Coin Processing Apparatus With Jam Detection System

Abstract

Apparatus for high speed, high volume coin processing comprising sensor elements adapted for sensing coins in continuous non-selective transit therethrough incorporates a coin jam detection system responsive to output signals of the sensor elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus for processing diverse coins in transit and more particularly to apparatus of this type having coin jam detection capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Physical damage to coin processing apparatus and inefficiencies in coin processing thereby are attributable in part to the jamming in the apparatus of bent, mutilated or otherwise defective coins and associated foreign matter. Accordingly, an effective jam detection capability is of importance to such apparatus for purposes of immediately interrupting operation of the apparatus and relieving the coin jam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide coin processing apparatus having a system for detecting a coin jam at the onset of occurrence thereof.

It is a more particular object of the invention to provide a coin jam detection system for use in coin processing apparatus wherein coin denominational values are derived from coin sensor means disposed adjacent the path of coins in continuous transit through the apparatus.

In the referenced type of apparatus, discussed in detail herein, the sensor means provides output signals of first character during the passage of a coin therethrough and of second character in the absence of a coin therein. Motive means continuously supplies individual coins to the sensor means and a coin denominational value detector receives the sensor means output signals and is operatively responsive thereto.

In accordance with the present invention, a jam detection system is provided for use in such apparatus and comprises circuit means operative to deenergize the apparatus motive means on each occurrence of a sensor means output signal of first character and of time duration exceeding a predetermined time period. Such time period is predetermined to be, for example, a time extent in excess of the time extent required for the passage of a coin of largest dimension through the sensor means.

The manner in which the foregoing and other objects of the invention are attained will be evident from the detailed discussion of preferred embodiments of the invention hereinafter and from the drawings wherein like numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin counter and sorter partly broken away to show detail.

FIG. 2 is a frontal elevational view of a section of transfer chute 18 of FIG. 1 illustrating coins in transit therethrough.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial side elevational view of transfer chute 18 with block diagrammatic illustration of circuit elements associated therewith.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of discriminators 68 and 70, detector 202 and controller 204 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of denominational value detector 80 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of circuit means for use in bagging coins.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of registration pulse generator 138 of FIG. 4 .

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, collector and transfer unit 10 of coin sorter-counter 1 includes a coin depository scoop 12 and a continuously rotating turntable 14 which may be driven by motive means, such as an electric motor. Coins, the denominational values of which are to be totalized, are gravity-fed onto the turntable and are individually displaced by turntable pins 16 from the vicinity of plate 12 and are carried by the turntable to acceptor 17 of chute 18, the coins being maintained about the periphery of the turntable during such transfer by centripetal forces provided by retaining guard 20 or by gravitational forces depending upon turntable rotational speed. Chute 18 is inclined downwardly such that coins transferred thereto roll edgewise through the chute under the influence of either the force attending their issuance from turntable 14 to acceptor 17 or gravitational force. Coin deflector elements 22, 24, 26 and 28 are secured in chute 18 at different elevations corresponding with the different sizes of coins traversing the chute for purposes of selectively deflecting coins into sorting bins 30, 32, 34 and 36. In the arrangement of FIG. 1 sorting-counting apparatus 1 accommodates four differently sized coins, e.g., dime, penny, nickel and quarter. In all discussion to follow, this specific exemplary arrangement will be considered, modification of the system and apparatus herein to accommodate coins of further different sizes requiring only evident modifications. Disposed along chute 18 between collector and transfer unit 10 and the first deflector element 22 is a coin size and position discriminator 38. This unit preferably includes photoelectric means for coin size and position indication and to this extent embraces an exciting unit 40 and a unit 42 containing sensing devices and signal processing circuitry.

Referring to the side elevational view of chute 18 illustrated in FIG. 2 and to the FIG. 3 showing, apertures 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 are provided in wall 54 of the chute and unit 42 sensors 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 are mounted on wall 54 in respective registration with the apertures such that the apertures define the fields of view of the sensors. In the absence of coins in chute 18 all of the sensors will be continually excited by illuminators 40a through 40e of exciting unit 40 of FIG. 1. In the preferred arrangement, sensors 56, 58 and 60, constituting a first sensor group, are aligned in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of chute 18 and are positioned at respectively increasing heights above longitudinal guide rail 55 to be selectively deenergized and to thereby provide size indication of diverse coins in transit through the chute. Sensors 62 and 64, constituting second sensor means, are preferably aligned in a plane parallel to longitudinal guide rail 55. As will be clarified hereinafter in detail, the second sensor means is positioned with respect to the first sensor group such that, upon deenergization of the second sensor means by a coin in transit, the states of energization or deenergization of the individual sensors of the first sensor group will provide size indication definitive of the proper denominational value of the coin. In this respect, the first sensor group output signals will be identified hereinafter as size-indicating signals and the second sensor group signals will be referred to as position-indicating or coin registration signals. Such distinction will be clarified by discussion of events accompanying the transit of a particular coin through chute 18.

The four diverse coins discussed above are illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 2 in such position in chute 18 that each coin covers apertures 50 and 52 of wall 54 thereby deenergizing the second sensor means. In this connection only one coin can pass a given position in the chute at a given instant by reason of the cross-sectional dimensions of the chute (FIG. 3) and the indication in FIG. 2 of all four coins in common position is thus descriptive only. With its direction of travel indicated by the arrow, the 25 cent piece is illustrated in successive transit positions a, b and c wherein its vertical diameter coincides with the vertical lines defining such positions. In position a, the coin occupies the fields of sensitivity of certain of the sensors of the first sensor group, namely sensors 58 and 60. If the output signals of the first sensor group with the coin in this position were to be accepted as having size indication definitive of the size of the coin then traversing the chute, confusion would ensue since these output signals would be identical respecting the 25 cent piece at position a and the 5 cent piece at position c. Such confusion would similarly result if position b, wherein the coin is further advanced in transit through chute 18, were employed as the deonminations value sensing position in the chute, sensor 56 remaining partially excited at such position. To avoid such confusion the system herein has as a 25 cent piece-defining condition that all of the first group sensors be unenergized. At chute position c, the size indication provided by the output signals of the first sensor group meets this condition and the signals are clearly definitive of size distinctly indicating the proper denominational value of the coin traversing the chute. Note that at position c, the second sensor means is unenergized by reason of the presence of each of the coins at said position.

The following other denominational value-defining conditions are applicable. If all sensors of the first sensor group are energized and the second sensor means is unenergized, a dime is in transit. With only the second sensor means and sensor 60 unenergized, a penny is in transit. Deenergization of sensors 50, 52, 58 and 60 occurs where a nickel is in transit. As previously stated, where all sensors are unenergized a quarter is in transit. Evidently the single position c is not the only position at which the above conditions occurs. Rather a registration zone generally indicated at 66 may be readily defined wherein the conditions apply.

Such zone commences for each coin in transit upon the initial interruption of second sensor means excitation thereby and extends thereafter through and beyond position c above. Whereas any position within such zone may be employed in practicing the invention, said commencement of such zone is preferably employed. Reference hereinafter to such registration zone is intended to indicate such preferred portion of such registration zone.

A fourth sensor may be included in the first sensor group at a position below sensor 60 such that light beam excitation of said fourth sensor will be interrupted upon transit of a dime to provide specific first sensor group output signal change indicative of a dime in transit upon occurrence of second sensor means deenergization. On the other hand, such fourth sensor is unnecessary since n different denominational value-defining conditions can be derived from n-1 sensors as described above.

Whereas the particular sensor arrangement of FIG. 2 is preferred, it is not requisite that the sensors of the first sensor group be aligned in the specified plane. Also, as mentioned, positioning of the second sensor means is dependent upon the choice of location of the first sensor group such that the respective output signals thereof are meaningful of true coin denominational values.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the first group of sensors generates first output signals exhibiting changing characteristics (e.g., HI to LO) upon deenergization thereof, which signals are indicative of varying sizes exhibited by individual coins traversing the chute as same are in transit. Such signals initially take on size definition according with the denominational value of the coin in transit when the coin is within said registration zone, i.e., when the second sensor group becomes deenergized and generates output signals exhibiting changing characteristics (e.g., HI to LO) indicative of such occurrence.

