US2339823A - Coin detector - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 25, 1944. F. H. VOGEL 2,339,823

COIN DETECTOR Filed May 3 1940 4 Sheets-Shet 1 UI IH Il l H H WN\\ i INVENTOR Frank H.Vogel. BY m4 ATTORNEYS Jan. 25, 1944.

com DETECTOR Filed May 3, 1940 F. H. VOGEL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Frank H. V092] ATTORNEYS F. H. VOGEL COIN DETECTOR Jan. 25, 1944.

Filed May 3. 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 r llllllllllllllllllllllll |l|| INVENTOR Frank H. Vogel ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 25, 1944 2,339,823 com nirrnorrorv Frank H. Vogel, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The Columbus Vending Company,

a corporation of Ohio Applicationlliay ,3, 1940, Serial No; 333,172

(oust-97),

12 Claims.

My; invention relates to a coin detector; It has to..do, more particularly, with a coin detector adapted to be applied to a coin operated vending machine in order that it will detect spurious magnetic coins or slugs, coins or washers having a hole in them, light weight coins or tokens or other light weight objects, and even verythin coins orslugs, and prevent such spurious coins from reaching the operating mechanism of the vending machine.

One of the objects of my invention is-to provide a coin detector Which is of such a nature that it will effectively detect spurious coins or slugs of the type indicated above.

Another object of my invention is to provide a coin detector of the type indicated which is of such a nature that after a spurious coin has been detected and prevented from reaching the operating mechanism of the vending machine, it may be easily and effectively cleared from'the coin detector.

.Another object of my invention is to provide a coin detector of the type indicated which is of such a nature that after a spurious coin has been detected and prevented from reaching the operating mechanism of the vending machine, and in case several other spurious coins or good coins are put into the detector before the first spurious coin has been cleared, not only the first one but all succeeding ones, even the good coins, may be easily, quickly and effectively cleared from the coin detector. 7

Another object of my invention is to provide a coin detector of such a nature that any coin, either good or bad, will be quickly cleared therefrom before reaching the coin controlled mechanism of the machine with which it is associated, upon the slightest movement of the actuating lever or other actuating member of the machine and, therefore, to actuate the machine it will be necessary to insert a good coin and permit it to reach the coin controlled mechanism of the machine before actuating the lever.

Another object of my invention is to provide a coin detector of the type indicated which is very simple and compact, which may be readily taken apart, and which is of a very rugged construction.

Another object of my invention is to provide a coin detector embodying a compact single unit which may be applied readily to various types of vending machines now commonly in use.

In its preferred form, my invention contemplates the provision of a coin detector which is in theform of a compact unit which may be asso- Columbus, Ohio,

ciated with any suitable type of vending machine. This detector comprises a unit in which three separate vertically disposed plates are provided. These plates include a rigid back plate, a movable middle plate and a movable front plate. The middle plateand front plate are hinged to the back plate at the upper end thereof. The back plate: carries a plurality of integrally formed ledges which extend through corresponding openings in the middle plate and which normally contact with the inner surface of the outer or front hinged plate. When the detector is in its normal closed condition with the three plates disposed closely adjacent each other, the ledges, extending through the middle plate from the rear, form a channel for the coins, between the front and middle plates, extending from the top to the bottom of the coin detector. Good coins of the proper size will freely pass through this channel, The back plate carries an escapement of novel construction and design, for detecting a slug or washer with a hole in it, also for detecting a slug or spurious article or tokenthat is lighter in 4 weight than a good coin. Said escapement is mounted in or upon the back plate in a vertical position and projects forwardly through openings in the middle and front plate, which openings are located at the center portion of one of the vertical channels through which the coins must pass when traveling downward through said channel. This escapement is of such a nature and. is loosely pivoted so that it will be moved out of the channel by a good coin but will project through the opening into a slug or washer to prevent such slug or washer'from moving farther through the channel. Also, in the case of a slug or spurious article or token that is lighter in weight than a good coin, said escapement will not move outof thechannel but will thus halt and prevent'such light weight slug and spurious articleor token from moving farther through the channel. The back plate also carries a magnet which has its poles disposed in openings in the middle plate which are'located adjacent the coin channel. This magnet will serve to interrupt movement of magnetic slugs through the coin channel. One of the ledges which forms the lower wall of a horizontal portion of the coin channel, is cut away to form a thin slot through which thin coins or slugs will drop or will be halted in their movement.

