Multacc Corporation

Millenium Enterprises Ltd.

Ridgeway Research Corporation

Graham Neathway

Bill Kiss

Kevin John Deighton

The coin identification device comprises a gravity fed chute structure having an opening for receiving a coin to be identified, walls to guide the coin as it moves through the chute and an opening for the coin to exit. A wake-up circuit with sensing coils mounted near the chute opening provides an output signal when the presence of a coin is detected. Two coin sensing circuits, each having an oscillator with a particular coil arrangement are used to sense the characteristics of the coin passing through them. The first coin sensing circuit includes a coil arrangement having a coil mounted on the chute with its axis in the direction of the coin path such that the coin will pass through it and forming part of a first oscillator to create lines of flux parallel to the coin path. The second coin sensing circuit includes a coil arrangement having a coil mounted on a U-shaped core with two substantially parallel legs connected at one end by an arm that is mounted about the chute to have the coin pass in the gap between the core legs. The second coil arrangement forms part of a second oscillator to create lines of flux perpendicular to the plane of the coin passing through the chute. The first and second oscillators are adapted to oscillate at one or more base frequencies. The frequency shift of the first oscillator is measured as the coin passes through the first magnetic field and the frequency shift of the second oscillator is measured as the coin passes through the second magnetic field to generate signatures of the coin characteristics. A microprocessor compares the generated signatures to known coin signatures to identity of the coin.

Dual coil coin identifier

A door key is held in a tray which is slidably installed in a container. The tray is retained in the container by a form member pivotally mounted on the container which engages a latch on the tray. A shackle is removably attached to the container for use in retaining the container to a door knob or the like. The shackle has a notched arm which engages a fork member pivotally mounted on the container, thereby retaining the shackle in a closed position. A motor which rotatably drives a drive gear is mounted in the container. When the motor is driven in a first direction, the drive gear drives a tapered release wheel which operates to release the fork member from engagement with the key tray latch, thereby permitting the key tray to be removed. When the motor is driven in an opposite direction, the drive gear drives a second tapered release wheel so as to disengage the notched arm of the shackle from its associated fork member, thereby permitting the shackle to be moved to an open position. The operation of the motor is controlled by an electronic system which employs an infrared control signal.

Electronically controlled security container for retaining door key

A switch for use in an AC circuit wired in a three-way switch mode for supplying power to a load, has a first terminal for connection to an external line, second and third terminals for connection respectively to corresponding terminals of a second like switch, and a switch contact for selectively connecting the first terminal to either one of the second and third terminals. A transformer has its primary winding connected between the first terminal and the external line, and its secondary winding deriving an output voltage therefrom. The output voltage is rectified and supplied to a light-emitting diode. The ratio of turns of the windings of the transformer is such that the rectified voltage energizes the light-emitting diode when power is supplied to the load over its normal operating range. The light-emitting diode will thus provide an indication of when power is supplied to the load.

Growing community of inventors

Almonte, Canada

Graham Neathway