US3194378A - Multiple coin meter - Google Patents

Description

July 13, 1965 GREENWALD 3,194,378

MULTIPLE COIN METER Filed June 6, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 MW mini I lib i will HYM INVENTOR. Harry Greenwald ATTORNEY FIGJZ H. GREENWALD 3,194,378

MULTIPLE COIN METER July 13 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 6, 1962 INVENTOR. Harry Greenwald ATTORNEY July 13, 1965 H. GREENWAL-D 3,194,378

MULTIPLE COIN METER Filed June 6, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Harry Greenwald ATTORNEY July 13, 1 H. GREENWALD MULTIPLE COIN METER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 6, 1962 INVENTOR Harry Greenwald BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,194,378 MULTWLE COIN METER Harry Greenwald, Whitestone, N.Y., assignor of one-third each .to Louis Wolff and Harry Silberglait, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Filed June 6, 1%2, Ser. No. 200,395 8 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates in general to a multiple coin meter, and more specifically to a compact multiple coin meter adapted for accepting coins of different denominations.

An object of this invention is to provide a multiple coin meter having a single coin slot sized for receiving coins of several denominations.

Another object is to provide a multiple coin meter adaptable for receiving coins of several denominations with means for imparting an electrical impulse for totaling the amount of the acceptable coins received thereby.

Another object is to provide a multiple coin meter having a coin rejecting means for each of the coin denominations accepted by the meter to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable coins accepted by the respective coin rejecting means and in which the coin rejecting means are disposed in side by side relationship to minimize the vertical fall distance of the respective coins therethrough.

Another object is to provide a multiple coin meter with a single electromagnetic means for preventing the acceptance of any coins by the machine controlled by the coin meter when there is no power to the machine.

Another object is to provide a multiple coin meter with a coin separator disposed adjacent the coin slot which is operatively associated with the coin rejecting means for directing like coins of one denomination to one coin rejecting means and for directing like coins of another denomination to another coin rejecting means.

Still another object is to provide a trip switch operatively associated and arranged so that the switch is actuated by a coin each time an acceptable coin passes through its respective coin rejecting means.

Still a further object is to provide one trip switch operatively associated with the meter components whereby the one switch is successively actuated at least twice by the same coin; and which one switch is constructed and arranged so as to prohibit hang up of the coin thereon.

Still a further object is to provide in a multiple coin meter, multiple coin rejecting means with a single clearing lever actuated fro-m the front of the meter for effecting simultaneous clearing each of the coin rejecting means.

The above objects, and other features and advantages of this invent-ion are attained by a multiple coin meter comprising a front plate having formed therein a single slot sized for receiving coins of several denominations, and .a coin return opening. Disposed adjacent the coin slot is a coin separator for distinguishing the denomination of the coin inserted into the meter. Positioned on the opposite sides of a bracket connected to the front plate is a coin rejecting means for detecting between acceptable and unacceptable coins of the denomination received thereby, the separator directing like coins of one denomination to the coin rejecting means disposed on one side of the bracket and like coins of another denomination to the other coin rejecting means disposed on the other side of the bracket.

Operatively associated, with each of the coin rejecting means is a coin chute. Each coin chute is arranged to define an acceptable coin channel and an unacceptable coin channel; the latter coin channel of the respective coin chutes returning the unacceptable coins passing through the respective coin rejector to the coin return opening. The acceptable coins detected by the respective coin reice jector means are directed through the acceptable coin channl to the coin box of the machine. A single electromagnetic means is disposed between the respective coin rejecting means. In its deenergized state the electromagnet will cause the coins to fall in the unacceptable coin channel of the respective coin chutes for ultimate return to the coin return box or opening. In its energized state, the electromagnet permits the accepted coins passing through the respective rejector means to drop in the coin accepting channel of the coin chutes.

In accordance with this invention there is associated with each of the acceptable coin channels a trip switch having means in the form of a feeler or trip disposed in the path of the coin so as to be actuated by the acceptable coin passing thereby. One of the trip switches is arranged to be actuated twice by the same larger denomination coin. The arrangement is such that an impulse generated upon the respective actuations of the trip switches is used for totaling the value of the coins accepted. The coin meter of this invention also includes a clearing lever pivotally mounted to the bracket. The clearing lever is operatively associated with the clearing mechanism of the respective coin rejecting means so that actuation of the clearing lever from the front of the meter serves to simultaneously actuate the rejecting mechanisms of the respective coin rejecting means.