I provide means for moving the plates relative to each other to clear all of the spurious coins or slugs from the coin channel when they have been detected and stopped in their travel through the detector. Any good coins inserted after a spurious coin has been detected will also be removed. This means serves to first move the two hinged plates simultaneously so that the middle plate will quickly move away from the back plate, thus clearing the lower ledge first, and then to move the front plate relative to the middle plate. This withdraws all of the ledges from between the middle plate and the frontplate so that the space between these two plates will be entirely clear of obstructions. Therefore, all of the coins or slugs will drop from th space between these direction opposite to the direction of inclination two plates into a reject chute whence they are" returned to the outside of the machine. V I

The preferred embodiment of my invention i Y illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation, partly broken away, of a coin detector made according to my invention. c a .Figure 2 is a view illustrating the housing 'of the detector in vertical section but showingthe remainder of the detector mainly in side elevation. f

Figure 3 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of the detector showing the plates thereof closely-adjacent each other, which is their normal position. Y -Figur'e 4 is a perspective view, partly broken away, showing the plates of the detector in spaced relationship,

Figureb is a horizontal sectional viewtaken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a detail, niainly'invertical section, showing the escapement device, in the'position it' occupies after it has interruptedimovement of a light weight coin or token through the coin channel.

Figure 7 is a similar view' showing a assing the escapement device.

Figure 18 is a similar view showing a' washer with ahole in it being engaged by the escapeg'ood coin ment device to interrupt its movement through I the coin channel.

Figure 9 is a similar view but showing the middlejand front plates of the detector being moved in order to free the washer from the escapement device.

Figurelo is a perspective'view of a vending machine showing my coin detector imposition therein.

Figure '11 is a' front elevation of amodified form of my coin detector.

With reference to the drawings, I have illustrated my coin detector as comprising a housing I which 'is adapted to be vertically disposed. Within this housing and secured to the rear wall thereof is a back plate 2. This plate 2 isattached to the rear wall of thehousing by means of screws 3 which pass through therear wall and which extend'into lugs 4 secured to the back plate 2 at the upper ends thereof; The lugs 4 extend transversely of the plate 2 and serve "to keepthe' plate 2 in spaced relationship to the rear wall of the housing. This structure is illustrated best in Figure 3 which shows the rear side of the plate 2.

Integra'lly formed on the front surface of the back'pla'te 2, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, is a plurality of ledges or ribs which serve to producera coin channel, as will be hereinafter ap'parenti: One of these ledges comprises a slightly inclined upper portion 5 disposed adjacent the top of 'the' back plate '2, and a vertical portion of the ledge portion I.

A middle plate I0 is disposed in front of the plate 2 and normally is adapted to be disposed closely' adjacent the back plate. This middle "plate has a pair of spaced lugs H integrally formed at its upper end. A pin l 2 passes through these lugs and through a pair of lugs l3 formed on the upper edge of the back plate 2. Thus, the middle plate ID has its upper end hinged to the back plate 2; The middle plate I0 is provided with slots 5a, 6a, Ia and 8a which are so disposed that they will receive th portions 5, 6, l and 8, respectively, of the ledges formed on the front surface ofthe back plate 2, when the two plates are in cooperative relationship. The middle plate I!) is further provided on each of its vertical edges with a rearwardly extending flange l4. These flanges extend rearwardly over the side edges of the back plate 2.

