series of switching means as recognition stepping switch, through a further series of switching means as storage stepping switch and finally through a third series of switching means also as demand steppingswitch. Since this single stepping switch is switched in for various opera-;

The stepping switch is preferably so arranged that it is operable by actuating the demand key as often as it is still in a position to perform steps until the starting position is reached. That means, that the stepping switch is operated continuously in the same direction for the storage process and the demand process. This can be attained in a reliable manner by a relatively simple construction of stepping switch.

In order to prevent the capacity of the single stepping switch from being exceeded by the insertion of coins, the stepping switch according to the invention is provided with a contact path, which is so arranged that the oper ation of a coin contact has no elfect if a higher value coin insertion is efifected through another coin contact and the number of demand units predetermined for the firstcoin contact has not yet been used up.

In all the constructional forms of the invention, a device may be provided which brings the storing process Patented May 1, 1962 A separation between the:

into effect only after operating the same coin contact two or more times. This makes possible the insertion also of coins which are smaller in value than that corresponding to one demand unit. This device for operating the storing process can according to the invention include a condenser which is charged by means of a relay on the first operation of the coin contact. Furthermore, a further relay may be provided in this constructional form of the invention, through which the condenser discharges itself on opening of the coin contact and which on response prepares circuits which set the real storing rocess into operation at the next closing of the coin contact.

The device, which initiates the storing process only after operating the same coin contact two or more times, can also consist of simple wire bridges which can be connected to the appropriate contact elements of the stepping switch. This kind of arrangement for storing after multiple operation of a coin contact is particularly suitable for those crediting devices according to the invention, which have only a single stepping switch.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous, in all constructions according to the invention, for connecting the crediting device to several coin receivers, to provide these coin receivers with means whereby they lock each other out.

Finally, it may be convenient in all constructions according to the invention, to arrange the crediting device so that it can be connected through a conducting lead to a remote control device.

Connections for two constructions of the device according to the invention are diagrammatically illustrated in the drawings.

FIGURE 1 for a modification of the device according to the device according to the invention.

FIGURE 2 shows supplementary circuit parts for FIGURE 1 for a modification of the device according to the invention according to FIGURE 1, wherein one coin contact is arranged to bring the storage device into operation after each second response.

- FIGURE 3 shows the circuits of another construction of the device according to the invention.

FIGURE 4 shows a modification of the device in the constructional form according to FIGURE 3.

On insertion of coins of different values the preset number of demand units for each kind is stored for each inserted coin. By actuating the demand contact one demand unit is at once taken out of store and a switching instruction is given, for example in gramophones the starting impulse for the playing of a sound record. In the constructions according to FIGURES 1 and 2 storing can be effected by insertion of coins and taking out of store by actuating the demand contact in any desired sequence up to the limit of the capacity of the storage device for storing demand units. When all demand units having been taken from store, the actuation of the demand contact causes no further switching operations.

For the following description of the operation of the arrangement according to the invention, it should first be mentioned, that all parts of a relay or of a stepping switch are indicated by the same reference letter, the windings with capital letters and the contacts with small letters.

011 starting up the crediting device according to FIG- URE 1, the recognition condensers C C and C are charged through high ohmic resistances R R and R from a continuous current voltage source. The insertion of a coin under control of the usual devices and safety measures in automatic coin machines of this kind closes momentarily one of the coin contacts, for instance the coin contact MKSO. The condenser C then discharges itself through the energising coil E of the relay E. For this, the following circuit is used. Circuit 1: C MKStl, E I

The relay E operates and thereby puts the power magnet coils of the stepping switches D and D under voltage through circuit 2: Earth, e R dis, D and circuit 2a: Earth, e R d [2 D These stepping switches move forward one step. The relay E now remains energised through its holding coil E. For this, circuit 3: Earth, 6 d E is operative. It should be noted that the stepping switch D has at least two rotary arms which reach the rest position after a step-by-step rotary movement. It should be also noted that the switch d moves over an annular contact path which is interrupted only at the position of rest. Therefore, circuit 3 is in action so long as d does not reach its rest position. During this period a is closed and the switch d opens and closes the circuits of d the circuits 2 and 2a. This opening and closing results in that the switch arms d and d are caused to rotate.