A feature resides in the provision that the multiple coin meter of this invention is positive and reliable in operation.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and description in which:

FIG. 1 s a front view of the multiple coin meter of this invention looking at the front plate of the meter;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the coin meter;

FIG. 3 is a detail side view of the bracket and clearing lever assembly;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right end view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the mounting bracket assembly;

:FIG. 7 is a right end view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view in detail of a coin chute;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a right end view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the separator means for mechanically distinguishing between coin denomination, and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail of the switch trip wire.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 13 illustrate the compact multiple coin meter 20 of this invention. The multiple meter 20 is adapted to receive coins of different denominations, as for example, twenty-five cent coins and fifty cent coins. However it will be understood, that while reference will be herein made to coins of these denominations, the meter concept of this invention can be readily adapted for use with coins of any denomination, e.g. five cent coins, ten cent coins, and the like.

Meters of this type are used, for example, on commercial, coin operated, automatic washers, driers, dry cleaning machines, and the like. In accordance with this invention the compact meter 20 comprises a front plate casting 21 having formed therein a single coin slot opening 22 sized for receiving both twenty-five cent coins and fifty cent coins. The front plate 21 is also provided with a coin return box 23 in which access is had through an opening 24 in the front plate. If desired a swinging door (not shown) may be provided to close the access opening 24 to the coin return box 23. Also the front of the plate is provided with a coin return lever 25 and be hereinafter described;

a suitable lock means 26, of known constructionhaving a rotating latch 26A for securing the meter front plate to a given coin operated machine, eg. an automatic washer, drier, and the like (not shown). i

. Connected to the rear ofthe front plate in the vicinity U of the coin slot 22 is a coin separator 27 for distinguishing between the fifty cent coins and the twenty-five cent coins. The separator 27 comprises a casting having a passageway 27A for receiving thet twenty-five cent coins eratively associated with the separator casting is a separating baflief 23, which is constructed to direct the larger fifty cent coins'to passageway'27'B', and the smaller twentyanda passageway 27B for receiving. fifty centcoins.

five cent coinsto passageway 27A. The bafiie comprises 'a'bent portion 28A for. directing the larger of the two coins to one passageway 27Band having another lower position 283 thereof oppositely bent for directing the a smaller of the coins to the'other passageway 27A. The

arrangement of the separator casting 27 "and associated baffle 28 is such that the coins are readily distinguished V mechanically regardless of the order in'which the coins are inserted into the coin slot. 7

7 Connected to the rear of the front plate is amounting V bracket assembly 29; The assembly29 includes, a mount:

ingbracket 30 connected normally to the front plate 21, by means of a laterally bent fronttmounting flange 30A. 7 The bracket 30 also includes a flange 30B integrally con-Q nected and laterally disposed to thesame side of the bracket 30 as the'front mounting flange 39A. Extending to the other sideof the bracket 39are laterally bent out tabs or ears 30C, 3tlD,'3tlE to provide a three point support for coin rejecting mechanism 31' detachably connected thereto as will be hereinafter described. The a front and rear flanges 30A, 30B are each provided with' notches 32 for detachably supporting;therebetween another coin rejecting mechanism. 33.

which-inclines toward the boin rcjectgbox ZSII QThe wallAiA spaced fronrthe, outerjwall '41Bjdefines"there with'a coin channel 42for receivingthe fifty cent coins; tmacceptable to the fifty: cent; coin rejecting: means '33,

Disposed between; manna; 'and ioute'r ; wall 41A, 41B?" 7 V j adjacentthe rear portion'gofthetrchute assembly'dl 'ds a As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket 34} is disposed normal 'to the tfront plate 21 immediately belowthe, coin 'separator 27 and is arranged 'relativethereto so that one 1 coin passageway 27A is positioned to one 'side'ofxthe partition wall MD "to define a portion" of the; nner i wall f' 41A, a channel 43lf or receiving-the acceptable fifty cent coins. Channel 143' communicates with the fcoinf,

reservoir of the machine which is not shown;

