US3620342A

US3620342A - Mechanical rotary coin acceptor

Info

Publication number: US3620342A
Application number: US852704A
Authority: US
Inventors: Bernard Clark Prescott
Original assignee: Universal Coin Meter Co Inc
Current assignee: Universal Coin Meter Co Inc
Priority date: 1969-08-25
Filing date: 1969-08-25
Publication date: 1971-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-16

Abstract

A coin-metering apparatus having mechanisms for sensing the thickness and diameter of coins and a transport structure for serially moving plural coins past such sensing mechanisms. The coin-transporting structure is arranged to move the coins in a circular path thereby rendering the device more compact. A housing for such coin-metering apparatus that includes an improved shaft bearing mounting configuration. A coin-metering apparatus that includes provisions for forcefully ejecting coins therefrom into a coin receptacle. A coin-thickness-sensing mechanism that is capable of accurately sensing the thicknesses of different coins. A coin transport system that enables the user thereof easily to remove coins that are not accepted by the apparatus.

Description

United States Patent 1 3,620,342

[72] Inventor Bernard Clark Prescott 2,256,486 9/1941 Lindberg 194/92 X [21] A l N g a FOREIGN PATENTS 0. [22] 53 g 25 1969 1,264,623 5/1961 France 194/63 [45] Patented Nov. 16, 1971 Primary ExaminerSamuel F. Coleman [73] Assignee Universal Coin Meter Company, Inc. yand Townsend Menlo Park, Calif.

ABSTRACT: A coin-metering apparatus having mechanisms for sensing the thickness and diameter of coins and a transport [54] MECHANICAL ROTARY COIN ACCEPTOR structure for serially moving plural coms past such sensing 17 Claims, 22 Drawing Figs.

mechanisms. The com-transporting structure 18 arranged to [521 US. Cl 194/61, move th coins i a circular ath thereby rendering the device 194/92 more compact. A housing for such coin-metering apparatus [5 I 1 Int. tha includes an improved haft bearing mounting configura- 194, tion. A coin-metering apparatus that includes provisions for 93 forcefully ejecting coins therefrom into a coin receptacle. A

coin-thickness-sensing mechanism that is capable of accurate- [50] Fleld of Search...

[56] References Cited 1y sensing the thicknesses of different coins. A coin transport UNITED STATES PATENTS system that enables the user thereof easily to remove coins 1,190,881 7/1916 Ericksen 194/D11G. 1 that are not accepted by the apparatus.

PATENTEDNUV 16 I97! :1. 6 20 342 SHEET 1 BF 4 B CLARK P19556077- BY WWW ATTORNEYS PAIENTEUnnv 16 mm 3. 6 20 342 sum 2 0r 4 BCLA/QK PRESCOTT ATTORNEYS PATENTEUuuv 15 Ian SHEET 8 OF 4 Z] INVENTOR BCLAPK PRESCOTT BY W 3 W ATTORNEYS MECHANICAL ROTARY CORN ACCEPTOIR This invention relates to apparatus for receiving a preselected number of coins of preselected denomination and transporting such coins to a closed container if and only if the coins are genuine and of proper denomination. Simultaneous with transportation of the coins, a machine, such as a washing machine, is activated. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus of the type referred to that transports the coins in a circular path in response to rotation of a handle on the device, which handle is also coupled to the mechanism that initiates operation of the machine on which the apparatus is installed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a rotatably activated coin-metering apparatus that is capable of receiving plural coins of different denominations and permitting activation of the apparatus if and only if an appropriate number of genuine coins is inserted into the apparatus. The stated object is to be contrasted with various prior art structures that employ a reciprocally slidable member that carries plural coins in parallel paths and in which a separate coin-measuring mechanism is provided for each such path. Although such prior art devices have been widely adopted in connection with coin-operated equipment, they suffer from certain limitations. Among the limitations is the fact that a coin-metering device employing a linearly slidable member can be activated without deposit of coins by application of a large impact force on the linearly slidable member, which force is frequently applied by fraudulent individuals by kicking the member inwardly. Not only does such activity permit operation of the equipment on which the prior art apparatus is installed without deposit of the required coins, but such activity destroys the coin-metering apparatus. The present invention moves the coins on a circular path in response to rotation of a handwheel or knob, and application ofsufficient force to rotate the knob without insertion of coins is extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Another object which follows from the object mentioned above is to provide a single mechanism for measuring the diameter and thickness of two or more coins of the same or different denominations. Because the present invention attains this object, plural coins of different denomination can be transported along the same path so that apparatus embodying the present invention can be of small size to permit installation in most if not all existing machines.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is that the rotative force applied to advance the coins through the meter can be coupled directly to a timer or like mechanism within the machine on which the apparatus is mounted. This avoids or materially simplifies mechanical linkages between the coin apparatus and the machine since most machines, particularly washing machines, are activated by rotative movement, as contrasted with linear movement, of a timer or the like within the machine.

Typically coin-metering apparatus includes a lever supported sensor protuberance that slides upon the surface of coins carried through the apparatus to sense the thickness of the coins and to drop into or punch through any holes in coins, such as exist in washers, slugs, bus tokens and like spurious articles inserted into the apparatus by fraudulent individuals. The surface area of such sensor protuberance is desirably as small as possible in order to sense small openings in spurious articles and the present invention has for a further object the provision of a sensor protuberance with an extremely small coin-contacting area. The present invention avoids excessive wear on such small area protuberance by permitting the protuberance to move toward the path of coin advance only when the coin carrying structure is positioned adjacent the protuberance and by raising the protuberance from contact at all other times. To achieve this desirable mode of operation, the present invention employs a movable coin-carrying plate that is formed with a cam surface which cooperates with a cam follower on the lever that supports the sensor protuberance. The coin surface and cam follower cooperate to move the protuberance to a coin-sensing position only at those portions of coin travel where a coin is or should be positioned.

A feature and advantage of a structure employing the cam surface referred to above is that the cam surface can be configured to move the protuberance toward a coin in a gradual manner, thereby avoiding impacts that would damage the coin or cause premature wear of the relatively small surface area of the sensor protuberance.

Another feature and advantage of the above-mentioned cam surface is that the cam is provided with one configuration adjacent a coin carrier for coins of one thickness, and is configured differently adjacent a coin carrier for a coin with a different thickness so that coins of different denominations can be tested or measured by the same mechanism.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide coin-metering apparatus from which coins can readily be withdrawn if the coins are rejected or if the user of the device should decide after inserting one or more coins to refrain from operating the apparatus. This object is achieved by providing a coin-supporting surface on which coins are placed by a customer which surface has at a minor portion thereof adjacent the margin of the surface a depression into which the edge of the coin can be depressed to tilt up the opposite side of the coin. The apparatus is arranged to permit such tiltup of the coin to a degree sufficient to enable the customer to insert his finger or finger nail beneath such tilted up portion of the coin.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a coin transport system that forcefully and positively extracts coins from the coin-carrying mechanism that have been accepted and that are to be deposited in a coin receptacle within the machine. Achievement of this object is important to frustrate such fraudulent practices as inserting a coin having adhesive or chewing gum thereon. Achievement of this object is made possible by provision of a rotatively mounted coin-carrying plate that includes one or more slots therein that are radially positioned at the coin-supporting portion of the plate. A fixed member includes a protruding dog that extends into such slot and presents a tapered surface to coins approaching it. Rotative advancement of the coin with respect to the dog moves the coin along the tapered surface away from the cointransporting apparatus and toward the coin receptacle.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a coin-metering apparatus that is compact to expedite installation on existing equipment and that is rugged to frustrate those who would attempt to use the machinery on which the apparatus is installed without deposit of the required number and denomination of coins. In order to achieve such object, the apparatus of the present invention is housed in a cylindric housing that has across one end thereof an integral end plate. The end plate is formed with one or more coin openings therein and a centrally positioned shaft supporting structure. The shaft-supporting structure is formed in part by raising from the end plate centrally thereof a generally frustoconical boss which is bored out to receive a bushing of brass or the like. A bushing having a complementary frustoconical portion resides interior of such boss. Mounted to the interior surface of the end plate is a reinforcing plate which has a central hole of smaller diameter than the frustoconical portion of the bushing. The inner plate is firmly attached to the end plate such as by welding so that the bushing is maintained captive between the inner plate and the frustoconical inner surface of the boss. The shaft that operates the coin-transporting mechanism is supported in such bushing.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent after referring to the following specification and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention with portions being broken away to reveal internal details;

FIG. 1a is a fragmentary elevation view showing the manner of mounting the coin-thickness-sensing mechanism employed in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a fixed mounting plate on which coins are moved according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mounting plate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 2, showing the coin tiltup construction of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 showing a portion of the coin extraction station in the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a coin-transporting turn plate which rotates to transport coins through the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the turn plate of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11-16 are cross-sectional views taken from FIG. 10 along lines llll, 1212, 13-13, 14-14, 15-15, and 16- 16, respectively;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary detailed view of the coin thickness sensing lever of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 17 showing a cam follower associated with such lever;

FIG. 19 is a view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a clutch lever affording the linkage between the coin-metering apparatus of the present invention and timer apparatus or the like existing in machines on which the apparatus is installed; and

FIG. 21 is a detailed view of the coin-extracting structure of the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, reference numeral 12 indicates a housing for the coin-metering system of the present invention. The housing is formed by a cylindric portion 14 and a circular end plate 16 preferably formed integral with the cylindric portion. End plate 16 is formed with coin openings 18 and 20 into which the customer places coins preparatory to using the apparatus of the invention and the machine on which it is installed. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 requires a dime placed in opening 18 and a quarter placed in opening 20 for proper operation but it is to be understood that such number and denomination of coins is only exemplary.

