Abstract:
A method of classifying a test article as one of a plurality of acceptable denominations of articles of currency, comprising applying a statistical classification process which employs discriminant surfaces derived from previous test articles known to be valid or invalid and is arranged to distinguish therebetween, characterised by applying also an acceptance boundary test which limits the acceptance volume for each denomination so as to exclude forgeries for which the discriminant surfaces were not derived.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for detecting magnetic data on media is disclosed which utilizes an array of horizontal magnetoresistive sensors. The present invention detects the pitch or separation of parallel magnetic transition data (12) on the magnetic medium (15) under test, and generates a signal that is independent of the velocity of the medium. In one embodiment, the magnetoresistive sensors (1) employed in an array are spaced apart a distance (d) of which corresponds to the separation of magnetic transition data of interest, and the output of each sensor (1) is connected to a voltage adder (8). The signal from the voltage adder (8) is at a maximum when the separation of the magnetic transition data corresponds to the sensor separation. A peak detector (10) is connected to the output of each voltage adder to indicate when a medium having a particular magnetic transition data pattern is detected.
Abstract:
A coin handling apparatus can operate in either one of two modes. In a first mode, coins are delivered to containers unless a predetermined maximum level T has been reached. When a serviceman services the machine, each container is automatically emptied to a predetermined, alterable float level FD. The emptied coins and the coins in the cashbox are then removed by the serviceman. In a second mode, coins are delivered to containers until the numbers stored in the containers correspond to predetermined, alterable upper levels FU. The containers are replenished to these levels when a serviceman services the machine. Each of the levels FU and FD can be periodically altered on the basis of a calculated likelihood that coins will be required for change.
Abstract:
A banknote reader to trigger deliveries from an automatic vending machine (6) comprises integral equipment consisting of side plates (1) and a money container (11). In internal chamber (14) between the side plates (1) has means (15; 16; 18; 19; 21; 22; 24) to straighten, convery, check and discriminate between banknotes (8) which are arranged as interchangeable units in predetermined positions along the banknote (8) transport path. The integral equipment has interchangeable front parts (2; 3; 24) and, on opposite short sides (9; 12), a pivoting flap (13) for maintenance work with a built-in control device (25) or a connecting aperture (10) to the money container (11). A minimal embodiment of the banknote reader comprises at least one conveyor system (15), one inlet channel (16) to align the banknote (8), one drive unit (22) for the conveyor system (15) one checking device (18) to recognise genuine banknotes (8) and the control device (25).
Abstract:
An improved currency validator apparatus adaptable to be assembled in either a validator up-stacker, down-stacker, or stacker-less configuration is disclosed. A motor bracket housing (14) and an optics housing (16) interconnect to form a bill passageway (2). The housings contain optical and magnetic sensors, permit the easy re-positioning of a magnetic sensor and an opposing pinch roller assembly (50), and preferably are made of a translucent red plastic material. The red plastic material permits the unobstructed transmission of infra-red light from an infra-red sensor, and further acts to indicate the position of the banknote entryway (4) when illuminated by the optical sensors. An improved pinch roller assembly (50) which automatically adjusts to the way in which the magnetic sensor is seated is also described. Further, an encoder (68) positioned on the motor drive shaft (66), and accompanying slotted optical sensor (70), provide greater accuracy regarding bill position in the validator.
Abstract:
Money items are validated by determining whether n measured properties lie within an n-dimensional ellipse associated with a particular money item. The centre of the ellipse lies on the statistical mean of the property measurements for that particular item, and each axis is related to the standard deviation for a respective property measurement.
Abstract:
A system for validating coins comprises a transmitter coil (2) for transmitting low-frequency electromagnetic radiation through a coin (1) to be validated and a receiver coil (3) for receiving radiation having passed through the coin. An inverting amplifier (4) is provided in a feedback path between the receiver coil (3) and the transmitter coil (2) thereby providing a 180° phase shift. Thus, for the unique frequency which causes a 180° phase shift within the coin, there is provided positive feedback, and a resonance condition occurs at that frequency. By measuring the frequency of this resonance and comparing it with a reference value, the coin can be validated.
Abstract:
A coin validator checks the measured properties of a tested item against stored ranges to determine whether the tested item is acceptable. Individual sets of ranges can be enabled and disabled, and switched between narrow and wide ranges, in a teach mode of the validator. Selection of the ranges to be enabled, disabled or switched is accomplished by causing the validator to test an item to determine its type.
Abstract:
A coin validator (4) has a sensing arrangement disposed after an accept gate (12) for detecting when a valid coin has moved past, and thus causing the triggering of the accumulation of credit. The sensing arrangement comprises a flap (36) which is moved away from its normal position by the coin. The triggering of credit occurs when the flap moves back to its normal position. If the coin is suspended on a string, the flap cannot move back to its normal position and therefore no credit is accumulated.
Abstract:
A coin mechanism comprising testing means for testing coins as to their acceptability, a substantially upright coin store adapted to contain a plurality of acceptable coins of a particular denomination up to a predetermined upper level, and a coin dispenser for dispensing coins from the lower end of the store, characterised in that said coin store is provided with a coin inlet located below said predetermined upper level, and in that means is provided for delivering acceptable coins of said denomination from the testing means through said inlet into the store. This enables the coin store to be pre-loaded to the upper level and, when its contents have been partly dispensed, to be replenished from the coin tester, at the lower level.