I provide a third plate l5, which may be termed the front plate, andwhich is disposed in front of the plate 10. This plate I5 is provided with a pair of lugs l6 formed at its top corners and which also receive the hinge pin l2. Thus, the upper endof the plate I5 is also hinged to the back plate 2. This plate I5 is provided atone of its side edges with a vertically disposed rearwardly projecting integral flange I! which extends rearwardly beyond the edges of the plates I0 and 2. At its opposite edge, the plate I 5 is provided with an integral vertically disposed flange l8 which also extendsrearwardly over the edges of the plates [0 and 2. This flange l8 terminates at a point l9, spaced below the upper edge of plate l5, for a purpose which will be explained later.

A coil spring 29 surrounds the hinge pin I2 and is provided with a pair of depending leg portions 2!, one of which engages the rear surface of the back plate 2, passing through a recess in the upper lug 4, and the other of which engages the front surface of the front plate l5. This spring normally tends to hold the plate l5 in contact with plate [0 and the plate [0 in contact, with the back plate 2. When the plates are disposed in this relationship, the various portions 5, 6, I and 8 of the ledges on the back plate 2 project through the various openings 5a, 6a, 1a and 8a and contact with the rear surface of the front plate 15. The inclined ledge 9 on the lower edge of the plate 2 projects beneath the middle plate in and contacts with the rear surface of the front plate l5. This produces a coin channel between the middle plate and the front plate l5 which, as shown in Figure 1, embodies a downwardly inclined portion 22, a vertical portion 23, an oppositely inclined portion 24, a main vertical portion 25 and an inclined portion 26, which is inclined in a direction opposite to the direction of inclination of the portion 24. The flange I8 terminates at the point l9 so as to provide a slot through which the coin may be passed between the plates I5 and I!) so that it will enter into the upper end of the coinchannel. If the coinis a geod coin, it will pass through the coin channel andwill ultimately; roll down the inclined ledge 9, A

guideZI-(Figures 3 ande) is provided for receiving thegoodcoin and directingit downwardlyintothe coin receiving chute 28 which hasa flared end 29 disposed directly below the guide 21. This chute 28 will conduct the coin to the operating mechanism of the vending machine. The guide 21 comprises a laterally extending lug 39 formedon one edge of the back plate2. This lug 30 is provided with a shoulder portion 3| on its outer edge to which a leaf spring 32 is secured in parallel relationship to the main portion of the lug. Thus, a coin receiving guide channel 33 is provided which is directly above the chute 28.

As previously indicated, I provide means'for detecting and interrupting passagethrough the coinchannel, of spurious magnetic coins or slugs, coins or washers having a hole inthem, coins or-tokens or other articles lighter than a good coin, and even very thin coins or slugs, in order to preventsuch spurious coins from reaching the operating mechanism of the vending machine.

For detecting and interrupting passage of a coinor washer with a hole in it or a light weight coin or token, I provide the structure illustrated best in Figures 3 and 6 to 9, inclusive. This structure comprises a pivoted escapement member 34 which is associated with the main vertical portion 25 of the coin channel. This escapement member 34 is of the shape shown in Figures 6 tot. It is carried by a pin 35 which extends through an opening 36 formed therein. The pin 35 extends transversely of a vertical slot 31 formed in the back plate 2 and is carried by this plate. An aligning slot 38 is formed in the middle plate I0. Thus, the escapement 34 is mounted for pivotal movement, within the openings 3'! and 38, substantially normal to the plane of each of the plates 2 and Hi. The escapement member is normally in the position indicated in Figures 1, 2 and 6.

The shape of the opening 36 in the escapement i 34 is very important, as is the outline of the escapement itself. The opening is substantially egg-shaped, or oblong, being widertowards its lower end than towards its upper end. The escapement 34. normally hangs in the position indicated in Figure 6 with its lower edge in contact with the lower end of slot 31. It is provided with an upwardly directed finger 39 which is adapted to be projected into theopening in the coinor slug moved into association with the escapement. It is also provided with a cam finger Q which normally projects laterally across the coin channel and into a vertical slot 41 formed in the front plate iii. The distance between the centers of the two fingers 39 and 40 is preferably the same as the radius of a coin of the proper size. Also, the lower portion of the escapement 34, that is the portion below the pivot pin 35, is heavier than the upper portion so that it will normally be in the position indicated in Figure 6. r v

i When a coin or token L which is lighter in weight than a good coin adapted to operate the machine, drops through the coin channel, it contacts with the upper edge of the-finger 40 but will be of insufiicient weight to swing the escapement member about the pivot 35. Therefore, further movement of this light weight coin or -token through the coin channel will be precluded, as shown-in Figure 6. The lower portion will swing the escapement about the pivot pin 35, inthe mannerillustrated in Figure '7, and finally the face of the coin will engage the outer end of the finger. This swings the finger 39 out into the coin channel and into contact with the face of the coin- However, since the coin is solid, further outward movement of the finger 39 is prevented, The opening 36 is of such shape and size that the,flngers 39 and will merely project slightly into the coin channel, as india d- Fi urev w l no p event p s a e of the-good coin by the escapement device. i When a coin or; washerW with a hole init moves into association with the escapement member, as indicated in Figure 8, it firstengages the upper edge of t e cam finger 4E3. This causes the escapement member 34 to swing about its pivot andcausesthe finger 39 to swing into the coin channel. The lower portion of the washer then engage the outer portionof finger iii! and forces the finger 39 into the opening in the washerand intothe opening 4! and simultaneously moves the entire escapement member to the right (Figure ,8) so that the pin 35 will be in the opposite side of the opening 36. The mo-. nienturn of the Washer striking finger 48 is sufficient to project the finger 39 into the opening in the washer. It will be apparent that when the finger 39 once enters into the opening in the washer, the weight and momentum of the washer will tend to swing the finger 39 downwardly farther into the opening in the washer. Thus, this will insure that the finger will continue to project into the opening in the washer and will prevent further movement of the washer through the coin channel.

To release thewasher W or the light weight coin L fromthe escapement member 34, it is necessary to move the plates 2, it and i5 relative to each other in the manner illustrated in Figure 9. This is acc-omplished by means to be described subsequently. This means moves the plate 58 relative to the'plate 2 and the plate 15 relative to the plate Hi. When the plate i5 moves relative tothe plate It], and the plate Iii is moved reiative to plate 2 and the escapement 3d, the washer W is moved laterally relative to the escapement 34, as shown in Figure 9, so that the finger 3% is withdrawn from the opening in the washer. Then the washer is free to drop downwardly as indicated in Figure 9. The light weight coin L will be removed in a similar manner.

For detecting and interrupting movement of magnetic slugs through the coin channel, I provide a magnet 42 which is bolted, as at 63, to the back plate 2. This magnet may be a horseshoe magnet and has .-its ends bent forwardly and extending through pairs of aligning openings M and 45 formed in the plates 2 and it, respec tively. It will be noted from Figures 6 to 8 that the inner ends of the magnet are disposed in one wall of the coin channel. notedthat the ends of the magnet are disposed just slightly above the inclined ledge 9, as shown best in Figure 1. ;When a slug or coin of magnel, it will be stopped by the magnet.

It will also be "time, it will be resting on the-iledge 9.1 I When away from the magnet simultaneously.

the plate l ismoved relative t'othe pacer, it will sweep the slug from the, ledge 9 and move it This will "permit the slug to drop from the detector.

For eliminating very thin coins, the inclined ledge 9 has its edge cut away, as indicated at 46 tion 26 of the chute. Thus, there will be a thin slot formed between this portion of the ledge and the inner surface of the front plate l5. Consequently, thin slugs tending to roll down the ledge 9, will drop through or halt in this slot.

For moving the plates 2, l0 and I relative to each other, I provide the structure now to be described. This structure comprises a flat bar 41 which is carried on the back surface of the back plate 2. This bar is provided with vertical slots 48 and 49 through which bolts 59 and 5! pass. These bolts are threaded into the back plate. Thus the bar is free to move vertically relative to the back plate. The bar is provided with a shoulder 52 which engages a cam shoulder 53 formed on the flange I! of the front plate l5. The bar is provided with another vertical slot 54, the lower end of which engages a cam portion 55 carried by the middle plate iii. The portion 55 passes through a slot 55 formed in the back plate. A spring 51 secured to the bar 4! and the back plate 2 normally keeps the bar 41 in its lowermost position. A stop 58 is formed on the rear surface of the back plate 2 and limits upward movement of the bar 41 so that the shoulder 52 will not move off the cam shoulder 53.

' When the bar 41 is moved upwardly, the end of slot 54 engaging cam portion 55, first swings the two plates l0 and I5 simultaneously about the pivot pin l2. However, atthe same time the shoulder 52 is engaging the cam shoulder 53 and will swing the front plate 15 relative to the middle plate In about the pivot pin l2. Thus, the plates Ill and I5 are first moved together slightly relative to the plate 2, which serves-to sweep off the lower ledge 9 first, and then theplate i5 is moved outwardly relative to the plate l0. As soon as the upward force on the bar 41 is released, the bar will be returned to its original position by spring 51 and the plates l0 and I5 chine 58. This machine has a coin inserting slot r formed in a small plate 59. This slot is of accurate size so that only coins of the proper thickness and diameter can be inserted in the machine. The operating mechanism of this machine is not shown but it is actuated by pushing inwardly on a plunger 60. I prefer to have the plate moving mechanism of my coin detector actuated each time the vending machine is actuated. Therefore, the plunger 69 is provided with a cam portions! that engages the cam edge 62 formed on the lower end ofthe bar 41. Thus, each time the plunger 60 is pushed inwardly to operate the vending machine, the bar 4! is moved upwardly so as to move the plates of the coin detector in the manner previously described. The housing I of the coin detector is preferably provided with a funnel-shaped lower portion 63 which leads to an outlet opening 64 in the housing of the vending machine. This portion 63 will serve to receive any good coins or spurious iii and I5 of the coin detector will be moved, allowing the good coin to drop from the detector and to be returned to the outlet. If a coin or token of insufiicient weight or a washer with a hole in it, is inserted in the machine, it will pass through the coin channels 22, 23 and 24 into channel 25 until it reaches the escapement member 34, which will stop the movement of the light weight coin orwasher and prevent it from reaching the operating mechanism of the machine. If a slug of magnetic material is inserted in the coin channel, it will pass through the channel until it reaches the magnet 42which will interrupt its movement. If a very thin coin or slug is inserted in the machine and is of suflicient weight'to pass the escapement member, it will pass through the channel until it rolls down the ledge 9 when it will drop through the slot formed by the cut away portion 46. 7

As previously indicated, each time the vending machine is operated the plates of the detector will be moved. Consequently, if a light weight coin or a washer is present in the detector and is engaged by the escapement member, it will be removed from the escapement member and will drop from the detector. The same is true of'a slug engaged by the magnet. Also, if any good coins are present in the detector, due to their interruption by a previously detected spurious coin or slug, they will drop therefrom when the plates are moved. An important feature of my invention resides in the fact that when the plates are moved, all obstructions in the space between plates I0 and [5 are removed. It will be apparent that when the plate I0 is moved outwardly relative to the plate 2, the ledges 5, 6, l and 8 and the ledge 9 are withdrawn behind the front surface of the middle plate [0. Thus, the space between the plates 10 and I5 is completely clear. The escapement member is also completely withdrawn from "this space. In Figure 11, I have illustrated a slightly modified form of my invention. This modified form of coin detector is adapted to detect lead slugs or other slugs not having the proper bouncing properties when'dropped against an anvil. In this instance the various plates are lengthened. The ledge 9a is carried by the back plate and engages the front plate as before. It extends through a slot in the middle plate. The ledge 9a is shortened and is provided with a downwardly extending portion 922 which extends through a'slot in the middle plate and engages the face of the front plate. This portion 9b is provided to form an additional vertical portion iii of the coin channel. Coins or slugs passing mto the portion 65 of the coin channel will drop downwardly and strike an inclined anvil 66. If the coin is a good coin it will bounce from the anvil over into contact with a baflle 61 which will direct it into the chute for the good coins. A pivoted wire member 68 is disposed above the baflie 61 to prevent the good coin from jumping too far. A good coin'will bounce with suflicient force to move the wire member 63 about it's pivot and will be permitted to pass beyond the member' 61. If the coin which hits the anvil is made of lead or other material not having suflicient bouncing properties, it will merely drop down through the space between the members 66 and 61 and will not reach the channel for the good coins; Even if it hits the wire member 68, it will not hit it with sufiicient force to swing it about its pivot. Thus, it will be apparent that this modified detector will operate exactly as the form previously described, with the exception that it will have the additional function of detecting coins or slugs which have the other necessary characteristics but do'not have necessary bouncing properties.

It will be apparent from the above description that I have provided a coin detector having many advantages. It will eifectively detect spurious coins" or slugs of the type indicated. Furthermore, it will be easily'and quickly cleared of any spurious coins which are detected. My device is very simple and compact, may be readily taken apart and is of a very rugged construction. It may be applied readily-to various types of vending machines now commonly used. I

Various other advantages will be apparent from the preceding description, the drawings and the following claims; i

'Having thus described my invention,what- I claim is:

1. A coin detector-comprising a plate having aplurality of ledgescarried thereby, a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate and with which the ledges contact, a third plate disposed between said first-named plates, said ledges extending from the first plate beyond the third plate into contact with the second plate so as to form a coin channel between the second and third plates, means for moving said second and third plates relative to said first plate in a lateral direction relative to the planes of the plates to withdraw said ledges from between said second and third plates and behind said third plate, and means associated with said coin channel and carried by said first-named plate for interrupting passage of spurious coins or slugs therethrough 2. A coin detector comprising a plate having a plurality of ledges carried thereby, a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate and with which the ledges contact, a third plate disposed between said first-named plates, said ledges extending from the first plate beyond the third plate into contact with the second plate so as to form a coin channel between the second and third plates, means associated with said coin channel and carried by said first-named plate for interrupting movement of a slug of magnetic material therethrough, and means for moving said second and' third plates relative to said first plate in a lateral direction relative to the planes of the plates so as to eliminate the slug from the detector.

3. A coin detector comprising a plate having a plurality of ledges carried thereby, a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate and with which the ledges contact, a third plate disposed between said first-named plates, said ledges extending from the first plate beyond the third plate into contact with the second plate so as to form a coin channel between the second and third plates, means associated with said coin channel and carried by said first-named plate for interrupting movement of a slug with a hole in it or a slug of insufiicient weight, therethrough, and

the

means fer moving said second and third plates relative to'said first plate in alate'ral direction relative tolthe. planes of the plates so as to eliminate the'sl'ug from the detector.

4. 'A v.coin] detector comprising a back plate having a plurality of ledges carried thereby, a nominate disposed adjacent the back plate, a middle plate disposed between the front and bac k plates, said ledges extending beyond the middle plate intocontact with the front plate so as to forma coin channel between the front and middle plates, means associated with the coin chan nel and carried by the back plate for interrupting passage. of'anir'npreper fcoin therethrough, and means for moving said middle plate relative to saidback plate so that said ledges are withdrawn from the space between-said front plate and middle plate. I i

5 A coin detector comprising a back plate having aplurality of ledges carried thereby, a front plate disposed adjacent the back plate; a middle platedisposed between the front and a ates. ai l g extend n b vondfltbe. middle; Pl in n a w th th ront P a e. so o, m, a l ha ns be w n. the. fr nt. and middle plates, a magnet carried bytheback plate and associated with the coin channel; to interrupt movement of a magnetic-slugthereg through, and means for moving said-middle plate relative to said back plate so that-said ledges are withdrawn from the space between said front plate and middle plate and so that the slug, is moved away from the magnet. 1