The first group of sensors and the circuitry processing the output signals thereof comprise coin size discriminator 68 of FIG. 3. The second sensor means and circuitry processing the output signals thereof comprise coin position discriminator 70 of FIG. 3. Discriminator 68 provides its output signals on lines 72, 74, 76 and 78 to a denominational value detector 80 to which is also applied over lines 82 the output signals of discriminator 70. A selective one of output lines 84, 86, 88 and 90 of detector 80 is energized to thereby provide a denominational value indicating signal. In such selective energization, detector 80 is operatively responsive to the line 82 signal change characteristic to selectively gate the signals then provided on lines 72, 74, 76 and 78.

Circuitry employable in discriminators 68 and 70 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Light beams S1, S2 and S3 impinge upon and excite phototransistors 92, 94 and 96, the collectors of which are connected to a voltage source providing a positive potential and the emitters of which are directly-connected respectively to transistors 98, 100 and 102. The transistor collectors are also tied to said positive potential and the emitters thereof are connected through resistors 104, 106 and 108 to ground. Said positive potential constitutes a first voltage level (HI) for the logic circuits to be discussed hereinafter. A second voltage level for the logic circuits is ground (LO). The outputs of the transistors are coupled over lines 110, 112 and 114 to first inputs of AND gates 116, 118 and 120. These gates have their outputs coupled directly to discriminator 68 output lines 72, 74 and 76. The fourth output of the discriminator is provided on line 78 by direct interconnection thereof with line 114.

Gate 116 has the second input thereof connected to ground by line 122 and the second input to gate 118 is provided by line 72 through connecting line 124. Gate 120 receives its second input from a further AND gate 126, the output of which is applied to line 128. Gate 126 receives a first input from line 112 over connecting line 130 and the second input thereto is grounded by line 132.

The foregoing AND gates and all AND gates in subsequent discussion are adapted to provide a HI output only upon coincident LO state of both inputs thereto. Under all other input conditions the gates provide LO output signals. All AND gates discussed hereinafter follow this operating characteristic. Fairchild 9914 Medium Power Dual Two Input Gate includes gates providing the foregoing logic and may be used throughout.

The operation of discriminator 68 will be evident by consideration of the functions therein attendant upon consideration of a penny entering the aforementioned registration zone of chute 18. In the absence of a coin intransit, all of the phototransistors 92-96 are energized, in turn energizing transistors 98-102. As a result, all of lines 110, 112 and 114 are HI. Light beam S3 is interrupted by said penny with resulting deenergization of phototransistor 96 and transistor 102 whereupon line 114 is LO as is output line 78. Since lines 110 and 112 remain HI, output lines 72 and 74 are LO, since both inputs to gates 116 and 118 are not LO. In contrast to output lines 72, 74 and 78 output line 76 is HI indicating the interruption of light beam S3. Same occurs since both inputs to gate 120 are LO. As mentioned, line 114 is LO upon deenergization of transistor 102. Line 128 is also LO since the line 130 input to gate 126 is HI.

The following other conditions apply as respects the condition of the output lines of discriminator 68 and selective blocking of input light beams S1-S3. Where S2 and S3 are interrupted, only line 74 is HI. Where S1, S2 and S3 are interrupted, only line 72 is HI. Where none of S1, S2 and S3 is interrupted, line 78 is HI. The logic operations involved in such selective generation of signals indicative of size characteristics of other coins in transit are provided by the remaining identified circuitry of the discriminator.

In order that the output signals of discriminator 68 be processed at such time that they contain pertinent size information definitive of denominational values of coins in transit, discriminator 70 provides a signal on line 82 at the instant a coin first enters the registration zone. To this effect the light beams P1 and P2 impinge upon and excite phototransistors 134 and 136, the collectors of which are coupled to the positive supply and emitters of which are connected to registration pulse generator 138 over lines 140 and 142. The registration pulse generator, which is discussed in detail in connection with FIG. 6 below, receives a further input in the form of continuous clock pulses provided on line 144. Suffice it to say for the present that pulse generator 138 provides on line 82 a LO signal only upon coincident deenergization of phototransistors 134 and 136 upon interruption of both light beams P1 and P2.

One embodiment of coin denominational value detector 80 of FIG. 3 is shown in detail in FIG. 5. The detector includes AND gates 145, 147, 149 and 151 each of which has one grounded input and one input connected individually to lines 72 through 78. Each of further AND gates 146, 148, 150 and 152 receives a first input from one of gates 145, 147, 149 and 151. The coin registration signals provided on line 82 are applied in common to all of the gates over lines 154, 156, 158 and 160 as the second gate inputs.

In operation detector 80 will provide a LO signal on a selective one of its output lines 84, 86, 88 and 90 upon the occurrence of the line 82 registration signal thereby providing indication of one of denominational values 25 cent, 5 cent, 1 cent and 10 cent, respectively. Such output line will be associated with that one of gates 145, 147, 149 and 151 which derives a HI input signal from lines 72-78. By way of example, if input line 76 is HI and lines 72, 74 and 78 are LO, as occurs when a 1 cent piece enters said registration zone, gate 149 will provide a LO output and gates 145, 147 and 151 will provide a HI output. With one input HI, gates 146, 148 and 152 will yield low outputs irrespective of the occurence of the LO signal on line 82 indicative of coin registration. On the other hand, gate 150 will have both inputs thereto LO upon occurrence of the registration signal on line 82 and will thereupon yield a HI output signal on line 88, the 1 cent denominational value line.

The respective characteristics of the size-indication signals of the sensors and discriminator 68, the position-indication signals of discriminator 70, and the denomination value indication signals of detector 80 are set forth in Table I below for the cases of each diverse coin entering said registration zone and the 25 cent piece also in the non-registration zone position b of FIG. 2.

TABLE

I Function Line Coin in Transit $.25 .05 .01 .10 * ( 93 LO HI HI HI HI ( 95 LO LO HI HI LO Size ( 97 LO LO LO HI LO Defini- ( 72 HI LO LO LO LO tion ( 74 LO HI LO LO HI ( 76 LO LO HI LO LO ( 78 LO LO LO HI LO Registra- ( 140 LO LO LO LO HI tion De- ( 142 LO LO LO LO HI finition ( 82 LO LO LO LO HI Denomina- ( 84 HI LO LO LO LO tional ( 86 LO HI LO LO LO Value De- ( 88 LO LO HI LO LO finition ( 90 LO LO LO HI LO * 25 cent piece at position b of FIG. 2.

a preferred circuit arrangement for registration pulse generator 138 is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein lines 140 and 142 of FIG. 1 provide first inputs for AND gates 162 and 164. the second inputs to which are connected to ground by lines 166 and 168. Lines 140 and 142 provide first and second inputs to gate 170 over lines 172 and 174. Outputs of gates 162 and 164 are applied to gate 176 over lines of and 180. The outputs of gates 170 and 176 provide first inputs for gates 182 and 184 through lines 186 and 188. These gates provide their outputs on lines 190 and 182 which are respectively coupled to the alternate gate inputs over lines 194 and 196.

Lines 190 and 192 provide gating signals for flip-flop 198 to which clock pulses are applied over line 144. The logic for this flip-flop is that output line 200 thereof will be set HI upon the occurrence of a HI gating signal on line 190 and is set LO upon the occurrence of a HI gating signal on line 192. Line 200 is coupled through appropriate pulse-shaping circuitry as indicated by the dotted line, to pulse generator output line 82. Since such pulse-shaping circuitry may take various forms depending upon the pulse width desired to be produced by the generator, same is not indicated in detail.