As shown inFlGati -the coin deflecting,leyer fi'l has-t1,

its end portion 37A overlying thet inletfto the acceptable fif-ty'cent coin channel 43in the deenergizedposition of 'electromagnetl35. Thereforej in the deenergized posi-,-

tion of the 'electromagnet '35 it;isiimpossibleifor afifty centcoin deposited in the coin slotfZZ to be accepted in a the acceptablecoin channel 43;*as channel43fis blockedl V by lever 374 The blooking end it'l zk of theileyef is; a provided with an inclined cam :su'rtace 31B for deflecting vthe fifty cent 'coins to the reject chann elf42 iwhenithe electromagnetSS is deenergizedr l j The twenty-fivecent return coinchanniel 4tl comprises a" casting which is; connected on the opposite side of-the V bracket30." Therinlet liiA of; thisjchannel is blocked 'in'the deenergized state oi -the electromagnjet-jfi5byy thei deflecting pinSdB on pl-atefie-p Disposed iadjaeent'to the return :coin :channel -tlgis'the acceptable twentyffivefcent V l channel 45 This 612111112145 also-commitnicateswithf the ,7 coin box of a meter'w hich is notshown. As sho'wnjthe coin channel 45, is definod by astamping benttto deiine a? rectangular chuteaor channeL the: sides o'f v'ided withan elongated opening 1 7 a t t In accordance withithis invention,a coinireject means 3i, 2:3:is detachably" secured to each side 'ofQthe bracket 39 betweenflthe'coin separator '21 and the respective coin 7 chute assemblies and 41. Each of;theicoinrejector. means 31,;333are of standard welliknown construction,

and the specifici details the'i'eof'do not'form any tpart 'of'f bracket 30, and the other coinpassageway 27B is posi- 7 portion of the bracket 30 is provided with a cut out portion oropening 34 for accommodating an electromagnetic means 35 comprisinga coil 35A disposed abouta stationary core 35B. Pivotallyconnected adjacent the core hinge plate 36; In the deenergized state of the electro magnet 35, i.e. when there is nopower. to themachine,

1 theiplate 36 is normally biased outwardly of thecore by a spring 36A as shown in FIG. 6. Connected to the deflecting plate 36-is a pin36B by which the coins of v 7 one denomination are actuallydeflected .when theelectromagnet is deenergi'zed. "In the energized state of the V e'lectromagnet, thethinge plate 36 is attracted to the core so as to render the plate 36 inoperative.

connected toan extension36C connected to the plate 36' is a deflecting lever 37, 'As shown, lever 37 is pivoted 30." The lever 37 is adapted to project through an 0pming EtlF in the bracket 30it-o extend to the other side thereof. T-hus when the electromagnet '35 is energized and the plate 36 is attracted 'to the core, both the pin- 36A and the deflecting lever 37 connected to' theplate;

are moved from operative to inoperative position jas-will tioned to the othcr side of the bracketfitl. The central this invention, 7 For this reason; ade'tail'ed these reject mechanisms are not 'essentiaglfo standing of ,th e. invention. {Generally the reject; devices 3 1, 33 are utilized for'dis'tinguishirig' between acceptable and unacceptable coins of each denomination'acccpted by r the coin slot of the meted For example; the respective rejects means '31; 33 are constructed :sothat they will vonly a acceptproper sized coins. :Undersizc d=;coins, Tcounte'rr of the electromagnetic means about a fulcrum F is a Operatively V intermediate ithe ends thereoft about pin 58 to bracket Connected to either side of the bracket 30 stretchinchute assemblies dtiandl. Coin chute assembly 405' is adapted to accommodate the twenty-five cent pieces;

and coin chuterassernblyd-l is-adapted to accommodate the fifty cent pieces; 7 a e As shown in FIGS. 9-1 1, the fifty cent chute assembly is: defined by an inner and outer. wall 41A, 4113; The

outer Wall} 4113 tapers downwardly and inwardlyfa-nd; is formed With integral inwardly bent bottom wall 41C 'feit coins, washers, slugs and the. like are rejected by the a respective coin rejectors In the instant case the ,unacceptable'coins or icoi'n. facsimiles. are hungfupiin either ofthe respective rejecting means; 31, 33,;gaIldCInllStQbe cleared by the; clearing lever SiL -Thea ceptable coins 1 pass through their respeotive'rejecting1mechanism to the V coin'channels .43 0r 45 leadinggt ottherrcoinfbox rmyg shown) a o As shown in PEG. '2, the twenty-five 'centirejecting V mechanism 31 isprovided with'late'rally textehding pins I 311}. whereby it is detachably supportedonlu gs ZSdCgSiiD; and )The rejecting means-His positiyely retaine in place by a latch sl 'which is: pivoted to flange 3GB for a movement'betweennlatchedlandjunlatched positions; The

fifty centrejectinglrnechani sm-33 is disposed onthe other side of the bracketfifi between flangesrSiQAandfiflBiiandZ it is positively retained therebetween.inn-similar manrier by latch 524.1 In the assembled position it will be apparent 5 that all coins insertedthroughicoini slot ZZfWillIbe d-i-Q rected through one or thefotherof the rejectm ec hanisrns; 31 or 33, and be discharged therefrom to the coins'chnte assembly disposed therebeneath; Depending on whether r the coin has-been accepted or unaccepted' by therespective 7 V a common clearingleverh'dispiriotedtoithebracket 39. 2.

The lever 5G is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed lugs 50A, 50B which are arranged to engage the clearing mechanism of the respective rejecting means 31, 33. The actuator for the lever 50 comprises the coin return lever 25 which is pivoted on the front plate. Connected to the pivot 25A of lever 25 is an arm 258 which engages one end of the clearing lever 50. Thus when the return coin lever 25 is actuated, the clearing lever Stl will be operated to effect actuation of the clearing mechanism of the respective coin rejecting means to release any unacceptable coin hung up therein, in the event an unacceptable coin has been deposited. Upon release of the unacceptable coin, it is directed to either of the appropriate coin return channels 40, 42.

In accordance with this invention means for creating an electrical impulse for totaling the amount of acceptable coins received thereby is provided. The electrical impulses are produced by a trip switch 60, 61 disposed adjacent each of the acceptable coin channels 45, 43, respective-1y. Each of the switches 60, 61 are arranged so as to be actuated by the coin passing through the respective acceptable coin channel. Because the fifty cent coin is equal to twice the value of the twenty-five cent coin, the switch 61 adjacent the fifty cent acceptable channel 43 is arranged so as to be actuated twice by the same acceptable fifty cent coin. The switch 61 adjacent the twenty-five cent channel 45 is actuated once by the coin passing therethrough. In this manner the number of impulses produced by the coins passing through chambers 43 and 45 are identified by the value of the coins accepted by the respective coin rejectors.

In accordance with this invention the trip switch 64? for the twenty-five cent coinsincludes a feeler or trip wire 60A which has a laterally bent end portion 603 extending transversely across the width of the acceptable coin channel 45. Therefore each acceptable twenty-five cent piece passing through channel 45 will engage the bent end 6013 of feeler 60A. Such engagement will effect displacement of the feeler and actuation of the switch 60.

The trip switch 61 adjacent the acceptable fifty cent coin channel 43 includes a feeler or trip wire 62 which is pivoted to the switch 61 intermediate the ends thereof. Thus the feeler wire 62 has a pair of arms 62A, 62.13. One arm has a laterally bent end portion 62C adapted to extend transversely of the acceptable coin slot 43 adjacent the upper rear end of the channel 43. The other arm 62B has a laterally bent port-ion 62D extending through opening 43A disposed in the lower front portion of the channel 43, diametrically opposite the upper portion 438 of channel 43. The arrangement of feeler or trip wire 62 is such that an acceptable fifty cent coin passing through channel 43 will first trip arm 62A, and then successively trip arm 6213; thus the fifty cent piece will trip the switch 61 twice.

Because a fifty cent coin has a knurled periphery edge, and because a part of its momentum is lost in actuating the trip arm 62A, the lateral bent end portion 62D of the second trip arm 62B is constructed so as to prevent hang up of the coin therein. Hangup is thus avoided by providing a V shape notch d3 (FIG. 13) intermediate the bent end portion 621). Thus, when the fifty cent coin engages the bent portion 62D of arm 6213, the edge of the coin is received in the V of the notch 53 so that the trip of arm 62B is, in effect, actuated by the sides of the fifty cent coin. In this manner the knurled edge of the fifty cent piece does not engage the bent portion 62D of the trip arm 6213.