The time-constant of the condenser C with the energising winding E is greater than the switching time of the first step. The automatic interrupter contact d of the stepping switch D breaks circuits 2 and 2a. The power magnet coils D and D are thus deenergised. Consequently, the contact d recloses, so that the power magnet coils obtain voltage again and cause a further step forward. This process repeats itself so often (for example three times in all), until the switch arm ai of the stepping switch D reaches the contact element connected to the discharged recognition condenser C It should be noted that the time relation of the combination C and E is much smaller than the time when the coins will. be retained on the MKSd contact means. Thereby circuit 4: Earth, B d C is completed. The condenser thus charges itself through the energising winding B of the relay B. The relay responds and at its contact 1') prevents further movement of the stepping switch D and makes its own holding circuit at its contact b. For this is used circuit 5': Earth, e zl b B For the recognition stepping switch D the circuit, controlled by the automatic interrupter contact d remains closed until the switch arms d and d of the stepping switch D reach their position of rest, as indicated at d for the switch arm d in FIGURE 1. Circuit 3 for the relay E and circuit 5 for the relay B are broken by the switch arm d The elements of circuits 2 and 211, besides the interrupting contact d are retained in their closed position so long as the switch arms of the stepper D have not reached their position of rest. Both relays release these contacts and contact e thus interrupts circuits 2 and 2a for the power magnet coils D and D The crediting device is then ready for recognition and storage of further coin insertions.

If the switch arms of the stepping switches D and D were standing at the same step at the beginning of the process, the switch arm of the storage stepping switch D would in this case be set forward by three steps relatively to that of the demand stepping switch D Gn actuating of the demand contact wk, circuit 6: Earth, R wk, k C, is closed. The relay C operates. The switching instruction is given through its contacts a and c while contacts c put the power magnet coil D under voltage and cause one step forward. This is effected through circuit '7 Earth, 0 D

The relay K responds through contact d of the stepping switch D Circuit 8: Earth, R wk, (1 K,

Relay K breaks circuit 6, so that relay C is deenergised and breaks circuit 7. Relay K however holds itself energised as long as the demand contact wk remains closed, through circuit 9: Earth, R wk, k K,

The operating cycle of circuits 6 to 9 repeats itself with each further operation of the demand contact wk. The cycles of circuits 6 and 9 repeat until the demand stepping switch dg has reached the position of the storage stepping switch d after which only the cycles of circuits 6 and 7 repeat on operation of the demand contact. By the last step of the stepping switch D the switch arms a' and d of the stepping switches D and D the contact elements of corresponding steps of which are conductively connected to each other, shortcircuit the energising winding of the relay C. For this, circuit Earth, R wk, k C, and circuit 10a: Earth, R wk, k switch arms d za, are operative. Relay C is deenergised and breaks circuit 7, before relay K responds.

When another kind of coin is inserted, the energising Winding E of the relay E is energised in a manner analogous to circuit 1 but by a different recognition condenser C or C so that the subsequent circuits 2 and 3 repeat themselves. But, circuit 4 starts at a different moment, as this recognition condenser rests on a different step, so that the stepping switch D as storage means performs a different number of steps.

Circuits 1 to S can be repeated as many times, i.e. as many coins can be credited for demand units as the steps of the storage stepping switch D can exceed those of the demand stepping switch D If the storage process is to be initiated only after insertion of two coins, this may easily be done by an addition (FIGURE 2). Contact MKZII, for example, is removed from FIGURE 1 and points Z and Z are connected instead to the similarly marked points in FIG- URE 2. The insertion of a coin then closes the coin contact MK10/20 (FIGURE 2) over circuit 11: Earth, I MKlO/Ztl, I M, so that relay M responds and closes circuit 12: Earth, R m C Condenser C charges itself over this circuit.

After the opening of contact MKld/ZO relay M is deenergised. The condenser C discharges itself through relay L through circuit 13: C m Z L,

Relay L operates and makes its own holding circuit 14: Earth, e R l L,

Hereby the condenser C is fully discharged through circuit 15: C m 1 R The contacts and connect the contact MKlii/Zti to the points Z and Z. When the second coin is inserted contact MKitl/ZO through the contacts I and I releases circuit 1 and the subsequent circuits, while the response of relay E breaks circuit 14 by opening the contact e The crediting device according to the invention may also be connected at a trunk operating board to several operating points. For this, it is only necessary in circuit 6 to connect earth through the trunk operating device.

The arrangement of FIGURES 3 and 4 is essentially the same as that of FIGURES 1 and 2, whereby the differences will be pointed out hereinbelow.

In the arrangement of FIGURES 3 and 4, as in the case of the arrangement according to FIGURES 1 and 2, the coin inserted in a coin receiver, which may if desired be mounted separately from the crediting device, is automatically converted into demand units in the preset value corresponding to the coin in question. The crediting device is thus energised from the coin receiver merely by contact-making. The advantage of the arrangement according to FIGURES 1 and 2 that the contact-making need not be effected by a micro-switch, still applies, as well as the advantage, that demand units can be taken out of the stored demand units in free choice and sequence of the output possibly out of a number of automatic machines as long as such are stored in the crediting device. The number of possible coin contacts is not restricted in contrast With the arrangement according to FIGURES l and 2.

As in the arrangement according to FIGURES 1 and 2 there is provided for each kind of coin at least one recognition condenser C C C which is discharged through a coin contact MKN/Zt) or M1450 or MKltltI and which energises switching means by its discharge current impulse, which brings into action the stepping switch D for the storage process. A switch arm d thereby runs over the contact elements I, II, III, IV connected to the recognition condensers C C C and brings to rest the stepping switch D on reaching the contact element of the previously discharged recognition condenser.

The stepping switch D is then operable as a demand stepping switch as often as it can still carry out stepped movements as far as the starting position. The setting of the number of demand units per kind of coin is done by transferring the appropriate recognition condenser C C C to another contact element I, II, III, IV. Conveniently, the highest coin insertion available is estimated with precedence because the possibility of storing a number of coin insertions without complete intermediate demand is relinquished. In the example of FIGURE 3 this is carried into effect on operation of the coin contact MKititl by storing always the highest number of demand units corresponding to the pre-setting for the coin contact MKitIi). The operation of the coin contact MKSO energises the crediting device only when the demand units then stored are smaller in number than the pre-setting for the coin contact MKStl, while the operation of the coin contact MKltl/Zt) becomes effective only when no demand unit is stored.

An important advantage of the arrangement according to FIGURES 3 and 4 consists in that Without additional expenditure in switch elements a demand unit is stored by a simple wire bridge only after operating the coin contact twice. Thus, coins can also be inserted, which are of smaller value than corresponds to one demand unit. While in the arrangement according to FIGURES l and 2 the relay C is provided for giving the switching instruction, an indicating magnet A or A is used in the arrangement according to FIGURES 3 and 4. This indicating magnet A or A can only then be energised for giving a switching instruction by operating the demand key T, for instance for setting an automatic music box into operation, when at least one demand unit is stored, which is taken out of store at that time. During the storage process the indicating magnet cannot be energised. If the storage process is interrupted by switching off the operation voltage, there is no demand unit stored after switching on again, but the appropriate number of demand units is stored only after the insertion of a coin. The operation of the demand key during the storage process remains Without effect.

FIGURE 4 shows a modification of the device according to FIGURE 3. In this case, in addition to the indicating magnet, a contact dial with for example two groups of contact elements s and p respectively is used and is coupled with the selecting device, for example the record selector of a music box. When selecting the output, the contact dial is moved to a contact element of group s, it the value of the selected output corresponds to that of one demand unit, or is moved to a contact element of group 2 if the value of the chosen output exceeds that of one demand unit. In this case the instruction magnet A, can in spite of at least one stored demand unit only be excited, when the contact dial of the record selector is positioned on a contact element of group s. The series connection of the power magnet coil D of the stepping switch with the instruction magnet A acts with at least one stored demand unit to cause the stepping switch D on operation of the instruction magnet A to move one step at the same time and thus to take a demand unit out of store.

When, however, the contact dial rests on a contact element p, a lamp, with at least one stored demand unit, lights up indicating additional payment, without being able to energise the instruction magnet on operation of the demand key T. If now the coin contact MK10/20 is operated again, the relay LP responds, thereby energising the instruction magnet A On setting the crediting device according to FIGURE 3 into operation, the recognition condensers C C and C are charged through high ohmic resistances R R and R from the continuous current voltage sounce. The insertion of a coin under control of the usual arrangements and security measurements for such automatic coin machines operates, say, the coin contact MK100. The condenser spanner C then discharges itself through the energizing winding E; of the relay E. For this, is used the circuit 101: C MK100, E

Relay E is energised and makes its own holding circuit 102: Earth, B a E The stepping switch D moves one step forward through circuit 103: Earth, b e d R D,

The automatic interrupter d breaks circuit 3. The stepping switch D is deenergized. Consequently the contact a' recloses, so that the stepping switch D receives voltage and moves forward one step further. The process repeats itself so often, until the switch arm d, reaches the contact element d,, connected to the discharged recognition condenser C This completes circuit 104: Earth, B switch ann d,,, contact element d C The condenser charges itself at the same time through the energising winding B of the relay B. The relay B responds and interrupts the circuits 2 and 3 at its contact b and holds itself energised through circuit 105: Earth, switch arm db, R b 2 B The stepping switch does not move forward any further. In circuit 106: Earth, switch arm db, lamp dialling, the dialling instruction appears.

Operation of the demand key T with its contacts t and t closes circuit 107: Earth, switch arm db, t e R D, and circuit 108: Earth, ds b e t instruction magnet A, and circuit 108a: Earth, ds b e B The stepping switch moves one step forward and the instruction magnet is energised as long as the contacts 1 and L of key T are operated.

The operating cycle of circuits 107 and 108 repeats itself at each further operation of the demand key, for example four times, until the stepping switch is one step short of the starting position. If now the demand key is operated, the cycle of circuits 107 and 108 repeats itself at once. When the stepping switch, however, has moved its last step, in the assumed example the sixth step, the switch arm db interrupts circuits 105, 106 and 107. Nevertheless, the stepping switch remains energised through circuit 108b: Earth, ds R t e R D, as long as the key is operated. Therewith also the instruction magnet and parallel thereto the relay B remain energised. On releasing the key circuits 108 and 108a are broken.

The bridges for the contact elements of the switch arm d should be so arranged, that the operation of the coin contact MKSO energises the relay E only, when the stepping switch has still only a smaller number of steps to move before reaching its starting position than corresponds to the pre-set number of steps for the coin contact MK50.

The relay E is, however, energised on operation of the coin contact MKSO over a circuit analogous to circuit 101, but through the recognition condenser C so that the subsequent circuits repeat themselves. Circuit 104 operates after a different number of steps, so that for example the instruction magnet is operable three times in all.

The operation of the coin contact MK/20 energises relay E only, when circuit 105 is not energised. At the first operation of the coin contact MK10/20 the recognition condenser C discharges itself in circuit 101a: C MK10/20, b E

The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuits 102 and 103. The recognition condenser C is charged again by the switch arm da over circuit 104a: Earth, B switch arm da, contact element 1, C

Relay B responds and breaks circuits 102 and 103. After charging the condenser the relay B is de-energised again, because the switch arm db has not yet completed the connection in the circuit 105 between earth and resistance R On renewed operation of the coin contact MK10/ 20 the condenser C discharges itself again through circuit 101a. The stepping switch moves forward to the last but one step owing to the circuits 102 and 103 with automatic interruption with which step the switch arm da has reached the contact element IV for the condenser C 8 and the condenser is recharged over circuit 10%: Earth, B switch arm a, contact element IV, C

Relay B responds and interrupts circuits 102 and 103 and also makes its own holding circuit 105. By this means the crediting device has stored one demand unit on a double insertion of a coin and on operation of the demand key the instruction magnet can now be energised once. If the wire bridge for contact element da is disconnected, relay B does not respond at the first step corresponding to circuit 104a, but the stepping switch moves to the last but one step at the first coin insertion which operates the coin contact MK10/20, thereby storing one demand unit.

A resistance R, is provided to discharge the condenser C; slowly on inadvertent operation of the relay E.

FIGURE 4 illustrates a modification of the arrangement of the invention according to FIGURE 3. The operating voltage is switched on, and the recognition condensers C C and C are charged through high ohmic resistances R R and R The operation of the coin contact MK discharges the condenser C through the relay E over circuit 111: C MK100, E

The relay E operates and makes its own holding circuit 112: Earth, R b e E The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuit 113: Earth, R b", a du, D, b R

The automatic interrupter du periodically interrupts the circuit 113, until the switch arm da reaches contact element II. The condenser C charges itself over circuit 114: Earth, B switch arm da, contact element 11, C

Relay B responds and interrupts the circuits 112 and 113, and also makes its own holding circuit 115: Earth, B b 2 D, b switch arm db,

The stepping switch does not move any further. The combination of resistance in circuit 115 is too large to operate the stepping switch.

If the contact dial of the record selector is resting on a contact element s, the instruction dial appears owing to circuit 116a: Earth, contact s, contact dial A lamp dial, b e D, b switch arm d The combination of resistance in this circuit is too large, to operate the instruction magnet A or the stepping switch D By operating the demand key 1 the lamp dial is short-circuited, and the instruction magnet A is energised by the stepping switch through circuit 116b: Earth, contact element s, contact dial, A 1, b a, D, N", switch arm d The stepping switch moves one step forward. Each further operation of the demand key 1, for example through a different position of the contact elements of the contact dial S, energises the instruction magnet with further movement of the stepping switch through one step. When the stepping switch has thus moved its last step into its starting position the switch arm db interrupts circuits 116a and 116b. Nevertheless, the instruction magnet remains energised by the stepping switch through circuit 1160: Earth, contact element s, contact dial, A I, b e D, b, s switch arm db in position zero, until the key is released. Now by opening ds the instruction magnet and the stepping switch become de-energised.

The operation of the coin contact MK50 energises the relay E only, if the stepping switch has still only a smaller number of steps to move to reach its starting position than corresponds to the preset number of steps for the coin contact MK50. 'Ihe bridges for the contact elements should be arranged accordingly. The relay E is energised on operation of the coin contact MK50 through a circuit analogous to circuit 111, but through the recognition condenser C so that the subsequent circuits repeat themselves. Circuit 114 operates after a difierent number of steps, so that the instruction magnet can be operated by the stepping switch for example three times in all, until the switch arm db breaks circuit 1116b.

The operation of the coin contact MK10/20 energises 9 relay E only when circuit 115 is not energised. At the first operation of the coin contact MKlti/Zil the recognition condenser C discharges itself through circuit 111a: C MKlll/ZO, b E

The stepping switch moves one step forward owing to circuit 113. The recognition condenser C is now charged again by the switch arm da through circuit 114a: Earth, B switch arm do, contact element 1, C

Relay B responds and interrupts circuits 112 and 113. After charging the condenser the relay B is tie-energised. On renewed operation of the coin contact MKi/2t) the condenser C discharges again through circuit 111a. The stepping switch moves forward to contact element da in the last but one step owing to circuits 112 and 113 with automatic interruption, at which step the switch arm da has reached the contact element for the condenser C and recharges the condenser through circuit 1141): Earth, B switch arm da, contact element da C Relay B responds and interrupts the circuits 112 and 113, and also makes its own holding circuit 115. By this means the crediting device has stored one demand unit after two coin insertions and by operating the demand key the instruction magnet A can now be energised once. When the wire bridge is disconnected at contact element da relay B does not respond at the first step according to circuit 114a, but the stepping switch moves forward at the first insertion of coin at the coin contact MKltl/Zt) to the last but one step, thereby stoling one demand unit.

If with the record selector the contact dial is resting on a contact element p, the lamp additional-payment appears, on energisation of circuit 115, owing to circuit 116d: Earth, lamp additional-payment, 1p contact element p, contact dial, A lamp dial, [2 e D, b switch arm db,

On operation of the demand key the instruction magnet is not now energised in spite of at least one stored demand unit. This is desired, for example, for automatic music boxes for one group of records, which are called longplaying records. Only the repeated insertion of a coin causes through contact MKltl/Zti the energisation of the instruction magnet A MKlO/Ztl is operated on energisation of circuit 115, and C discharges itself through circuit 117: C MKltl/Zi), b switch arm dd, LP

The relay LP operates and makes its own holding circuit 118: Earth, 112 R LP On operation of the demand key the contact (is closes with the response of the stepping switch D. Voltage is supplied to the restraining winding of the LP-relay through circuit 119: Earth, LP 11i ds switch arm db, and by this means the LP-relay is de-energised. The instruction magnet remains under voltage, until the key is released, through circuit 1162: Earth, ds contact element p, etc.

The crediting device according to the invention can be controlled through a number of interlocked coin receivers (for instance record trunk selector). After taking out the last stored demand unit the interlock is released again.

For better understanding of the drawings there is noted at first:

(1) R or R respectively, is a resistance in order to restrict the electric current through the magnet coils "of the steppers D and D or D, respectively, and to restrict the charging current of the condenser C The magnet coils of the steppers D, D and D have a relatively low resistance, ii. 60 ohm, while the magnet coil E or the relay E has a relatively high resistance, f.i. 2000 ohms.

(2) Condenser C of FIGURES 1, 3 and 4 lies parallel to the magnet coils of the steppers D and D or D, respectively. This condenser charges electrical power enough to ensure proper actuation, it is an energizing of the magnet coils of the steppers powerful enough, even if the inner interrupting switch ds opens the respective circuit somewhat early. Therefore, condenser 0., overcomes the necessity of diiiicult adjusting of the switch 10 ds with respect to the magnet armature of the stepper D or D respectively.

(3) The interrupting switch ds or dsu, respectively, is actuated by the armature of the stepper D or D, respectively, in such manner that this interrupting switch is opened when the magnet coil is energized and this switch is closed in deenergized condition of the magnet coil and in rest position of the armature.

(4) With respect to FIGURE 1 there is noted that the switch 135 is connected with the demand stepper D Said contact 11 s is closed when the magnet coil of the demand stepper D is energized. Thereby relay K is energized in order to open its contact k and to deenergize relay C, even if the demand switch wk is closed for a longer time (see circuits 6 and 7). By deenergiz-ing relay C also the demand stepper D is deenergized. By this action the contact d s of the demand stepper D is opened again. in the meantime, relay K has closed its contact k and has maintained by this contact its energization until the demand switch wk has been opened. When the demand switch wk is opened, relay K is deenergized and all its contacts return to their rest position as shown in FIG- URE 1.

(5) Contact ds is combined with the stepper D (or D respectively in FIGURE 4) and is actuated by the armature of said stepper. In energized condition of the magnet coil D switch ds is closed. By this measure there is obtained a time space between the action of circuit 107' and the action of circuit 108. Further on, circuit 103 is only able to be built up, if stepper D has done a further step, that means the credition unit was available at the stepper D.

In this connection it may be noted that the switches t and 1 are combined to a unit and they are all actuated in the same time.

(6) Contact s of FIGURE 4 is combined with stepper D and is closed in energized condition of the magnet coil D As soon as relay LP has been energized through circuit 117, contact 1p is thrown from its right position,

in FIGURE 4 to its left position. Thereby is obtained circuit 116 Earth, contact 1p contact element p, (see circuit 116d) switch arm db,

When contact t of the demand key T is actuated, lamp dial is shunted by this contact 1. Thereby the electrical current in the circuit 116 is increased to such an amount that the stepper D and the magnet A are actuated. In actuating stepper D contact ds of said stepper is closed. Relay LP is deenergized in accordance with circuit 11%, but the instruction magnet A remains energized through circuit 116s.