In light of the foregoing detailed logic operations discussed in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 the logic operations of the circuitry of FIG. 6 will be clear from Table II below, which indicates the states of circuit lines during transit of a coin through chute 18 of FIG. 1.

TABLE

II Lines 140 HI LO LO HI HI 142 HI HI LO LO HI 178 LO HI HI LO LO 180 LO LO HI HI LO 186 LO LO HI LO LO 188 HI LO LO LO HI 190 HI HI LO LO HI 192 LO LO HI HI LO 200 HI HI LO LO HI

from Table II it will be seen that line 200 is HI as the coin in transit enters the chute since both of input lines 140 and 142 are HI. This state of line 200 continues as one of light beams P1 and P2 exciting phototransistors 134 and 136 (FIG. 4) is interrupted. Line 200 goes LO as both light beams P1 and P2 are interrupted and both input lines 140 and 142 are LO, and line 200 returns to its HI state as the coin leaves the registration zone and both input lines 140 and 142 are returned to the HI state. Thus, in terms of coin transit line 200 is HI at all times other than when the coin in transit interrupts both light beams P1 and P2, i.e., when the coin first enters and resides in the registration zone.

In accordance with the present invention, a system comprised of coin sensing time detector 202 and turntable motor controller 204 derives information over line 206 from discriminator 70 to detect the onset of coin jams in the described coin processing apparatus. In operation of such system, detector 202 provides a signal on line 208 when an individual coin remains in the above-discussed registration zone for a time extent in excess of a predetermined time extent, e.g., where such coin is stationary in the registration zone by reason of a coin jam. On the occurrence of such line 208 signal controller 204 deenergizes the turntable motor such that no further coins are transferred to the coin processing apparatus until the coin jam is relieved.

Preferred embodiments of detector 202 and controller 204 are shown in FIG. 4. Line 206 is connected to line 140 in discriminator 70 and line 206 is accordingly HI at all times other than the time extents during which individual coins in transit interrupt light beam P1 and thereby interrupt conduction in phototransistor 134.

With no coins in transit, line 206 is continuously HI and AND gate 210 receives a HI at one input thereof, the second input being grounded by line 212. Line 214 thus provides a LO input to AND gate 216, the second input of gate 216 being grounded by line 218. Gate 216 applies a HI to line 220 under these conditions and capacitor 222 charges to the HI level through resistor 224 and diode 226. The capacitor is connected through resistor 228 and line 230 to one input of AND gate 232, the second input of which is grounded by line 234. Gate 232 applies a LO to output line 208 of detector 202.

Controller 204 comprises transistor 236 and a relay having coil 238, armature 240 and a pair of contacts normally closed by contact arm 242. The coil is series-connected with the transistor collector and the transistor emitter is grounded by line 244. The transistor base is connected to line 208. Turntable motor 246 is directly connected to one excitation line 248 and to its other excitation line 250 through the relay contacts.

Where capacitor 222 is charged HI as discussed and line 208 is thereby LO, transistor 236 is nonconductive and relay coil 238 is unenergized. Under such charge condition of capacitor 222, motor 246 is energized and transfer of coins to the coin processing apparatus is effected.

As coins in transit through the coin processing apparatus interrupt conduction in phototransistor 134, line 206 goes LO and gate 210 applies a HI to line 214 whereupon gate 216 applies a LO to line 220. Capacitor 222 thereupon commences to discharge through resistor 228 and gate 232. Upon extended such discharge, line 230 falls below the HI level and gate 232, both inputs thereto being LO, applies a HI to line 208. Transistor 236 is rendered conductive on such occurrence and coil 238 is thereby energized and attracts armature 240 to cause arm 242 to open the relay contacts. Turntable motor 246 is thus deenergized, interrupting transfer of coins to the apparatus.