If desired, the front plate may be provided with a window 7G in which the total amount required for operating the machine may be displayed. The arrangement is such that the amount sign (not shown) cannot be removed from the front of the meter. A space 71 for displaying the operating instructions is also provided on the front plate.

In operation, the multiple coin meter is adapted to be used in an automatic coin operated machine, as for example, a washer, drier, dry cleaning machine, or the like. The meter described is utilized in conjunction with a coin counter which does not form any part of this invention. The impulses or signals produced by the accepted coins tripping switches 64), 61 are sent to the coin counter. Thus when the proper number of coins have been deposited, the counter will initiate the operating cycle of the machine. For example, if the counter has been set to initiate a cycle upon the insertion of, say $1.75, in coins, any combination of fifty cent and twenty-five cent coins for totaling this amount must be deposited in the coin slot 22 of the meter. For example, if the operator deposits two fifty cent coins and three twenty-five cent coins, the fifty cent coins will be directed by separator 27 to the fifty cent coin reject mechanism 31, and the twenty-five cent coins will be directed to the twenty-five cent reject mechanism 31. With the power connected to the machine, and electromagnetic means energized, the respective coins passing through their respective rejecting mechanism are directed to either of the acceptable coin channels 43 or 45, if they be proper and valid coins. In doing so the respective coins will trip either switch 60 or 61. The signal resulting from the tripping of switches 69 or 61 is thus relayed to the coin counter which is tied in with the circuits operating the given machine cycle.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular method and a particular embodiment for practicing the same, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A compact totalizing multiple coin meter comprising a front plate having a single coin slot sized for receiving coins of different denomination; separator means connected to the front plate adjacent said slot for distinguishing the denomination of said coins; a coin rejecting means disposed adjacent to said front plate for each denomination, said separator means directing coins of like denomination to one rejecting means, and like coins of another denomination to another rejecting means, each said rejecting means including means for distin uishing between acceptable and non-acceptable coins of said coin denominations, a trip switch associated with each of said rejecting means, said trip switches each including an actuating trip feeler disposed in position to be actuated by an acceptable coin passing through its respective rejecting means, and one of the switches having a trip feeler having opposed ends, said one switch being arranged to be actuated at least two times by the same coin, the said trip feeler of said one of the switches including means for pivotally connecting said trip feeler of said one switch intermediate its opposed ends, and laterally bent end portions formed at each of said opposed ends, said bent end portions being disposed to extend in the path of a coin whereby the bent end portions are directly and successively actuated by the same coin passing through the associated rejecting means whereby each actuation of said trip feeler by said coin imparts an impulse upon engagement of said coin with each bent end portion whereby the total of said impulses indicates the denomination of said coin.

2. A compact multiple coin meter for accepting coins of different denominations comprising a front plate having a single coin slot sized for receiving coins of different denominations and a coin return opening, a bracket connected to the rear side of said front plate; said bracket having an opening therein; an electromagnet mounted in said opening, said electromagnet having means for rejecting all coins when said electromagnet is rendered inoperative whereby said coins are returned to the coin return opening, a coin rejecting means mounted on either side of said bracket, the coin rejecting means mounted on one side of said bracket distinguishing between acceptable and ,2, unacceptable coins of one denomination, and the coin rejecting means on the other side'for distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable coins or" anotherdenomination; means for clearing said rejecting means, simultaneously; and a handle pivotally mounted on said front plate for actuating said clearing means forejecting any 7 distinguish between aacceptableiand unacceptable icoinsof V the coin denomination accepted therjebyQsaid rejectors' unacceptable coin in either of said coin rejectingrneans;

a coin separator disposed adjacent said slot, said separator directing coins of like denominations to onerejecting means and all like coins of another denoinination'to the rejecting means on the other side ofsaid bracket, a trip switch including a trip fceler operativeiy associated with the respective coin rejecting means, each of the trip feelers of'the respective trip switches being disposed so as to be actuated by an acceptable coin passing through its respective rejecting means; and one of said trip switches including a trip feeler whereby said feeler is actuated at leasttwice by the same coin, whereby actuationof trip switches imparts an impulse"v for totaling the amount of j coins deposited.

