Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method of sorting coins according to predetermined information and allowing the coins to pass to a required outlet in accordance with the predetermined information, including the steps of: (a) detecting the presence of a leading edge portion of a coin falling into a free fall reference path above the outlets; and either (b) if the predetermined information indicates the coin-token is to be allowed to be accepted: (i) energising a solenoid to withdraw a separator from the reference path at a location above the outlets to allow the coin to free-fall towards and into the acceptance outlet; (ii) maintaining the solenoid energised, and thus the separator withdrawn from the reference path, for a predetermined period of time; (iii) resetting the predetermined time if the predetermined information indicates a following coin is also to be accepted; and (iv) de-energising the solenoid at the expiry of the predetermined period of time to allow the separator to move into the reference path; or (c) if the predetermined information indicates the coin is to be rejected: (i) maintaining the separator in the reference path at a location above the outlets to deflect a leading edge portion of the coin to direct the coin towards and into the reject outlet; or (ii) de-energising the solenoid to allow the separator to move into the reference path above the outlets to deflect the leading edge portion of the coin to direct the coin towards and into the reject outlet.

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First Claim