Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A coin validator includes a coin insertion opening (40), a coin return opening (45) and a structure defining a coin path (30) from the coin insertion opening to the coin return opening. The coin path includes a return region (59) that extends upstream from the coin return opening, and means (55) to detect and identify an object in a detection region (54) of the coin path. Gate means (56) in the coin path between the detection region and the return region is responsive to identification of the object to either divert the object from the coin path or constrain it to traverse the path to the coin return opening. In one aspect, part (10) of the structure is actuable to move so as to widen substantially the whole of the coin path including the return region, whereby to facilitate clearance of jams in the coin path. In another aspect, the validator includes means (75, 65, 63), selectively releasable by a person who has inserted one or more coins into the coin insertion opening, to latch at least the actuable part of the structure in the detection region to hold substantially fixed the width of the air gap (57) in the detection region.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim