Coin counter and voucher dispensing machine and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus comprising:
- coin-counting means for determining a total amount of said coins;
means for receiving a plurality of coins of arbitrary denomination from a user, said means for receiving including a first tray pivotable from a first holding position to a second delivery position for delivering said plurality of coins to said coin-sorting means;
means, coupled to said means for receiving, for removing waste included among said plurality of coins;
means, coupled to said coin-counting means, for dispensing a cash voucher for a value related to said total amount.
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Abstract
A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers'"'"' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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coin-counting means for determining a total amount of said coins;
means for receiving a plurality of coins of arbitrary denomination from a user, said means for receiving including a first tray pivotable from a first holding position to a second delivery position for delivering said plurality of coins to said coin-sorting means;
means, coupled to said means for receiving, for removing waste included among said plurality of coins;
means, coupled to said coin-counting means, for dispensing a cash voucher for a value related to said total amount. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31)
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28. An apparatus comprising:
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a cabinet;
a first tray, pivotally mounted with respect to said cabinet, configured to receive a plurality of coins, said first tray movable from a first holding position to a second position for moving said coins out of said first tray;
a transfer tray for receiving coins moved out of said first tray and guiding said coins to a coin-counting mechanism;
at least a first fan for blowing debris off said coins before said coins enter said coin-counting mechanism; and
a voucher dispenser for dispensing a cash voucher for a value related to the value of said coins counted by said coin-counting mechanism.
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29. A method for dispensing a cash voucher, comprising:
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providing a first tray, having a bottom surface, configured to receive a plurality of coins, said first tray positionable in a first holding position wherein said bottom surface defines a first angle with respect to horizontal;
moving said first tray from said first holding position through an intermediate position to a second position for moving said coins out of said first tray, said bottom surface, in said intermediate position, defining a second angle with respect to horizontal, which is shallower than said first angle;
removing debris from said plurality of coins;
transferring said coins to a coin-counting mechanism;
determining a total value of said coins, using said coin-counting mechanism;
providing a controllable voucher dispenser;
providing a computer, coupled to said coin-counting mechanism and to said controllable voucher dispenser;
transmitting an indication of said total value from said coin-counting mechanism to said computer;
transmitting a command sequence from said computer to said controllable voucher dispenser to cause said voucher dispenser to dispense a cash voucher for a value related to said total amount.
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32. A method for automatic counting of coins utilizing remote locations which can be coupled to a central location, the method comprising:
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providing a central computer facility;
providing a plurality of automatic coin-counting devices, each coin-counting device including a communications facility which can electronically communicate with said central computer facility;
receiving and counting coins in each of said plurality of automatic coin-counting devices to obtain at least a first total of said coins; and
transmitting information relating to said first total, from each of said plurality of automatic coin-counting devices, to said central computer facility, using said communications facility. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A method for coin access control in a coin-counting device, the method comprising:
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providing a lock, restricting access to counted coins in said coin-counting device;
detecting the opening of said lock; and
recording the time of opening of said lock. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45)
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Specification