, 6. A coin detector comprisinga backplatehaving a plurality of ledges carried. thereby,a front: plate disposed adjacent the back plate, a middle plate disposed between the frontand .back plates, said ledges extending beyond ,themiddleiplate into contact with the front plate so as toform a coin channel between the front andjmiddle plates, a pivoted escapement membercar'riedby therback plate and associated with the coin channel, said pivoted escapement member permitting movement of a solid coin or slug of sufficient weight through the coin channel but preventing movement of a slug with a hole in it or a slug of insuificient weight through said channel, and means for moving said middle plate relative to said back plate so that said ledges are withdrawn from the space between said front plate and middle plate and so that a slug engaged by the escapement member will be moved oil of said member.

7. A coin detector comprising a back plate having a plurality of ledges carried thereby, a front plate disposed adjacent the back plate, a middle plate disposed between the front and back plates, said ledges extending beyond the middle plate into contact with the front plate so as to form a coin channel between the front and middle plates, means associated with the coin channel and carried by said back plate for preventing movement of certain slugs therethrough, said plates being hinged together at one end, and means for moving said front and middle plates relative to said back plate so that said ledges will be withdrawn from contact with said front plate and behind said middle plate.

8. A coin detector comprising a back plate having a plurality of ledges carried thereby, a front plate disposed adjacent the back plate, a middle plate disposed between the front and back plates, said ledges extending beyond the middle plate into contact with the front plate so as to form a coin channel between the front and middle plates,

means associated with the coin channel and carried by said back plate for preventing movement of certain slugs therethrough, said plates being hinged together at their upper ends, means for normally maintaining said plates in cooperative relationship, and cam means for swinging said front and middle plates relative to said back plate and to each other to withdraw said ledges from contact with said front plate to a position behind said middle plate.

9. In a coin detector, a vertically disposed coin channel, an escapement member associated with said coin channel, said escapement member being pivotally mounted in an opening in one of the side walls of the channel, said escapement member having a cam finger and a finger adapted to be projected into an opening in the slug, the pivotal mounting of the escapement member comprising a pin fitting loosely into an elongated opening in the escapement member, said escapement member being normally so disposed that its cam finger projects into the coin channel so that a coin or slug passing through the channel will contact therewith, said escapement member being so arranged that when a coin or slug contacts with said cam finger it will be moved into the coin channel, said opening in the escapement member permitting movement thereof with respect to its pivot and with relation to the coin channel to permit passage of a solid coin or slug of proper weight past both of said fingers. 4

10. In a coin detector, a coin channel having a vertically disposed portion, an escapement member associated with said portion, said escapement member being mounted adjacent one wall of said channel, said escapement member having an ovalshaped opening through which a pivot pin projects, said escapement member having a counterbalance portion formed on one end, said escapement member having a cam finger which normally projects into the channel and is adapted to be engaged by a coin .or slug passing through the channel and having a second finger which is normally out of the channel but which will be moved into the channel by pivotal movement of the escapement caused when a coin or slug contacts with the cam finger and swings it against the action of said counterbalance portion.

11. In a coin detector, a coin channel having a vertically disposed portion, an escapement memberassociated with said vertical portion, saidv escapement member being mounted for pivotal movement in one of the sidewalls of the channel, said movement being at a direction normal to the face of a coin passing through the channel, said escapement member having an oval-shaped opening through which a pivot pin extends, said escapement member having a cam finger which normally projects into the channel and is ada ted to be engaged by a coin or slug'passing through the channel and having a second finger which is normally out of the channel but which will be moved into the channel by pivotal movement of v the escapement member caused when a coin or slug'of proper weight contacts with the cam fln- I plates, one of said ledges being inclined from the horizontal and having a slot formed therein for engaging thin coins or slugs, and means for moving said middle plate relative to said back plate so that the ledges are withdrawn from the space between said front plate and middle plate so that the slug engaged by the slot member will be moved off said member.

FRANK H. VOGEL,

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