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US4585936A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical process for determining the dimensions of an object in relative movement, and more particularly of a coin in a pre-payment apparatus
Assignee: Mecelec SA
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Filing: 1984-01-25
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Granted: 1986-04-29
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Expires: 2004-01-25
Abstract
Abstract The coin rolls on a track of triangular section with a vertical side and an oblique side, in which it penetrates as a function of its thickness. The difference in time between the beginnings (or ends) of occultation of the upper cells determines the mean speed and from the duration of this occultation is deduced the length of the chord (PQ) at the upper level (Y-Y'). Knowing the mean speed, the cell of the second level (Z-Z') makes it possible to determine the corresponding chord (RS). From (PQ) and (RS) are deduced the heights (h 1 , h 2 ) above the plane of roll (X-X') and the diameter and thickness of the coin may then be calculated. More simply, (PQ) and (RS) may be compared electronically with recorded values to reject the coin or accept it and possibly record its value.
Inventors
- 👤 Christian Sellier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:00
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07D; G07D5/00; G07D5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
A process for determining or verifying the dimensional thickness and diameter characteristics of a flat object, and more particularly of a coin, which is rolled on an inclined track so that it passes in front of plural normally illuminated photoelectric cell means whose illumination it interrupts upon passage thereby, said cell means including a main cell and auxiliary cell means located at predetermined different levels above the track, including the steps of: rolling the object along said track which is provided in the vicinity of the cell means with a section in the form of a notch, with a first side parallel to the plane of the object and a second side whose general profile makes a determined angle with the first side, obtaining outputs from the cell means representing the times of interruption of the illumination thereto by the object, and computer calculating from said outputs, taking into account the speed of the object, signals representative of the diameter and thickness of the object for a determined depth of penetration of this object is the notch, whereby the signals thus derived from said outputs make it possible either to calculate the diameter and thickness of the object, or, by comparison with recorded data, to verify whether it comes into a predetermined recorded category.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
A process for determining or verifying the dimensional thickness and diameter characteristics of a flat object, and more particularly of a coin, which is rolled on an inclined track so that it passes in front of plural normally illuminated photoelectric cell means whose illumination it interrupts upon passage thereby, said cell means including a main cell and auxiliary cell means located at predetermined different levels above the track, including the steps of: rolling the object along said track which is provided in the vicinity of the cell means with a section in the form of a notch, with a first side parallel to the plane of the object and a second side whose general profile makes a determined angle with the first side, obtaining outputs from the cell means representing the times of interruption of the illumination thereto by the object, and computer calculating from said outputs, taking into account the speed of the object, signals representative of the diameter and thickness of the object for a determined depth of penetration of this object is the notch, whereby the signals thus derived from said outputs make it possible either to calculate the diameter and thickness of the object, or, by comparison with recorded data, to verify whether it comes into a predetermined recorded category.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 1, wherein, in the section of the track in the form of a notch, the oblique side is uniformly rectilinear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
The process of claim 1, wherein, with a view to determining the speed of displacement of the object on the track since this speed may be uniformly accelerating, two successive main cells are provided which are disposed at the same level at a determined distance from each other, outputs from the main cells making it possible to calculate the mean speed of the object, the auxiliary cell means being placed longitudinally between the two main cells and at an equal distance therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the responses of the cell means are sent to a microcomputer which calculates the diameter and the thickness of the object.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-28 | 1989-10-28 | 1990-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-28 | 1993-10-28 | 1994-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-28 | 1997-10-28 | 1998-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |