US2565177A - Multicoin selector - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 2l, 1951 o. A. HoKANsoN MULTICOIN SELECTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 24, 1946 fwefzv/'f ZO @Mm/w07@ jy Wma, MM5/@gj llg 21, 1951 o. A. HoKANsoN v 2,565,177

MULTICOIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 24, 194e 4 sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 2l, 1951 o. A. HOKANSON MULTICOIN SELECTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 24, 1946 f Nm Aug. 21,v 1551 o. A. HOKANSON 2,555,111

MULTICOIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 24, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 walls of .a coin selector.

Patented Aug. 21, 1951 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE Rudolph Wurlitzer Company,

North Tona- Wanda, N. Y., a corporation of Ohio Application August 24, 1346, Serial N o. 692,857

12 Claims. l

The present invention relates to coin selectors, and more particularly to an improved coin selectol which is so constructed as to facilitate cleaning and repairing.

Coin selectors or slug rejectors are quite commonly located in places where they accumulate dust and dirt, and not infrequently they are subject to the abuse of certain individuals who stllf Paper and extraneous matter into the coin selectors. Where the coin selector has accumulated dirt, grime and foreign matter, it is necessary to either remove the selector or to take .the selector apart so that the interior may be @cleaned r washed and al1 foreign matter re.-

moved. In certain locations, coin selectors readily accumulate grime., grease and dust which must be cleaned off all of the moving parts of the selector and the runways for the coins in lorder to place the selector in proper operating far extremely difficult to properly clean the inf terior of coin selectors or slug rejectors.

To facilitate such cleaning, preferably by means. of a brush and a detergent, it would be desirable to provide a structure whereby con- Yenient access may be had to all of the interior This may be accompushed in accordance with the present invention by providing for the selective manual movement of the outer walls away from a stationary o r supporting wall. By so moving the walls v `through an angle of at least 90 or substantially y nearlirig, the interior.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a multicoin selector having a fixed wall which cooperates with a plurality of movable 2; walls and movable gates which may be moved away from the fixed wall for cleaning purposes.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide in a multicoin selector an improved scavenger mechanism for dislodging nonaccessible coins or slugs. n

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved multicoin selector having a scavenger mechanism so arranged that the inoperativeness of the scavenger in one coin passage does not prohibit proper operation of the scavenger in the remaining coin passages.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved multicoin selector having an .adjustable partition between different coin passages which operates as a coin testing device for one denomination of the coins of said passages.

Other and further objects of the present invention subsequently will become apparent by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where- 1n:

Figure l, is a front view of a selector constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top View of the selector shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear View of the selector shown in ,Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end view as seen in the direction of the arrows along a plane passing through the line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is another end view as seen in the opposite direction as indicated by the arrows along a plane passing through the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the movable gates and'one5 cooperating side wall vmoved outwardly for purposes of cleaning the interior; Figure '7 is another perspective View showing the opposite side of the coin selector as compared'to Figure 6 with the gate and movable wall moved outwardly for purposes of cleaning the interior of the remaining coin passage; and

Figure 8 is a detail view illustrating the scavenger mechanism and the operating movements thereof.

,Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that in accordance with the present invention there has been provided a multi-coin selector or slug rejector which will accommodate a plurality of different coins. The coin selector has a stationary central wall 2l)l which has opposite end portions 22 and 24 bent forwardly at right angles .stationary wall 26.

gate 56.

to the main portion of the wall 26. The end wall 24 of the central wall 26 is secured to an end plate 26. The end wall 24 has inwardly struck perforated ears or lugs 28 and 35 which are arranged to receive a pivot pin 32. The pin 32 also passes through apertured ears or lugs 34 and 36 formed at one side of a wall 38 which is arranged parallel to the wall 26 so that coin passageways may be formed between the two walls.

The wall 38 therefore is hingedly mounted by means of the pin 32, see Fig. 6, and is retained in normally closed position by a latch having a pivoted lever 46 provided with a latch portion 42 which engages a strike portion 44 formed in the end wall 22. The pivoted lever 46 at one end has an outwardly projecting nger portion 46 so that it may be engaged and moved from the position shown in Figure 1 so that the wall 38 may be moved outwardly away from the central toward latching position by a spring 48 which has its one end in engagement with the lever and the other end in engagement with a stationary stud 56 mounted on the surface of the wall 38.

The wall 26 adjacent its upper edge has a pair of perforated ears 52 and 54 which are struck out at right angles to the plane of the wall 20. The apertured ears 52 and 54 carry a hinged gate 56 having adjacent one end a short projecting portion 58 or trunnion which is mounted in the aperture in the ear 52. The gate 56 at its opposite side has a longer projection 66 which serves as a pivot support member mounted in the aperture of the ear 54. Surrounding the trunnion or projection 66 is a coiled spring 62 which has one end in engagement with the ear 54 and the other end in engagement with the front surface of the The spring 62 serves a dual purpose since it exerts an expansive force which biases the gate 56 to the left, as viewed in Figures 1 and 6, thereby to retain the gate in hinged relation with respect to the ears 52 and 54. The

'spring 62 by having its ends in engagement with the ear 54 and the surface of the gate 56 also biases the gate 56 toward the stationary wall 20.

The gate 56 has an upper portion 6.4 which is spaced some distance away from the wall 20 so as to form an entrance chute for coins of a certain denomination, such as 10-cent coins. The gate 56 has a lower portion 66 which is spaced a short distance away from and parallel to the wall 26. The distance between the inner surface of the gate portion 66 and the wall 20 is slightly greater than the thickness of a coin which is to move down the passageway formed by the gate. The gate 56 has adjacent its lower end an inward projection or ledge 68 which serves to form a portion of a runway for a coin. The gate portion 66 carries an inwardly projecting lug 'lll which has a curved surface so as to be engaged by a scavenger mechanism, subsequently to be described, which pivotally moves the gate outwardly to clear the gate of coins lodged therein. The gate 56 also carries a coin cradle 12 which is pivotally mounted by means of a stud or screw 14. The stud 'I4 determines the position of the gate portion 66 with respect to the inner wall 2D, leaving a narrow opening between the edge of runway 68 and wall 26 for dust and very thin discs to fall through. The cradle 12 is counterbalanced by a weight 16, and the movement of the cradle in one direction is limited by a stop stud 'I8 so that the cradle may discharge a coin onto the runway 68.

The latch lever 46 is biased i gate 92.

The cradle 'l2 has an upper arcuate surface generally conforming to the periphery of an acceptable coin of proper diameter. The cradle 12 is so arranged that an underdiameter coin or an underweight coin will not tilt the cradle 12 and hence the unacceptable coin will be retained by the cradle. If a coin of proper diameter and of a weight at least equal to that of an acceptable or genuine coin is engaged by the cradle, the cradle will tilt and discharge the coin onto the runway 68. If the coin is overdiameter, the coin will not leave the cradle entirely since it is stopped by an overdiameter stop 86 mounted on the wall 26.

Immediately above the runway 68 the hinged wall 38 has a plurality of openings 62 so that the pole pieces 84 of a permanent magnet may be positioned substantially ush with the inner surface of the wall 38. The permanent magnet which has the pole pieces 84 is housed in a case S6 which is secured to the outer side of the wall 38 by suitable fastening means such as screws 88.

The stationary wall 2u has another outwardly struck perforated ear 96 which serves to support another hinged gate S2. The end wall 22 is provided with a perforation for receiving a trunnion or pivot member 54 formed at the outer edge of the gate 82. The gate 62 at its opposite side is provided with an extended projection or pivotal support member 9S which engages the perforation in the ear 96. Surrounding the projection or trunnion 96 is a coiled spring 98 which has one end in engagement with the ear 90 and the other end in engagement with the outer surface of the The spring 58 in a manner similar to the spring 62 of the other gate exerts both expansive and torsional forces so as to bias the gate 92 toward the left, as seen in Figure l, and also toward the wall 26. The upper portion |60 of the gate 92 serves as an entrance chute for coins and is spaced some distance away from the wall 26. The lower portion |62 of the gate is spaced closer to the wall 2S by a distance determined by a ledge |64 which projects inwardly and serves as a portion of a runway for a coin. The gate portion |62 carries a counterbalanced pivoted cradle |66 retained in position by a stud |08. The cradle is provided with a counterbalance H6 and the movement of the cradle in one direction is limited by a stop stud ||2 mounted on the inner surface of the gate portion |82. The cradle |66, in a manner similar to the previously described cradle, serves to retain underweight and underdiaineter coins. The cradle |66 has an upper arcuate surface generally conforming to the periphery of an acceptable coin of proper diameter which may be a 25 cent coin. If the coin is of proper diameter and of a weight at least equal to that of an acceptable or genuine coin, the cradle will tilt and discharge the coin onto the runway |64. If the coin is overdiameter, the coin will not leave the cradle entirely since it is stopped by an overdiaineter stop |69 mounted on wall 26 immediately above the runway |64.

Wall 56 has a pair of openings I6 for receiving the pole pieces ||3 of a permanent magnet housed in a casing ||4 which is held in position by a support strap ||6 having apertures at the ends for fastening screws |l8. The pole pieces ||3 of the permanent magnet are located so as to be positioned immediately above the inclined runway formed by the ledge |64 of the gate 92. The wall 20 opposite pole pieces I3 has an aperture |26, Fig. 6, into which is fitted a plate |22 acceptable coins.

vsecured to a support strap |24, Fig. '7, which is retained in position by a plural-ity of screws |26. The plate |22 which has its surface flush with the surface of the wall is of a paramagnetic material which serves to concentrate and increase the effect of the magnetic ux passing between the pole pieces I |3l of the permanent magnet. Tlirs for the larger coin passageway an increased magnetic iiux is provided.

Mounted on the wall 20 is a coin passage partition |28, Fig. 6, which has a slot |38 through which is passed a screw |32 which threadedly engages a suitable aperture in the wall 20. The partition |28 is adjustably positioned so as to separate two coin passages, one for the coins which enter the chute 64 of the gate 56 and the other for the coins which enter the chute |00 of the gate 82. The partition |28 also serves asa bumper for the coins which pass down the runway |04 and which are not acceptable because they are of an alloy not sufficiently retarded by the magnetic neld produced by the pole pieces ||3 immediately above the runway. The wall 26 at its lower edge carries a triangular separation member or block |34 which divides the space between the walls 38 and 20 so as to form an accep-tance chute for 'cent coins and a reject chute for non-acceptable coins. The acceptance chute is to the right of the block |34, Fig. 6, and the reject chute is to the left of the block. The wall 20 toward its left end carries another triangular block |36 which denes the other side of the reject chute or opening.

Immediately above block |34 and somewhat to the left, as seen in Figures 1 and 6, the wall 20 is provided with a rectangular opening |38 through which a diverter |40 projects into the space between the walls 28 and 38. The diverter |40, as may be seen from Figures l and 7, lis an inwardly projecting member carried by a lever arm |42 pivotally mounted on a stud |44 and which is counterbalanced by a weight |46. The stud |44 is mounted on an adjustable plate |48 having an opening or slot through which is passed a fastening screw |52 which engages a suitable threaded opening in the wall 20. As maybe seen from Figures l and 6, the other extremity of the plate |48 has its edge bent inwardly at right angles to form a guide |54 which iits within the opening |38 so as to maintain the plate |48 in substantially horizontal position irrespective of the adjusted position to which this plate has been moved. Thus the position of the diverter |46 is adjustable so that it may be located so as to properly segregate acceptable coins from non-acceptable coins in accordance with their trajectories .as they roll oi the end of the runway |04.

For the other coin passageway for such as 10 cent coins which -enter the chute 64 of the gate 56, a rebound block |56 is adjustably mounted by means of a fastening screw |58 in the proximity of the right end wall 24. Certain coins leaving the runway 68 of the gate 56 will strike the rebound block |56 so that the resultant trajectory segregates acceptable coins lfrom non- The coin passageway for l0 cent coins is also provided with a diverter |60 having a slot |62 through which is passed a fastening screw |64 which engages a suitable threaded opening in the wall 38. The diverter |68 Vat lits outer extremity has a projection |68 -which extends inwardly into the coin passageway. The diverter |60 with Vits projection '|66 is positioned above and tothe left of the acceptt ance chute for 10 cent coins. l

The wall 38 carries `a plate or auxiliary wall member |68 which at. the lower left hand corner' has an inwardly turned por-tion |10 provided withan apertured` lug |12 for receiving a fas1 tening screw |14 which engages. a threaded opening in the wall 38'. The auxiliary wall |68. at the right, as seen in Figurev 1, isv bent inwardly at a right angle to form ay wall |76. Wall |68 is further bent at a right angle to formanother wall |18 parallel to the wall 38 which is formed at its upper extremity with an outwardly curved portion |88. The wall portion |18, together with the upwardly and -outwardly curved portion |80, forms one wall of a l0 cent coin acceptance chute. Thel inwardly bent Wall portion |16, as may be seen from Figure 6, has formed thereon a plurality of tabs .|82 and |84 which serve to form a partition'between the 10 cent. acceptance chute and a slug rejector chute formed by the wall |68 with the wall 38. The wall |68 in the proximity of the lower portion of the partition |16 is spaced from the wall 38 by a triangular block |86 which is retained in position byv a fas.- tening screw |88 which passes through an aperture in the wall |68 and engages a threaded arranged aperture 200 in the wall 26 below the gate S2. The wall 38 has two other inwardly turned portions 202 and 204 which t into another dog leg aperture 206 in the wall 20 below the end of the runway 68. The curved portion 204, together with that portion of the wall 38 immediately below, forms the other wall of a l0 ycent coin acceptance chute.

On the opposite side of the wall 20 thus 4far described, there is located a gate 208, Figs. 3 and 7, which at one side has a short pivot or trunnion 2|0 which engages a suitable opening in the wall 26. The gate 208 has an elongated `trun nion `or pivotal mounting 2|2 which engages an apertured ear 214 struck out at right angles from the wall 20. The elongated trunnion 2|2 is surrounded by a spring 2|6 which has one end in engagement with the gate 208 and the other end in engagement with the ear 2|4. The spring 2|6 exerts a torsional force to bias the gate 208 toward the wall 20 and also exerts an expansive force to bias the gate 208 to the left, as seen in Figure 3.

The gate 208 at, its upper extremity has a coin entrance chute portion 2 I8 for receiving coins of a certain denomination such as 5 cent pieces. The gate 208 has a downwardly extending wall portion 220 which at its lower extremity has an inwardly'bent ledge 222 which forms a portion of a coin runway. The lower portion 220 of the gate 208 pivotally supports a cradle 224 pivotally supported by a screw 226 which engages a threaded aperture in the gate wall 220. The cradle 224 is counterbalanced by a weight 228 and the cradle is limited in movement by a stud 230 mounted on the lower portion 220 of the gate, The cradle 224 has an upper curved surface substantially corresponding to the peripheral edge of an acceptable cent piece. The cradle is so designed that an underweight o'r underdiameter coin will not tilt the cradle so as to discharge the coin onto the runway 222; A coin of proper weight and proper diameter will tilt the cradle 224 so as to discharge the coin onto the runway 222. If the coin thus discharged is overdiameter, the coin will not entirely leave the cradle 224 since overdiameter coins are stopped by a stop stud 23| mounted on the wall 20.

The wall 20 has outwardly struck apertured ears 232 and 234 for receiving a pivot pin 236. The pin 236 passes through apertured ears 238 and 240 struck out from a movable wall 242 which is arranged in spaced parallel relation to the wall 20. The wall 242 is normally retained in closed position by a latch mechanism which engages a strike 244 formed in the end wall 26. The latch mechanism includes a pivoted lever 246 mounted on a stud 248. The pivoted lever 246 has a finger grip portion 250 and a latch portion 252. The latch portion 252 engages the strike 244. The latch lever 246 is biased in one direction by a spring 254 which engages the lever, surrounds the stud 248 and engages a stud or post 256 which is mounted on the wall 242. By withdrawing the latch portion 252 by engagement with the finger portion 250, the wall 242 may be moved outwardly to a position such as that shown in Figure '7 to permit access to the wall surfaces between the walls 20 and 242. The wall 242 at a point above the runway 222 of the gate 208 is provided with a pair of apertures 258 for receiving pole pieces 260 of a permanent magnet housed in a case 262. The case 262 is provided with suitable lugs for receiving fastening screws 264 which engage threaded apertures in the wall 242. Immediately below the gate 208, the wall 242 has an inwardly curved portion 266 which is adapted to t into a rectangular opening 268 in the wall 20.

Mounted on the wall 242 is a plate 210 having at its right side an inwardly bent wall portion 212 provided with an apertured lug 218 for receiving a fastening screw 280 which engages a i threaded aperture in the wall 242. The plate 210 at its opposite side is provided with an angularly arranged inwardly bent wall portion 282 which has an apertured lug 284 for receiving a fastening screw 286 which engages a threaded aperture in the wall 242. The plate 210 therefore is spaced some distance away from the wall 242 to provide a passageway for slugs.

Mounted on the wall 20 is a rebound anvil 288 having a plurality of slots 290 for receiving fastening screws 292 which engage threaded apertures in the wall 20. The anvil 288 is adapted to be engaged by coins leaving the runway 222. The rebound trajectories of the coins engaging the anvil 288 will differ in accordance with the material of the coins and the trajectories of the coins leaving the runway 222 so that the resultant rebound trajectories may be used to separate acceptable coins from non-acceptable coins. In order to separate acceptable coins from non-acceptable coins the wall 20 carries an adjustable partition or hurdle 294 provided with a plurality of slots 296 for receiving fastening screws 298 which engage threaded apertures in the wall 20.

The gate 208 has an outwardly projecting projection 3 d which is adapted to be engaged by a scavenger mechanism subsequently to be described. The scavenger mechanism moves the gate 208 outwardly away from the wall 20 so that 8 any underdiameter, overdiameter, or underweight coins are discharged from the gate, whereupon they drop down to engage the curved portion 266 of the wall '242 and enter the slug chute formed by the spaced wall 210.

By referring to Figures 3, '7 and 8, it will be seen that on one side of the wall 20 which is opposite the cooperating wall 242 there is mounted a scavenger actuating lever 302 pivotally supported at one end by a stud 304 which threadedly engages an aperture in the wall 20. The lever 302 has a downward projection which terminates in an apertured lug or ear 306 that is engaged by one end of a spring 308. The spring 308 passes around the stud 304 and is anchored to a post 3 l0 mounted in a wall 26. A spring 309, which serves as a return spring for another portion of the mechanism, is anchored to the post 3I0 and extends past a stud or screw 312 and onto the lower end of a link 314.

The upper end of the link 3 I4 is provided with a stud or screw 316 which is in engagement with a slot SIS formed at an intermediate point in the lever 302. Near its outer extremity the lever 302 is provided with a horizontally arranged portion 320 which is adapted to be actuated manually either directly by the fingers or by a mechanism engaging the portion 320. Pressure applied to the portion 320 will move the lever 302 in an arcuate manner in a downward direction in opposition to the action of the spring 368. The lever 302 is limited in its upward movement by a stop stud .3!3 mounted on the stationary Wall 20.

Just beneath the actuating portion 320 the lever 362 is provided with an opening or aperture 322 for actuating a sweep arm 324. The sweep arm 324 is pivotally mounted on the surface of the wall 26 by a pivot stud or screw 326. At an intermediate point on the sweep arm 324 there is mounted a stud 328 which projects into the opening or aperture 322 oi the arm 302. The sweep arm 324 is biased upwardly by a spring 330 which passes about a stud 332 mounted on the face of the wall 20, and the spring is anchored in an aperture or hole 334 in the face of the wall 20. The opening 322 in the arm 302 is so arranged that a downward movement of the lever 302 positively actuates the sweep arm 324 against the action of the spring 330 to sweep oi or clear the face of the magnetic pole pieces 260 which are mounted on the wall 242.

If for some reason the sweep arm 324 should become lodged or stuck so as not to return to its original position when the lever arm 302 is permitted to raise or release, the opening 322 is of such conguration that the sweep arm 324 may remain in downward position but the arm 302 will return to its original position.

The outer extremity of the arm 302 carries a pin or stud 336, Fig. 8, which projects through an aperture 338 in the wall 20. This stud 336 may be seen in Figures 1 and 6 as being in engagement with an opening or aperture 340 in a sweep arm 342. The sweep arm 342 is pivotally mounted by a stud or screw 344 which engages the other side of the wall 26. The sweep arm 342 is biased toward its upper position by a spring 346 which passes around a stud 348 and then engages the stop stud which also serves as the overdiameter stop for coins passing down the chute 56.

As seen in Figures 1 and 6, the wall 20 is also provided with another sweep arm 350 pivotally mounted at one end by a stud or screw 352. At

an intermediate point the sweep arm 350 is provided with a stud or screw 354 which passes through an arcuate opening or aperture 356 in the wall 20. The stud or screw 354, as may be seen from Figures 3, 7 and 8, pivotally connects with the lower extremity of the link 3|4 which has a stud 3|6 at its upper end in engagement with the slot 3 I8 of the arm 302. The spring 389 at its lower extremity biases the link 3|4 upwardly so that the sweep arm 350 is biased toward its upper position.

The sweep arm 350 may remain in its lower position and yet the arm 302 can be returned to its original position due to the length of the slot 3|8 in which the upper stud SiS of the link 3|4 operates. 'I'hus it will be seen that the sweep arm 350 may be retained in a lodged position Without rendering ineiective the remaining mechanism of the scavenger arm 302.

The sweep arm 342 has its opening 340 also so shaped that in the event the sweep arm 342 becomes lodged or stuck, the arm 302 may return to its original position. Thus the scavenger mechanism is so constructed that one or more of the sweep arms 324, 342, or 350 may become lodged or stuck without disrupting further action of the scavenger mechanism nor Without blocking all the other coin passages.

The arm 302 at a point intermediate its end pivot and the slot 3| 8 is provided with two downwardly extending strap portions 358 and 360 which are clearly visible in Figures 1, 3 and 7. The one portion 358 when the lever 302 is depressed engages the projection 10 of the gate 56 to move that gate pivotally outward away from the wall 20. At the same time, the other downwardly extending strap or projection 368 engages a projection |03 on a gate 92 to move that gate outwardly away from the wall 20. At the same time that the gates 56 and 92 are moved outwardly from the wall .20, the other gate 208 on the wall 20 is moved outwardly by the engagement -of the outer extremity of the arm 302 with the projecting portion 300 of the gate 208. Thus all three gates are moved outwardly at the same time and the motion of the scavenger arm 302 ca-uses all three sweep arms to move past the faces of the respective magnets .to sweep magnetic slugs therefrom. Thus single actuation of .thescavenger ymechanism associated with the arm 302 discharges underweight, underdiameter, overdiameter coins and magnetic slugs. All such coins cleared bythe scavenger are discharged into .the two-slug compartments formed by the wall |62 with the wall 38 and the wall 210 formed with the wall 242. The action produced by the scavenger mechanism on the various sweep arms is illustrated by Figure 8, where the original positions of the arms have been given their proper reference characters, and the displaced positions have been given the same reference characters with the suflix S, indicating the scavenger action position.

When the gate 288 is moved'outwardly and the sweep arm 324 clears the face of the pole pieces 260 of its associated magnet, the slugs or coins will be moved so as to drop `onto the curved edge 266 of the wall 242 whereupon the-coins and slugs enter the passageway between that wall and the auxiliary wall 210. On the opposite side of `the slug rejectOr an outward movement of the gate 92, together with a correspon-ding action of the associated sweep arm 350, discharges the coins so that they drop downwardly to strike the curved edge portion |98 of wall 38 so that the coin lis 10 passed down the inclined surface |10 in the space between the wall 38 and the auxiliary wall |68. Similarly, an outward movement of the gate 56, together with actuation of its sweep arm 342, causes spurious coins to drop downwardly to engage the inwardly curved surfaces |92 and |94 of the wall 38, whereupon 1the coins pass down the inclined surface and in the passage between the walls 38 and |68.

The operation of the coin selector and slug rejector entails both mechanical and magnet testing of coins and other tokens inserted in the device. .Mechanical testing is performed by the cradles 72, |86 and 224 and their associated overdiameter stops 88, |09 and 23|, Figs. 1,3, 6, and 7, for the lO-cent, 2,5-cent and 5-cent denominations, respectively. Magnetic testing is performed on those coins which pass into or through the iields of the magnets 86, ||4 and 262. Different metals have diilerent magnetic properties. Thus, nickel is least affected by a magnetic eld. Brass, zinc and certain other metals are affected to a greater extent, and silver to a still greater extent. Copper is slowed down much more than is silver in passing through a magnetic eld, while iron and steel usually are stopped by the magnet. Advantage is taken of these differences in characteristics to segregate nickel coins from tokens of other metals in the 5-cent denomination, and silver coins from tokens of other metals in the l0-cent and 25-cent denominations, as will be described in greater detail subsequently. Genuine 10-cent coins pass from the runway 68 into a chute to the right of the diverter |66. Simulated l-cent pieces not of the proper silver alloy, assuming they leave the magnetic iield, either rebound from the block |56 into a slug chute to the left of diverter |66 or pass directly from the runway 68 into this chute. Genuine 25-cent coins pass from runway |04 into an acceptance' chute to the right of diverter |48; whereas .2E-cent pieces not of the proper silver alloy may either rebound from the partition |28 into a reject chute to the left of diverter |48 or pass directly into this chute. Genuine 5- cent coins leave the runway 222 and stirke the anvil 288 with sulicient force to rebound over the hurdle 294 into an acceptance chute. 5-cent pieces not of the proper nickel alloy may or may not strike the anvil 288, but in either event they fail to clear the hurdle 294 and consequently drop into the reject chute.

It will first be assumed that a 10-cent coin has been inserted in the entrance chute 64, Figs.

s 1 and 6, so as to pass into the passageway between the gate 56 and the wall 20. The coin engages the cradle 'i2 where the coin is subjected to diameter and weight tests. When the coin is of proper diameter and weight the cradle 12 is tilted until it strikes the stop stud 'I8 so that the coin is discharged down the runway 68. If the coin is overdiameter it will be stopped by the overdiameter stud 80. When a coin of proper diameter passes down the runway 68 it is subjected to the inuence of the magnetic eld produced by the pole pieces 84 on the wall 38. The influence of the magnetic eld upon the coin passing down the runway 68 produces changes in trajectory of the coin dependent on the composition of the coin. A magnetic slug will be slowed down or stopped entirely by the permanent magnet. Certain other coins or tekens, such as those of brass, will be less alected by the magnetic field than are genuine l0-cent coins, with the result that the trajectory is such that the coin impinges or strikes against the rebound block |56 whereupon the rebound trajectory carries the coin to the left of the diverter l so that the coin engages the curved inner edge 232 of the slug passageway formed by the wall |68 with the wall 38. Other coins or tokens such as those of copper will be slowed down apreciably by the magnetic eld so that the trajectories fall short of the normal trajectory of a 10-cent coin. The coins may fall to the left of the diverter |56 or may fall onto the diverter. The diverter is s set that the center of gravity of any non-acceptable coins is also slightly to the left of the diverter so that the coins will pass into the reject chute. Genuine lO-cent coins may strike the diverter, but have a trajectory so that they will fall to the right, as seen in Figure l, whereupon genuine coins pass downwardly to engage in the curved surfaces 204, and |8U of the -cent coin acceptance chute which is formed by the wall 38 and the wall portion |18.

it may now be assumed that a -cent coin is inserted in the coin chute li formed by the upper portion of the gate 92. The coin passes down onto the cradle lll which tests the coin for weight and diameter. Assuming that the coin has the proper diameter and at least the proper weight, the cradle |06 will tilt until it engages the stud H2 on the gate |02. The coin thereupon will be discharged onto the runway |64. If the coin is not overdiameter so as to engage the stop stud H19, the coin will pass down the runway and be subjected to the'infiuence of the magnetic field produced by the pole pieces ||3 which t flush into the apertures I| and the wall E8. Coins of proper alloy have a trajectory so that they move downward into an acceptance chute. Such coins in moving downwardly engage a diverter E46. In so engaging the diverter the center of gravity is toward the right so that the coins will move to the right of the triangular partition |34 into the 25-cent acceptance chute. If certain coins enter the runway formed by the ledge |64 and have an alloy composition which is not as greatly affected by the magnetic field as are silver coins, the trajectory and speed of theV coin will be such that the coin strikes the partition |28, which also serves as a rebound block to direct the coin toward the left, whereupon the coin will enter the reject chute or passageway which is formed between the tri-Y angular members iS and |34. Certain other non-acceptacle coins will have trajectories less than the trajectory of a genuine 25-cent coin so that they will either drop into the reject chute or will strike the diverter M0 so that their center of gravity is slightly to the left of the diverter. Thereupon the coin will drop into the reject chute.

By referring to Figures 3 and 7, it will be appreciated how a 5-cent coin may be inserted into the entrance chute 2 I8 to pass into the passageway formed by the gate 22 t. The coin will engage the cradle 224 so as to be subjected to diameter and weight tests. If the coin has the proper diameter and at least equal to the proper weight, the cradle 224 will tilt until it strikes the stop 230. Thereupon the coin will be discharged onto the runway 222 provided that it is not overdiameter and is stopped by the Ystud 23|. In passing down the runway 222, the coin will be subjected to the influence of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet which has the pole pieces 26D in the face of the wall 242. The eiiect of the magnetic held is such as to produce different trajectories for the coin running down the runway 222. It of course will be understood that magnetic slugs may be stopped entirely by the permanent magnet. All other coins and tokens, however, will have characteristic trajectories after leaving the runway. The rebound anvil 258 is so positioned that only genuine nickel coins, which are least aiected by the magnetic held, will have a trajectory such that they will clear the barrier or hurdle formed by the member 94. All other coins and tokens will fail to clear this hurdle and pass into the reject chute.

It may now be assumed that one or more of thc coin chutes illustrated in Figure 1 has become jammed through the insertion of foreign substances or the mechanism does not operate quite properly due to dirty walls. ln accordance with the present invention, the wall 38 may be unlatched by manipulating the nger portion 46 of the latch e2 so that the wall may be moved outwardly through an angle substantially equal to ninety degrees or more to a position such as that shown in Figure 6. Then if it is desired to have access to those wall portions which form the passageway adjacent the gates 56 and 92, the gates 56 and 92 may be swung upwardly to the position shown in Figure 6. In these positions the surfaces of the gates, the movable wall, and the stationary wall are all accessible for ready cleaning so that the surfaces may be cleaned and placed in proper position. If it should be found that either one or" the gates needs further attention, the gates may readily be removed by compressing the biasing springs and moving the gates so as to disengage the pivot supports. Thus for example, the gate B may be moved toward the right, as shown in Figure 6, to compress the spring S2 so that the pivot or trunnion 58 may be withdrawn from the ear 52. Thereafter the gate may be twisted slightly so as to remove the other pivot from the other ear E4. Similarly, the gate 82 may be removed. If it is desired to remove the wall 38, the pin 32 may be removed. Thus without the use of tools it is possible to have access to all of the inner surfaces of the coin selector passageways for the 10 and 25 cent coms.

By reference to Figures 3 and 7, it will be seen how all surfaces forming passageways for the 5-cent coin likewise are readily accessible. The wall 242 may be unlatched by manipulating the latch 246 by engaging the linger portion 250. Thereafter the wall 242 may be swung outwardly to a position similar to that shown in Figure '7. After the wall 242 has been moved outwardly, the gate 208 may be moved upwardly to the position shown in Figure 7. The gate and the wall shown in Figure '7 likewise are readily removable by following the same manipulations previously described with respect to the Igates and the wall on the other side of the slug rejector.

It will be appreciated that While the drawings have shown certain specific embodiments and certain details that the present invention is not to be limited thereby since such variations in the arrangements and in the individual details are contemplated as may be commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention expressed in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A multi-coin testing device comprising in combination a frame having a vertical wall forming one wall of a plurality of coin passagcways, a second wall'pivotally mounted parallel to said rst Wall, a third wall pivotally mounted parallel to and on the opposite side of said first wall, said Vsecond and third walls being of substantial extent relative to said first wall, means forming a plurality of coin passageways between said walls, a plurality of magnetic testing devices mounted on said latter walls, a scavenger lever for each magnetic testing device for clearing the face thereof, and a scavenger actuating mechanism for moving said scavenger levers including means arranged to return said scavenger actuating mechanism to its original position even if one or more of said scavenger levers fail to return to their original position.

2. A multi-coin testing device -`comprising in combination a frame having a vertical wall forming one wall of a coin passageway, another wall pivotally mounted on and parallel to said rst wall and pivotable through a sufficient angle to expose the parts covered thereby for cleaning purposes, a plurality of coin passageways formed between said walls, each coin passageway being provided with a magnetic testing device, a scavenger lever disposed between said walls for each magnetic testing device for clearing the face thereof, spring means biasing each scavenger lever to a predetermined position, a scavenger actuating mechanism for moving said levers against the action of said springs, and spring means for returning said scavenger actuating mechanism independently of the return of said scavenger levers.