(7) With respect to the small circles as shown in the electrical circuit lines of FIGURES 3 and 4, there is noted that these circles show that certain parts of the crediting apparatus are separated from the other parts in order to be contained in a separate casing. F.i., the coin contacts MKlO/ZO, MKSO, and MKIOO are inserted into a coin receiving box and are connected to the crediting apparatus by means of electrical cables. Therefore, the small circles.

show connecting points in the electrical lines between separated parts to the main parts of the crediting apparatus according to the invention.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of different kinds inserted into an automatic coin-rmponsive machine, comprising a coin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to the insertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenser for each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means whereby a recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coin contact when such contact is closed, switching means energised by the discharge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a storage stepping switch for storing demand units in accordance with the values of inserted coins, means whereby the said switching means when operated acts to set such stepping switch into operation, a switch arm moving synchronously with such stepping switch, means whereby the said switch arm acts after a predetermined number of switching steps to recharge the recognition condenser discharged by the closing of the associated coin contact, further switching means energised by such recharging current impulse, and means whereby such further switching means acts when operated to bring the storage stepping switch to rest.

2. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a demand contact operable at will, a demand stepping switch, and means whereby so long as the position of the storage stepping switch is in advance of that of the de mand stepping switch each operation of the demand contact causes the demand stepping switch to move forward one step.

3. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including in association with at least one of the coin contacts means whereby movement of the storage stepping switch into the storing position appropriate to such coin contact is delayed until the said coin contact has been operated at least twice.

4. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the delaying means includes an auxiliary condenser, means whereby such condenser is charged in response to the first operation of the said coin contact and is discharged again on release of such coin contact, and means whereby after at least one such charge and discharge operation a circuit is prepared through which a further operation of the said coin contact will cause the associated recognition condenser to be discharged.

5. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the delaying means comprises a circuit which is completed when the storage stepping switch moves into a position earlier than the storing position appropriate to the said coin contact, and which acts to bring the storage stepping switch to rest, whereby completion of the movement into the said storing position can only be effected after further operation of the said coin contact.

6. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a demand contact operable at will, an instruction magnet responsive to operation of the demand contact for controlling operation of a desired output function of the automatic machine, and means for locking the instruction magnet against operation until the storage stepping switch has completed its movement to the predetermined storage position.

7. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, including a contact dial provided with groups of contact elements, one of which groups is associated with output functions of the value of one demand unit whilst at least one other group is associated with output functions of greater value, the individual contact elements being associated respectively with individual output functions of the appropriate values, and means for preventing the instruction magnet from being energised for taking a demand unit out of store except when the contact dial is cooperating with a contact element associated with an output function of the value of one demand unit.

8. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including an auxiliary switch arm on the stepping switch, contact elements cooperating therewith, a relay whose energising circuit is prepared through such switch arm whenever there is at least one demand unit in store, means whereby such energising circuit can be completed only by the insertion of an additional coin, and means whereby when the contact dial is cooperating with a contact element associated with an output function of value greater than one demand unit, the operation of such relay causes operation of the instruction magnet.

9. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 8, including means whereby the said relay on operation makes its own holding circuit, and means whereby the relay is deenergised after operation of the instruction magnet to take a demand unit from store.

eater 10. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, including an indicator indicating the need for additional coin insertion, means whereby such indicator is operated when the contact dial is cooperating with a contact element associated with an output function of value greater than one demand unit, and means whereby such indicator is deenergised when the said relay operates.

11. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, including a contact on the stepping switch for energising the instruction magnet so long as the demand contact is held operated.

12. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of different kinds inserted into an automatic coinresponsive machine, comprising a coin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to the insertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenser for each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means whereby a recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coin contact when such contact is closed, switching means energised by the discharge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a recognition stepping switch having a number of contact elements and a switch arm cooperating therewith some of such contact element being associated respectively with the recognition condensers, a storage stepping switch for storing demand units in accordance with the values of inserted coins, means whereby the said switching means acts on operation to set such two stepping switches into synchronous operation, means whereby when the switch arm of the recognition stepping switch reaches the contact element associated with the recognition condenser discharged by the closing of the associated coin contact such switch arm acts to recharge such recognition condenser, further switching means energised by such recharging current impulse, and means whereby such further switching means acts when operated to bring the storage stepping switch to rest, the position in which the storage stepping switch comes to rest defining the number of demand units stored thereby.

13. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including means whereby the recognition stepping switch, which remains in operation after the storage stepping switch comes to rest, is brought to rest at the end of its cycle when it again reaches its normal starting position, in readiness for dealing with further coin insertions.

14. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the number of steps of the recognition stepping switch is not less than the number of coin contacts.

15. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, including a demand contact operable at will, a demand stepping switch, and means whereby so long as the position of the storage stepping switch is in advance of that of the demand stepping switch each operation of the demand contact causes the demand stepping switch to move forward one step.

16. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including a demand contact operable at will, a demand stepping switch, demand switching means energised by operation of the demand contact for setting the demand stepping switch into operation, means for preventing energisation of the demand switching means except when the position of the storage stepping switch is in advance of that of the demand stepping switch, means whereby each stepped movement of the demand stepping switch causes the demand switching means to be deenergised, and means whereby the demand stepping switch can be reenergised only after release and reoperation of the demand contact.

17. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including in association with at least one of the coin contacts means whereby discharge of the associated recognition condenser for initiating operation of the storage stepping switch is delayed until the said coin contact has been operated at least twice. I

lit

18. Crediting apparatus responsive to the value of coins of diiterent kinds inserted into an automatic coinresponsive machine, comprising a coin contact for each kind of coin which is closed in response to the insertion of the appropriate coin, at least one recognition condenser for each kind of coin, means for charging such condensers, means whereby a recognition condenser is discharged through the associated coin contact when such Contact is closed, switching means energised by the discharge current impulse from a recognition condenser, a stepping switch having a recognition switch arm and cooperating contact elements, means whereby the said switching means when operated acts to set such stepping switch into operation, means whereby the said recognition switch arm acts after a predetermined number of steps to recharge the recognition condenser discharged by the associated coin contact, further switching means energised by such recharging current impulse, means whereby such further switching means acts when operated to bring the stepping switch to rest thereby storing demand units corresponding to the value of the inserted coin, a demand contact operable at will, and control means whereby the stepping switch cooperates with the demand contact for taking demand units out of store to eifect desired output functions.

19. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, in which the control means for taking demand units out of store includes means whereby each operation of the demand contact causes one stepped movement or the stepping switch and therefore the taking of one demand unit out of store until the stepping switch comes to rest in its normal zero position.

20. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including means controlled by the stepping switch for rendering ineffective the operation of a coin contact for an intermediate value of coin when a coin of higher value has been inserted and the demand units stored thereby have not been taken off to leave less demand units in store than the number corresponding to the said intermediate value of coin.

21. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including means whereby operation of the coin contact for the lowest value of coin is rendered ineffective except when the stepping switch is in its normal zero position, that is except when there are no demand units in store.

22. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an indicator for indicating that the demand contact may be operated, and means whereby such indicator remains operated whenever there is a demand unit in store.

23. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an instruction magnet for effecting a selected output function of the automatic machine, and means for preventing operation of such instruction magnet unless a coin contact has previously been operated to cause storage of at least one demand unit.

24. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including an instruction magnet for effecting a selected output function of the automatic machine, and means whereby such instruction magnet is energised by operation of the demand contact through the stepping switch in any position thereof other than the normal zero position.

25. Crediting apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including means whereby in the event of a fault the recognition condenser for the lowest value of coin is slowly discharged whereby the stepping switch is caused to complete its cycle and to come to rest in its normal zero position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,853,173 Morrison Sept. 23, 1958

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