In order that the system provide such deenergization of motor 246 only when a coin jam occurs, it is necessary that capacitor 222 experience the described extended discharge only on the event of a coin jam. This is arranged for in accordance with the invention by selecting values for resistors 224 and 230 and capacitor 222 such that the RC time constant for capacitor charging is substantially less than that for capacitor discharging. Both time constants are further selected in accordance with the time required for the transit through the sensor means of the largest coin being processed. By way of example, the discharge time constant may be selected such that the described extended discharge of capacitor 222 occurs where phototransistor 134 remains nonconductive for a time extent several times the normal time period required for transit of a 25 cent piece past the phototransistor. The charging time constant may be selected such that capacitor 222 returns to HI charge level within a time period comprising a fraction of such normal transit time period.

Where desired, the jam detection system of the invention may include a second coin sensing time detector, identical with detector 202 but deriving input informtion from a different sensor element, e.g., by connection of the second detector input line to line 78. In this instance a somewhat higher statistical probability of detecting the onset of a coin jam exists since the system monitors two sensor elements. To further implement this revision, the output line of detector 202 (line 208) and the output line of the second detector are connected to separate inputs of a first NAND gate (not shown). The output of this NAND gate is applied to one input of a second NAND gate, the other input of which is grounded. The second NAND gate output is connected to the base of transistor 236 (FIG. 4). The first and second NAND gates constitute an OR gate and the motor controller is thus responsive to either detector 202 or the second detector.

In addition to inclusion of the foregoing jam detection system, coin processing apparatus of the invention may also incorporate a system interrupting apparatus operation on the completion of transit of a predetermined number of coins of preselected size through the apparatus sensor means, thereby enhancing coin bagging and other operations. An embodiment of such system is shown in FIG. 5a. As will be observed, the system performs its function without need for the prior segregation or sorting of coins.

Lines 84, 86, 88 and 90 undergo selective level change on transit through the sensor means of 25 cent, 5 cent, 1 cent and 10 cent pieces, respectively. Each of these lines is connected in FIG. 5 to one of counters 252, 254, 256 and 258. The counters are reset by input thereto on lines 260, 262, 264 and 266. The counter outputs are provided on lines 268, 270, 272 and 274, each of which is LO at all times other than when the associated counter has counted to a predetermined count, e.g., 50, at which time the counter output line goes HI and remains so until a reset signal is applied to the counter.

The counter output lines are connected as inputs to OR gate 276. This gate provides a HI on its output line 278 whenever any input thereto goes HI. Line 278 is connected to amplifier 280 whose output is applied to the base of transistor 282 and over line 284 to the base of transistor 236 (FIG. 4). The collector of transistor 282 is series-connected to the coil 286 of a solenoid which is so mounted (FIG. 2) 2) on wall 54 that its slug 288 is displaceable, on energization of coil 286, to pin a coin in transit against the wall opposite wall 54.

Where it is desired, for example, to bag each group of fifty 10 cent pieces processed by the apparatus, counter 258 is set to a count of 50. Line 274 is LO until the fiftieth state change occurs on line 90 at which instant line 274 goes HI and remains HI. Amplifier 280 applies a HI to transistor 236 (FIG. 4) and transistor 282, rendering both transistors conductive and thus energizing coils 238 (FIG. 4) and 286. As in the occurrence of a coin jam, energization of motor 246 is discontinued by coil 238 energization and coin transfer is interrupted. Solenoid slug 288 (FIG. 2) is forceably displaced into the coin transit chute on coil 286 energization. Since the slug is disposed at a distance d from the leading coin registration sensor element, d being a distance larger than the diameter of the largest coin processed, the slug engages the coin immediately succeeding the fiftieth 10 cent piece processed in the apparatus. While such coin is stopped, the possibility of coin jam due to continued coin transfer is eliminated since motor 246 is unenergized.

Associated with each of the counters is an operator-controlled indicator unit, one such unit, 288, being shown in detail in FIG. 5a. The indicator section thereof comprises resistor 290, transistor 292 and lamp 294. Transistor 292 is rendered conductive when line 274 is HI and energizes the lamp to inform the operator that fifty 10 cent pieces are available. The other section of unit 288 is effective to reset the associated counter and includes NAND gate 296, having one input connected to line 274 and a second input grounded by line 298. Gate 296 applies its output through line 300 to one input of NAND gate 302. The second input to gate 302 is derived through resistor 304 (HI) or through switch 306 (LO). Gate 302 applies its output through line 308 and diode 310 to line 266.

When line 274 is LO, gate 296 applies a HI to gate 302 and gate 302 accordingly maintains line 308 LO, irrespective of the state of switch 306. On the completion of predetermined 10 cent piece counting, line 274 goes HI and gate 296 applies a LO to line 300. With switch 306 open, a HI is applied through resistor 304 to gate 302 and line 308 thus remains LO. When switch 306 is closed during such line 300 LO, both inputs to gate 302 are LO and the gate applies a HI to line 266 thereby resetting counter 258. Counter output line 274 returns to LO and coils 238 and 286 are deenergized. Apparatus coin processing thus recurs and continues until the predetermined coin count is completed again.

Coin denominational value reporting circuit means preferably usable in connection with the described coin processing apparatus is disclosed in copending allowed U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 21,726, filed on Mar. 23, 1970, and entitled "Coin Value Determining Apparatus and System," now U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,981.

Whereas the invention has been disclosed by way of particularly preferred embodiments for the systems thereof and specific circuit means for logic implementation therein, various modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art and can be introduced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the sensing means of FIG. 2 is preferably usable in implementing the coin jam detection system, alternate sensing means usable may comprise a single sensor element functioning only to observe individual coin transit times. Such embodiments are thus intended in a descriptive and not in a limiting sense, the invention herein being defined in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, in coin processing apparatus, chute means transporting coins therethrough, coin sensing means in said chute means including a first sensor generating output signals for indicating coin size and a second sensor generating output signals for indicating the position of each coin in said chute means, each of said output signals being of first character when a coin is in transit through said sensors and otherwise of second character, motive means supplying coins to said chute means and a system for detecting the occurrence of a coin jam in said apparatus and for thereupon discontinuing operation of said motive means, said system including circuit means deenergizing said motive means on each occurrence of a second sensor output signal of said first character and of time extent exceeding a predetermined time period.

2. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said circuit means includes a capacitor, a first circuit for charging said capacitor exclusively during the occurrence of second sensor output signals of said second character and a second circuit for discharging said capacitor exclusively during the occurrence of second sensor output signals of said first character.

3. The invention claimed in claim 2 wherein said circuit means further includes a third circuit monitoring the voltage across said capacitor and operative to deenergize said motive means when said voltage is less than a predetermined voltage.

4. The invention claimed in claim 3 wherein said motive means includes an electric motor and a motor energization circuit, said third circuit including normally-conductive switch means series-connected in said motor energization circuit, said third circuit rendering said switch means nonconductive when said capacitor voltage is less than said predetermined voltage.

5. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes a further system for detecting the transit of a preselected number of like coins through said sensing means and for thereupon interrupting transit of further coins through said sensing means and discontinuing operation of said motive means.

6. The invention claimed in claim 5 wherein said further system includes coin stopping means in said chute means, first circuit means responsive to said first and second sensor output signals to generate output signals indicative of the denominational value of each coin in transit through said sensing means, second circuit means responsive to said first circuit means to provide an output signal upon the transit of said preselected number of like coins through said sensing means, and third circuit means responsive to said second circuit means output signal for energizing said coin stopping means and for deenergizing said motive means.

7. The invention claimed in claim 6 wherein said motive means includes an electric motor and a motor energization circuit, said third circuit means including normally-conductive switch means series-connected in said motor energization circuit, said third circuit means rendering said switch means nonconductive on occurrence of said second circuit means output signal.

8. The invention claimed in claim 6 wherein said further system includes indicator means energized on occurrence of said second circuit means output signal.

9. The invention claimed in claim 6 wherein said second circuit means includes a counter generating said second circuit means output signal, said further system including fourth circuit means operator-controllable to reset said counter after each second circuit means output signal generation.