3. A multi-coin testing device comprising in combination a frame having a vertical wall and a plurality of cooperating parallel walls, said cooperating walls being pivotally mounted on said first wall for substantially 90 or more of pivotal movement to facilitate cleaning of the parts covered thereby and defining a plurality of coin passages therewith, said cooperating walls being provided with a plurality of magnetic testing devices, a scavenger lever for clearing the face of each magnetic testing device, spring means urging each scavenger lever toward a predetermined position, and a scavenger actuatingr mechanism for positively moving each scavenger lever against the action of its respective spring.

4. A multi-coin testing device comprising in combination a frame having a vertical wall forming one Wall of a coin passageway, a plurality of Walls pivotally mounted parallel to and on opposite sides of said rst wall and of substantial extent relative thereto, a plurality of coin passageways formed between said walls, each coin passageway being provided with a magnetic testing device, a separate scavenger lever for each magnetic testing device for clearing the face thereof, spring means biasing each scavenger lever toward a predetermined position, a scavenger actuating mechanism for moving said levers against the action of said springs, said scavenger actuating mechanism being interconnected with said scavenger levers by means including a pin and slot connection for insuring the return of said actuating mechanism even if one or more of said scavenger levers are not returned to their original position.

5. A coin testing device comprising in combination a frame having a vertical wall forming one wall of a plurality of coin passages, a plurality of entrance chutes formed by a plurality of gates substantially horizontally hingedly mounted on said wall, each gate carrying a coin testing device and a part of the base of an inclined runway, a plurality of movable walls hingedly mounted parallel to and on opposite sides of said first wall, said movable walls forming continuations of said gate chutes, latching means for normally retaining said movable walls in vpositions parallel to said irst wall', ymagnetic testing devices mounted on said walls adjacent the ends of said runways, a plurality of scavenger levers for clearing the sidesof said magnetic testing devices, and a scavenger actuating mechanism for moving all of said scavenger levers land for pivotally shifting said hinged gates to clear .said device of non-acceptable coins.

6. A coin testing device comprisingV in combination a frame having a vertical wall forming one wall of a coin passageway, awall hingedly f mounted on said first wall and pivotally movable suiiiciently to 'expose all parts covered thereby for cleaning purposes, latching means for normally retaining said wall in position parallel to sai-d first Wall, a plurality of entrance chutes hingedly mounted on said first wall and movable away therefrom suiiiciently for cleaning purposes, means located adjacent the upper portion of said hinged Wall for forming a plurality of coin passageways for said entrance chutes, and separation means mounted between said passageways, said separation means serving as a bumper for non-acceptable coins in one of said coin passageways.

7. A coin testing device comprising in combination a frame having a vertical Wall forming one wall of a coin passageway, a plurality of entrance chutes formed by a plurality of gates substantially horizontally hingedly mounted on said wall, each gate carrying a coin testing device and a part of the base of an inclined runway, a wall hingedly mounted on said rst wall, said hinged wall having passageways forming a continuation of said gate chutes, latching means for normally retaining said movable wall in a position parallel to said rst wall, an adjustable member mounted on said first wall to separate the coin passageways and to serve as a bumper for certain coins in one of said passageways, and a scavenger actuating mechanism for pivotally shifting said hinged gates to clear said device of non-acceptable coins.

8. A coin selector comprising a stationary wall, a plurality of gates pivoted on substantially horizontal axes at one side of said stationary wall and spaced transversely therealong, each said gate deiining a coin passageway adjacent the entrance to the selector and being adapted for pivotal movement away from the said vertical 'wall to provide access to the walls of the passageway formed between each said gate and said stationary wall, and a cooperating wall pivotally secured to said stationary wall and transversely coextensive with the said gates and substantially comating with the lower portions thereof to provide continuations of the gate passageways, said cooperating wall being adapted for outward pivotal movement to provide access to the interior surfaces between said Walls, and means normally positioning and retaining said cooperating Wall in operative parallel relation to the said stationary wall.

9. A coin selector as claimed in claim 8, wherein each gate carries a coin testing device and there is provided clearing mechanism operable for moving said gates outwardly from the stationary walls sufficiently to discharge and reject coins blocking the passageway formed by said gates.

10. A coin selector as claimed in claim 9, wherein each gate includes an inwardly directed in- 15 clined ledge forming a runway and wherein the pivoted cooperating wall carries magnetic testing devices positioned to substantially co-mate with said gates above the said runways when in closed position.

11. A coin selector as claimed in claim 8, wherein scavenger actuating mechanism is provided for shifting said gates outwardly of said stationary Wall and independently of said movable wall to clear the same of non-acceptable coins.

12. A coin selector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cooperating wall carries magnetic testing devices adapted in closed position for association with a coin passageway formed by each gate, a scavenger lever for clearing said magnetic testing devices, and scavenger operating mechanism operable to shift said gates outwardly of said stationary Wall to clear the selector of non-acceptable coins.

OTTO A. HOKANSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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