3. A compact multiple coin meter for accepting coins ofdii'ferent denominations comprising a front plate having a single coin slot'size'd for receiving coinsrof different i denominations and'a coin returning'opening, a bracket connected to the rear side of saidf front plate; said bracket havin an ro'ienin Y therein an electroma net t c k r o a t mounted in said opening, said electromagnet, havingmeans for returning the coins to said coin returning opening, 1a coin rejecting means mounted on each side of said bracket, the coin rejecting means on one side being operative to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable coins of any denomination, and the coin rejectother rejector, reachiofijsaid rejectors beingfoperative to directing its acceptable coins to the acceptable. coin channel of 'lit respective coin-chute, and dirccting its unac ceptable coins to the unacceptable coin channel of the respective coin chute, a trip' switch associated .yvithgthe acceptable coin channels of each coin chute, said; trip switch being actuated by the coin passing through its respective acceptable .coin channel whereby .saidf'switch actuation generates an impulse forjtotaling the amount, of the acceptable coins acceptedby said meter, thejswitch;

associated with one of said'chuteshaving tm eanslwhereby said switch is actuated at least twice by the isamef coin,"

said latter means; includes a twoiaru ed trip feeler pivotal ly connected to said switch, each :arm ofsaid tripfeieler having a lateral' beritend portion adapted to be contacted by said coin; and one of said laterally bent end portions being provided with an tofiset' portion; for engaging, the

of said coin; c V t '5."The invention as defined in claimjricluding means sides of a coin actuating the sani eifor rninimizing. hang up ,1'

for simultaneously clearing said rejectorspfl'said' means: 7 including a clearing lever opivotally mounted a to. said I bracket, said lever beingaadaptedto,engageathe 'clearing mechanisms ofj'fllc respective coin rejectors; *andfia han-f dle pivotally, mountedlton theifront plate for actuating said clearing lever.

' 6. A compact multiple. coin meter forl use in" a coin operated machine for accepting for examplebothtwenty five and fiftyccntcoiri pieces comprising :a front plate having a single coin slot for receiving each of therespecing means on the other side of said bracket for distin guishing between acceptable and unacceptable coins of;

another denomination; means for clearing said rejector simultaneously, said latter means including a clearing lever pivoted to said bracket, said lever including lateral projections adaptable, for engaging the clearing mocha-u nism of siad coin rejections, and handlezpivotally mounted on said front plate for actuatingzsaidclearing lever 'for ejecting any unacceptable coin in either of said coin rejecting means; a 'coin separator disposed adjacent said slot,. said separator directing coins of like denominations to one rejecting means'and all like coins of another denomination tothe rejecting means on the other side of said bracket, a trip switch in'cluding a trip feeler op} erativcly associated with the respective coin rejecting means, each of said trip switch feelers being disposed so 7 as to be actuatedtby an acceptable coin passing through its respective reiecting means, and one of said trip switch feelers including means whereby said switch r'eeler is ac tuated at least twice by the same coin.- I

4. A compactmultiple'coin meter adapted for use in a coin operated machine for accepting coins of different denominations comprising a front plate having a single coin slot sized for receiving coius of different .tdenominations and a coin return opening, a return box disposed adjacent said opening, a mechanical coin separator dis- I posed immediately behind saidtslot', a bracket connected to said front plate, a coin chute connectedtoeach side. V of said bracket for receiving'coins of like denominations", which are directed to said chutes by said separator, means a for partitioning each of saidcoin chutes into an acceptable coin channel and an unacceptable returncoinchan- 7 ml, said return coin channel of therespective coin chutes communicating with said coin return box, and anelectro magnet'conneeted on said bracket, means associated'with said electro-rnagnet for preventing the passageiofany coins from said coin slot toreither of said coin accepting, channels of said coin' chutes when a coin is inserted into said coin slot and said electro-rnagnet s: de-energized, 'a

coin rejector mounted on either side of said brack e tbe- 5 said lateral endjpo'rtion being; oprov-ided with can ,ofiset 7 portion intermediate the ilength 'thereof for" engaging the 7 tween said separator andrsaid coin chutes, saidsepar-ator directing like coins ,ofone denomination ,to one coin re'jector and like coins of another denomination to an-itive coin piecesan-d a coin return" opening; a return coin box disposed adjacent said returnzopening etconnected to: and normally disposedlto saidbfront channels of the-respective coin chutes when sa-id'electromag net' is? deenergized, agc'oin :reje ctor, connected to- ,said bracket'below said coin 'seg'aarator for receiving the twenty-five cent piece and a coinrejectorconnecteditoj the other side of said bracket for receiving thefifty cent I pieces, each of said Icoin 'rejectfors; being opcrative to detect between acceptable and unacceptable coins of; the; respective coin denomination, accepted thereby; ea'ch of j said rejectors directing; its acceptable'fcoin' piece o jth'ej acceptable coinlchannel of its respective coin chute, and directing its unacceptable coins: to; thecunacceptable' gcoin channel of itsgrespectivezcoin chute, and: :a'tripafswitch associated with the acceptablelcoiri channels'iof the respeq. v tive coinchute s; each iiof said lswitchesiincluding a"feelerf 1 disposed in the path oftthe' coin passing through the" lc-f. ceptablej .coin "channels; and the feeler di'sposed' ,injthe path of said fifty cent coin pieceyhavingi a pair of lateral xt'ensions adapted to; be, actuated twice by aid fifty t c.

piece; t V 3 t 7, For-use in a coin meter fajtrip sw1tch adapted;.to be actuated: by; an acceptable coin passing through said i meter, said switch including a trip armhaying, azlaterally t-- f bent end: portion adapted to ibe: contacted by said coin,"

edges Ora coin 'adaptedfo actuate 16 "Sam? t hfi y' ,h ngupofthetcoin thereon is mini iZ I V a mechanical coin separatordisposed,immediately behind-said slotfor '(list-inguishing between the respctivecoinipieces, a brackt References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 447,037 2/91 Wheeler 194-103 2,586,129 2/52 Wallin.

2,651,399 9/53 Patzer 194-101 1 0 3/54 York 194-1 8/54 Rog-ier 194--1O 3/56 Lovell 194-9 5/ 59 Haverst-ick 194-9 8/ 61 Baker.

FOREIGN PATENTS 1/ 15 Germany.

SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A COMPACT TOTALIZING MULTIPLE COIN METER COMPRISING A FRONT PLATE HAVING A SINGLE COIN SLOT SIZED FOR RECEIVING COINS OF DIFFERENT DENOMIMATION; SEPARATOR MEANS CONNECTED TO THE FRONT PLATE ADJACENT SAID SLOT FOR DISTINGUISHING THE DENOMINATION OF SAID COINS; A COIN REJECTING MEANS DISPOSED ADJACENT TO SAID FRONT PLATE FOR EACH DENOMINATION, SAID SEPARATOR MEANS DIRECTING COINS OF ANOTHER NATION TO ONE REJECTING MEANS, AND LIKE COINS OF ANOTHER DENOMINATION TO ANOTHER REJECTING MEANS, EACH SAID REJECTING MEANS INCLUDING MEANS FOR DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN ACCEPTABLE AND NON-ACCEPTABLE COINS OF SAID COIN DENOMINATIONS, A TRIP SWITCH ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID REJECTING MEANS, SAID TRIP SWITCHES EACH INCLUDING AN ACTUATING TRIP FEELER DISPOSED IN POSITION TO ACTUATED BY AN ACCEPTABLE COIN PASSING THROUGH ITS RESPECTIVE REJECTING MEANS, AND ONE OF THE SWITCHES HAVING A TRIP FEELER HAVING OPPOSED ENDS, SAID ONE SWITCH BEING ARRANGED TO BE ACTUATED AT LEAST TWO TIMES BY THE SAME COIN, THE SAID TRIP FEELER OF SAID ONE OF THE SWITCHES INDLUDING MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID TRIP FEELER OF SAID ONE SWITCH INTERMEDIATE ITS OPPOSED ENDS, LATERALLY BENT END PORTIONS FORMED AT EACH OF SAID OPPOSED ENDS, SAID BENT END PORTIONS BEING DISPOSED TO EXTEND IN THE PATH OF A COIN WHEREBY THE BENT END PORTIONS ARE DIRECTLY AND SUCCESSIVELY ACTUATED BY THE SAME COIN PASSINF THROUGH THE ASSOCCIATED REJECTING MEANS WHEREBY EACH ACTUATION OF SAID TRIP FEELER BY SAID COIN IMPARTS AN IMPULSE UPON ENGAGEMENT OF SAID COIN WITH EACH BENT END PORTION WHEREBY THE TOTAL OF SAID IMPULSES INDICATES THE DENOMINATION OF SAID COIN.

Images