Cylindric portion I4 and end plate 16 are preferably simultaneously formed by a punching operation concurrent with which is formed an upstanding frustoconical bearing housing boss 22 and downwardly extending coin guide radii 24 associated with each opening 18 and 20. An inner end plate 26 generally congruent to end plate 16 is provided below the end plate and is centrally bored at 28. Positioned in bore 28 is a depending cylindric extension 30 of a brass bushing which on the upper or opposite end has a frustoconical flange portion 32that has an outer surface configuration complemental to the inner surface of frustoconical boss 22. In assembling the housing of apparatus of this invention, the brass bushing is inserted with frustoconical portion 32 seated within frustoconical extension 22 and inner plate 26 is then installed and firmly secured to the inner face of end plate 16 by welding or the like. Consequently, brass bushing is firmly retained in place.

The brass bushing is centrally bored to support a shaft 34 on the outer end of which is disposed at handwheel or knob 36 to which rotative force is applied by the user of the device after deposit of coins through openings 18 and 20. Mounted to the inner end of shaft 34 is a coin-advancing turn plate 38 which rotates in response to rotative force applied to knob 36. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 9, turn plate 38 includes a cylindric opening 40 sized to snugly receive a dime and a cylindric opening 42 sized to snugly receive a quarter. The rotative position of turn plate 38 with respect to openings 18 and 20 in end plate 16 is such hat coins inserted through the openings in the end plate will enter respective

cylindric openings

40 and 42 in the turn plate at the beginning or start position of the turn plate. Coins so placed will be confined between the inner surface of plate 26 and

upper surface portions

43a, 43b, and 43c of a mounting plate 43 that is fixed within cylindric housing 14 by any suitable means (not shown).

Turn plate 38 has on the top surface thereof, i.e., the surface that slides against the inner surface of end plate 26, two circular grooves 39, the function of which is described hereinafter. On the lower surface, tum plate 38 is specially configured to cooperate with coin-sensing mechanisms to be described that inhibit rotation of the turn plate in absence of genuine coins of proper denomination in

coin openings

40 and 42.

Supported by mounting plate 43 within cylindric housing 14 in circumferentially spaced apart relation to openings 18 and 20 are a coin-diameter-sensing mechanism 44 and a cointhickness-sensing mechanism 46. Mechanism 44 operates to inhibit rotation of turn plate 38 if coins carried in

cylindric openings

40 and 42 are of a diameter less than required, and thickness mechanism 46 operates to inhibit rotation of turn plate 38 if the thickness of coins in the cylindric openings is greater or less than an appropriate thickness. Obviously, both of the mechanisms act to inhibit rotation of the turn plate if coins are absent from the

cylindric openings

40 and 42.

In conjunction of operation of diameter-sensing mechanism 44, it should be noted in FIG. 9 that the center of cylindric opening 40 is closer to the peripheral edge of turn plate 38 than is the center of cylindric opening 42. Such relative position of the cylindric openings is employed in order that the outer edge of a dime residing in cylindric opening 40 is closer to the peripheral edge of turn plate will be radially spaced from the center of turn plate 38 the same distance as will be the outer edge of a quarter disposed in cylindric opening 42. Because the

cylindric openings

40 and 42 are spaced from the outer periphery of the turn plate by an amount less than their respective radii, the edges of the coins are accessible from the exterior of the turn plate. For contacting the accessible edges of the coin, diameter-sensing mechanism 44 includes a smooth post 48 secured to a lever 50. Mounting plate 43 is peripherally excised at 440 to receive the diameter-sensing mechanism. The lever is pivotally mounted at 52 rigid with a mounting plate 43. As can be seen in FIG. 1, in which cylindric opening 40 is opposite post 48, the absence of a coin in the cylindric opening or a coin of insufficient diameter permits the post and lever 50 to move inwardly in response to bias from a spring 56. Such inward movement causes inward movement of a tooth or pawl 58 for engagement with an abutment surface 60 on the underside of turn plate 38, see FIG. I0. A similar abutment 62 is associated with cylindric opening 42. When a coin of proper diameter is supported in either of the cylindric openings, the edge of the coin contacts post 48 and moves tooth 58 radially outward, so that

abutments

60 or 62, as the case may be, are not engaged by the tooth whereby turn plate 38 can continue to rotate.

Thickness measuring mechanism 46 includes a lever 64 which, as can be seen in FIG. la, is mounted for pivotal movement at 66 and is pivotally biased by a spring 68. The thickness measuring mechanism is mounted on mounting plate 43 within an opening 46a formed in the mounting plate. Lever 64 includes a sensor protuberance 70 extending upwardly toward turn plate 38 and is so mounted at pivot 66 that it contacts the approximate center of coins transported therepast in

cylindric openings

40 and 42. Thus, upward movement of protuberance 70 in response to the force of spring 68 is impeded by the presence of a coin within one of the

cylindric openings

40, 42 which coin is confined against the lower surface of inner plate 26. Moreover, the amount of upward movement of protuberance 70 is proportional to the thickness of the coin.

Referring now to FIG. 17, it will be noted that lever 64 includes a first tooth 72 on the side of pivot 66 opposite from protuberance 70. Turn plate has associated with opening 40 an abutment 74 positioned for engagement under certain circumstances by tooth 72. Associated with opening 42 is an abutment 76 for the same purpose, see FIG. 10. Comparison of FIGS. 12 and 15 shows that abutment 74 projects from turn plate 38 by an amount greater than abutment 76. This difference in height of the projections accommodates coins of different thicknesses in

openings

40 and 42; in the embodiment shown in the drawings abutment 74 is sized to sense thickness of a dime in opening 48 and abutment 76 is sized to sense thickness of a quarter in opening 42. From FIG. 17 it will be clear that if a dime D is of proper thickness, shown in the solid line position, abutment 74 will not be engaged by tooth 72, but that if dime D or a slug is of excessive thickness, as indicated at D, protuberance 70 will cause lever 64 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in the figure to bring tooth 72 into engagement with abutment 74 and thereby inhibit rotative movement of turn plate 38 and knob 36.

At the opposite end of lever 64 from tooth 72 is a second tooth 78. Formed on the lower surface of turn plate, see FIG. 10, for cooperation with tooth 78 is an abutment 80 associated with coin opening 40 and an abutment 82 associated with coin opening 42.

Abutments

80 and 82 have heights corresponding respectively to the thickness of a dime and to the thickness of a quarter. Thus, if coin D is absent from cylindric opening 40, see FIG. 17, protuberance 70 moves upward so as to pivot lever 64 in a clockwise direction and move tooth 78 into engagement with abutment surface 80, thereby inhibiting further rotative movement of turn plate 38. A coin of proper thickness positions tooth 78 in the position shown in the drawing, and permits rotative advancement of the turn plate.

With reference to FIG. I0, protuberance 70 is at a radial position corresponding to a slot 84 formed in the lower surface of turn plate 38. Because of the force afforded by spring 68, protuberance 70 is urged toward the bottom of the slot, and to prevent unnecessary rubbing contact between the protuberance and the bottom of the slot, which might cause premature wear on the tip of the protuberance and render difficult the movement of the protuberance onto the edge of a coin, turn plate 38 is provided with a circular cam surface 86. Contacting such cam surface is a cam follower member 88 that is integral with lever 64. Consideration of FIGS. 17 and 18 will indicate that the amount by which cam surface 86 protrudes below the surface of turn plate 38 will determine the position of protuberance 70. Thus, in FIG. 19 cam surface 86 projects from turn plate by a relatively small amount so that tooth 78 can engage abutment 80 should a coin of insufficient thickness be sensed by protuberance 70. The region of cam 86 depicted in FIG. 19 is indicated at 86a in FIG. and when turn plate 38 is positioned so that cam follower 88 contacts cam portion 86a, protuberance 70 is moved toward a coin in opening 40 to sense the thickness of such coin. As viewed in FIG. I0, turn plate 38 revolves in a counterclockwise direction during operation so that the next region of the cam surface contacted by cam follower 88 is a cam portion 8612 which is of sufficient height above the surface of the turn plate to raise protuberance 70 away from the position of the coin surface. FIG. 12 indicates that cam surface portion 86b is of sufficient height to achieve the stated result. From FIG. 16 it will be noted that cam surface 86b includes a leading ramp 86b and a trailing ramp 86b", it being understood that the portion of turn plate 38 shown in FIG. 16 would move toward the left as turn plate 38 is revolved. Thus, cam 88 moves up leading surface 86b gradually and by the time trailing surface 86b" is opposite cam 88, coin opening 42 is moved to a position opposite protuberance 70. Thus, as the cam follower moves down trailing surface 86b", protuberance 70 is moved gradually and gently against the surface of the coin. Rotation of turn plate 38 is thereby expedited since it is unnecessary to force protuberance 70 up over the edge of the coin. Moreover, excessive wear on the protuberance is avoided.

Cam surface 86 also includes a ramp portion 860 which forms a transition from cam portion 86a (associated with coin opening 40) to a raised cam portion 86d. Transition portion 860 is positioned with respect to coin opening 40 to lower protuberance 70 toward the coin opening in response to counterclockwise rotation of turn plate 38 as viewed in FIG. 10. A final transition portion 86e is provided adjacent coin opening 42 for raising protuberance 70 during approximately 180 of rotation of turn plate 38 when

coin openings

40 and 42 are remote from coin-thickness-sensing mechanism 46.

To recapitulate the sequence of operations of the various portions of cam surface 86, the cam initially is relatively high so as to retain protuberance 70 away from the path of coin travel. When coin opening 40 approaches thickness sensing mechanism 46, cam 88 moves down transition region 860 to cam surface portion 86a to permit protuberance 70 to move into contact with the coin surface. When the coin has passed the thickness-sensing mechanism, cam 88 moves upwardly over a sloped transition surface 86f to cam portion 86b, after which the cam is again lowered by a transition surface 86g to move protuberance toward coin opening 42. When opening 42 has been rotated past coin-thickness-sensing mechanism 46, cam 88 is moved up transition surface 86a to cam surface 86d whereby protuberance 70 is maintained out of the path of coin movement and out of contact with slot 84.

When coins can'ied in

cylindric coin openings

40 and 42 have passed diameter-sensing mechanism 44 and thicknesssensing mechanism 46, they are ready for extraction from the metering apparatus and deposit into a suitable receptacle. For forcefully extracting the coins, the apparatus is provided with an extraction station that includes an opening 90 in mounting plate 43. As seen in FIG. 2 coin support surfaces 43a, 43b, and 430 taper away from the coin transport surface toward opening 90 as indicated at 43b in FIGS. 8 and 21. Opposite such tapered surface portions, inner plate 26 is provided with downwardly extending ramps 92 which fit into grooves 39 in turn plate 38. For clarity of disclosure turn plate 38 has been omitted, it being sufficient for an understanding of the coinextracting apparatus to realize that the edges of

coin openings

40 or 42 exert a force on the coin in the direction of arrow 94 in FIG. 21. A coin approaching the extracting apparatus from horizontal position is thus tilted downwardly by contact with ramp 92 which downward movement is permitted by tapered surface 43b and further force on the coin in the direction of arrow 94 will urge the edges of the coin against a second downwardly sloped surface 96 at the edge of opening 90. Extending from mounting plate 43 into opening 90 is a spring plate 98 that prohibits withdrawal of coins to which a string has been tied. Extending downward from opening 90 is a chute 100 for directing the extracted coins into a suitable coin receptacle (not shown). Thus, coins even if adhered to parts of the apparatus by adhesive or chewing gum are forcefully extracted from the apparatus for deposit in a receptacle in the equipment with which the apparatus is used.

The invention includes mechanism for preventing reverse rotation of knob 36 once both coins have been passed by diameter-sensing mechanism 44 and thickness-sensing mechanism 46. Mounted for rotation with shaft 34 is a ratchet wheel I02. Pivotally supported on mounting plate 43. see FIG. 3, is a pawl 104 which is inwardly biased by a spring 105 for cooperation with teeth 106 on the ratchet wheel to inhibit reverse rotation of shaft 32 and turn plate 38. As can be seen in FIG. 3, teeth 106 occupy only about l80 of ratchet wheel 102 so that reverse rotation of the shaft is not inhibited until diameter-sensing mechanism 44 and thickness-sensing mechanism 46 have permitted coins to pass into the apparatus. Tooth 106a is the first tooth that is engaged by pawl 104 after the coins have been passed through the sensing mechanisms and the rotative position of tooth 1060 with respect to the coin-sensing mechanisms and coin opening 42 is sucli that tooth 106a is engaged by the pawl only after coins in both

openings

40 and 42 have been passed by the sensing mechanisms. Thus, until both coins have been passed, the user of the device is free to retrieve his coins should be change his mind. Once the coins have been passed and pawl I04 engages tooth 1060, however, the coins are committed to the apparatus because the shaft cannot be rotated in a reverse direction. The shaft can be rotated only in the forward direction so as to move the coins through the coin extracting station.

For coupling the coin-metering apparatus to the machine on which the apparatus is installed and for permitting operation of the machine only after genuine coins have been accepted. ratchet wheel 102 carries a clutch lever 108 which is pivotally supported to the ratchet wheel by a pivot pin 1 10. Clutch lever 108 has a cam follower 1 12 which cooperates with a cam slot 114 formed in the lower surface of mounting plate 43, see FIG. 3. The parts are so relatively positioned that before the coins have been passed by the sensing mechanisms and before ratchet pawl 104 engages tooth 106a, cam 112 travels in cam slot 114 so that tooth 1 16 carried on clutch lever 108 does not axially project from the surface of ratchet wheel 102. When,

however, ratchet wheel I02 has rotated a sufficient degree topermit engagement between pawl 104 and teeth 106, cam follower 1 12 is moved out of cam slot 1 14 so that tooth l 16 projects axially beyond the surface of ratchet wheel 102, the latter condition being indicated at 116a in FIG. 20. A timer or the like (not shown) provided in the equipment upon which the apparatus of this invention is installed includes an abutment that is engaged by tooth 116 in ITS extended position so that rotative movement is imparted to such timer as the user of the device continues to effect rotation of clutch pawl 108 by application of force to knob 36. Thus, only after the coins have been committed to the apparatus is it possible for activating force to be applied to the timer mechanism in the equipment on which the apparatus of the invention is mounted.

Coins are initially deposited in the apparatus by positioning turn plate 38 so that

coin openings

40 and 42 align with respective openings 18 and 20 in cover plate 16. The user of the device inserts the coins and the coins rest on

surface portions

43a, 43b, and 430 of mounting plate 43. Rotation of knob 36 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1 advances the coins toward sensing mechanisms 44 and 46. At any time prior to committment of the coins to the apparatus by engagement between pawl 104 and ratchet tooth 106a, the user is free to retrieve his coins by reversing rotation of knob 36. Such reverse rotation brings the coins back into alignment with openings 18 and 20 in end plate 16, and the present invention affords ready removal of the coins from such position.

Surface portions

43a and 43b are partially excised in regions in alignment with coin openings 18 and 20, such excised regions being indicated at 120 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. It will be noted that the excised portions occupy a minor portion of the area exposed through openings 18 and 20 so that downward force on the coin at the area thereof overlying portions 120 will permit the opposite edge of the coin to be tilted up to a degree sufiicient to permit the user to insert his finger or fingernail beneath the coin and thereby extract the coin. Thus the frustration of having to hunt for a pencil, knife, or like instrument for removing of the coins is avoided by the present invention.

The operation of the apparatus of this invention is as follows: the user rotates knob 36 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. I so as to bring

coin openings

40 and 42 into registry with openings 18 and 20 in end plate 16. The diameter of

openings

40, 42, 18, and 20 determine the denomination of coins required for operation of the equipment on which the apparatus is installed. Such coins are inserted through the openings so that the coins are supported on

surface portions

43a, 43b, and 430 of mounting plate 43. Clockwise rotation of turnplate 38 is then effected by application of force to knob 36 and the first coin, a dime residing in opening 40, is sensed for accurate diameter and accurate thickness. Should the diameter be insufficient, diameter sensing mechanism 44 effects engagement between tooth 58 on lever 50 and abutment 60 on the turn plate; should the diameter be proper, however, tooth 58 is moved out of the path of abutment 60. Next the coin is positioned opposite thickness sensing mechanism 46 and by the cooperation between cam follower 88 and cam transition surface 860, sensor protuberance 70 is moved gently into contact with the surface of the coin. If the coin is too thick, tooth 72 on lever 64 engages abutment 74 on turn plate 38. If the coin is too thin, tooth 78 on lever 64 engages abutment 80. If however the coin is of proper thickness continued rotation of turn plate 38 is permitted and the above-described steps are repeated with respect to the coin residing in opening 42. If that coin is passed by diameter-sensing mechanism 44 and thickness-sensing mechanism 46, pawl 104 engages teeth 106 on ratchet wheel 102 and prevents reverse engagement of knob 36. Continued rotation of knob 36 in a clockwise direction moves the coins to the extracting station located adjacent opening 90 in mounting plate 43 and such movement also activates clutch pawl 108 so as to move tooth 116 into engagement with suitable linkage on the timing mechanism in the machine on which the apparatus is installed. Accordingly, the apparatus is activated and the coins are deposited in a suitable receptacle in the machine.

Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a coin-metering apparatus that can handle two or more coins so that the price for machine operation can be established with precision. Moreover because the coins are handled serially on a single path rather than in parallel on individual paths, as in certain prior art devices, the coin-metering apparatus is extremely compact and can be installed on existing equipment without significant modification. In addition the apparatus includes various mechanisms which both protect the integrity of the metering apparatus and prevent fraudulent individuals from using the equipment on which the apparatus is mounted without payment of the prescribed amount.

While one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious that other adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a coin advance system, apparatus for inhibiting advance of coins greater or less than a preselected thickness comprising means for supporting the coin in a position at which at least a portion of one face of the coin is exposed and the opposite face is confined to a plane parallel to the one face, means for transporting said supporting means along a path on the plane, a lever having a sensor protuberance for engaging the exposed face of a coin supported in said supporting means, means for pivotally mounting said lever about a pivotal axis spaced from said protuberance so that said protuberance is movable into engagement with the coin face, means for resiliently biasing said protuberance toward said exposed face, said lever including a first tooth spaced from said pivotal mounting means and movable toward and away from said path as said protuberance engages the coin surface whereby the lever moves in response to varying thickness of coins in said supporting means, first abutment means carried by said transporting means for engaging said first tooth when the surface of the coin in said supporting means is below a preselected level, said first abutment means having a height such that said first tooth is positioned clear of said first abutment means when a coin of preselected thickness is in said coin-supporting means, said lever also including a second abutment means disposed on the side of the pivotal axis of said lever opposite from said first tooth, and second abutment means carried by said transporting means for engaging said second tooth when the surface of the coin in said supporting means is above a preselected level, said second abutment means having a height such that said second tooth is positioned clear of said second abutment means when a coin of preselected thickness is in said coin-supporting means, said second tooth being spaced laterally from said first tooth in a direction transverse of said path.

2. The invention of claim 1 in combination with a cam follower attached to said lever remote from said pivotal axis and a cam surface on said transporting means for engaging said cam follower, said cam surface having a first region formed and positioned to permit said sensor protuberance to approach a coin in said coin-supporting means when said coinsupporting means is opposite said protuberance and a second region for positioning said protuberance away from the level of said coin surface at all other positions of said transporting means.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said cam surface includes a transition region intermediate said first and second regions for effecting a smooth continuous transition therebetween.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said coin-supporting means includes a plate having an edge and a cylindric opening centered at a point on said plate spaced from said edge less than the radius of the opening so that a portion of the periphery of a coin in said opening is accessible from said edge, a lever pivotally supported adjacent said edge and having an extension movable toward and away from said edge and the periphery of a coin residing in said opening, means for resiliently biasing said extension toward said edge, said lever having a tooth thereon remote from said extension, and a tooth-engaging abutment mounted on said transporting means and adapted to be engaged by said tooth in response to inward movement of said extension when the periphery of a coin in said opening is insufficient to retain said lever in an outward position.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said edge is generally circular and wherein a second cylindric opening is formed in said plate in circumferentially spaced relation of first said opening, said openings being spaced from the edge of said plate by an amount proportional to their respective diameters so that accessible portions of the edges of coins residing in the openings are equispaced from the plate edge, and means for rotating said plate to move said coin openings sequentially past said lever extension.

6. Coin-metering apparatus comprising a generally circular plate having first and second circumferentially spaced apart coin openings therein, said openings being of different radial dimensions approximately spaced from the center of said plate so that the outer edge of the coins follow substantially the same circular path in response to rotation of said plate, means for applying rotative force to said plate to advance coins in said openings along the circular path, means on the path for sequentially sensing the thickness of coins in said openings on the path, and means responsive to said sensing means for inhibiting rotation of said plate when a coin of improper thickness is sensed by said sensing means.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said coin-thicknesssensing means comprises a lever mounted for pivotal movement on an axis adjacent the path, a sensor protuberance rigid with said lever and spaced from the pivotal axis, said sensor protuberance extending toward said path for contact with the surface of coins in said openings, means for resiliently biasing said sensor protuberance toward the path, a first tooth rigid with said lever and positioned on the side of the pivotal axis opposite said sensor protuberance so that said first tooth approaches said circular plate in direct proportion to the thickness of a coin on the path in said openings, first and second abutments on said plate associated with respective said first and second coin openings for engagement by said first tooth when a coin of excessive thickness is contacted by said sensor protuberance, a second tooth rigid with said lever and positioned on the same side of the lever as the pivotal axis so that said second tooth recedes from said circular plate in direct proportion to the thickness of a coin on the path in said openings, and third and fourth abutments on said plate as sociated with respective said first and second coin openings for engagement by said second tooth when a coin of insufficient thickness is contacted by said sensor protuberance,

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said first and second abutments are circumferentially and radially spaced from respective said third and fourth abutments so that said first and second teeth operate to engage said abutments individually and sequentially.

9. The invention of claim 7 in combination with a cam follower rigid with said lever and extending toward said circular plate, said cam follower being on the same side of the pivotal axis as said sensor protuberance so that said cam follower is urged toward said circular plate by said biasing means, a cam surface formed on said plate for cooperative contact with said cam follower, said cam surface having relatively low regions adjacent said coin openings so as to permit said protuberance to move into contact with the surfaces of coins in said opening, said cam surface having relatively high regions at all other locations on said circular plate for moving said protuberance away from the path at all other positions of said circular plate with respect to said coin-thickness-sensing means.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein said cam surface includes sloping transition regions intermediate the high regions thereof and the low regions thereof for smoothly moving said protuberance toward and away from the surfaces of coins in said coin openings.

1 1. The invention of claim 9 wherein the height of said low cam regions is proportional to the thickness of coins intended for positioning in said coin openings so as to minimize the amount of movement of said sensor protuberance toward the path of coin travel.

12. The invention of claim 6 in combination with means for forcefully extracting coins after they have passed said cointhickness-sensing means, said coin extracting means including a fixed tapered member extending into the coin path for contact with the surface of coins therein, said tapered member being configured to deflect coins moving therepast from the path of coin travel.

13. The invention of claim 12 including a circular groove in said circular plate associated with said tapered member, said groove intersecting said circular coin openings for establishing clearance between said tapered member and said circular plate during rotation of said circular plate and for contacting the surface of coins in said coin openings.

14. The invention of claim 6 in combination with a toothed ratchet wheel rotatable with said circular plate, a pawl adjacent said ratchet wheel for engaging the teeth thereof to prevent reverse rotation of said circular plate, said ratchet wheel having a tooth-free portion on the periphery thereof circumferentially positioned with respect to said coin openings and said coin-thickness-sensing means that said ratchet wheel and said pawl are active to prevent reverse rotation of said circular plate only after coins in said openings have passed said coin-thickness-sensing means.

15. The invention of claim 14 in combination with a clutch pawl mounted on said ratchet wheel for pivotal movement about an axis extending generally radially of said circular plate, said clutch pawl having a cam follower rigid therewith, means defining a cam surface adjacent said ratchet wheel for cooperation with said cam follower, said cam surface being formed to position said clutch pawl at a first position prior to movement coins past said thickness-sensing means and a second position subsequent to movement of coins past said coin-thickness-sensing means, and a tooth formed on said clutch pawl for projecting axially from said ratchet wheel only when said cam follower contacts said second cam surface portion.

16. A coin meter comprising a generally cylindric housing, a circular cover plate spanning one end of the housing, means centrally of said cover plate for supporting a shaft for rotation on an axis concentric with cylindric housing, at least two circular openings formed in the said cover plate outwardly of said shaft supporting means, said openings being respectively sized to receive a first coin and a second coin therein, a turn plate supported within said housing and mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said turn plate having first and second cylindric openings therein spaced for registry with said openings in said cover plate so that when said turn plate openings are in registry with said cover plate openings coins can be inserted into said turn plate openings, a mounting plate rigid with said housing and defining a surface beneath said turn plate for retaining coins in said turn plate openings and means interior of said housing remote from said openings for inhibiting rotation of said turn plate in absence of coins in said openings having thicknesses a preselected amount.

17. The invention of claim 16 in combination with means fonning excised depressions in said mounting plate opposite the openings in said cover plate, said depressions being confined to a minor portion at the margin of the area of said circular openings projected onto said mounting plate to permit downward movement of one side of coins residing in said circular openings so that the opposite side of the coin is raised to permit retrieval of coins from said openings.

Claims

2. The invention of claim 1 in combination with a cam follower attached to said lever remote from said pivotal axis and a cam surface on said transporting means for engaging said cam follower, said cam surface having a first region formed and positioned to permit said sensor protuberance to approach a coin in said coin-supporting means when said coin-supporting means is opposite said protuberance and a second region for positioning said protuberance away from the level of said coin surface at all other positions of said transporting means.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said coin-thickness-sensing means comprises a lever mounted for pivotal movement on an axis adjacent the path, a sensor protuberance rigid with said lever and spaced from the pivotal axis, said sensor protuberance extending toward said path for contact with the surface of coins in said openings, means for resiliently biasing said sensor protuberance toward the path, a first tooth rigid with said lever and positioned on the side of the pivotal axis opposite said sensor protuberance so that said first tooth approaches said circular plate in direct proportion to the thickness of a coin on the path in said openings, first and second abutments on said plate associated with respective said first and second coin openings for engagement by said first tooth when a coin of excessive thickness is contacted by said sensor protuberance, a second tooth rigid with said lever and positioned on the same side of the lever as the pivotal axis so that said second tooth recedes from said circular plate in direct proportion to the thickness of a coin on the path in said openings, and third and fourth abutments on said plate associated with respective said first and second coin openings for engagement by said second tooth when a coin of insufficient thickness is contacted by said sensor protuberance.

11. The invention of claim 9 wherein the height of said low cam regions is proportional to the thickness of coins intended for positioning in said coin openings so as to minimize the amount of movement of said sensor protuberance toward the path of coin travel.

12. The invention of claim 6 in combination with means for forcefully extracting coins after they have passed said coin-thickness-sensing means, said coin extracting means including a fixed tapered member extending into the coin path for contact with the surface of coins therein, said tapered member being configured to deflect coins moving therepast from the path of coin travel.

17. The invention of claim 16 in combination with means forming excised depressions in said mounting plate opposite the openings in said cover plate, said depressions being confined to a minor portion at the margin of the area of said circular openings projected onto said mounting plate to permit downward movement of one side of coins residing in said circular openings so that the opposite side of the coin is raised to permit retrieval of coins from said openings.

18. The invention of claim 16 wherein said circular cover plate comprises an outer planar component and an inner planar component generally congruent to said outer component, said shaft supporting means including a boss extending outwardly from said outer component and defining a generally frusto-conical volume concentric of said housing, said inner component having a circular hole concentric with said frusto-conical volume, and a bushing interposed between said first and second components and held captive therebetween, said bushing having an external frusto-conical portion complementary to the frusto-conical volume of said boss, a cylindric portion extending from said frusto-conical portion, and an annular surface between said frusto-conical portion and said cylindric portion, said cylindric portion having a diameter for entry in the opening of said inner plate component so that said annular surface on said bushing bears against the surface of said inner planner component around said circular hole, and means for joining said inner and outer components to one another.