Coin counter dejamming method and apparatus
First Claim
1. Apparatus for coin counting using a gravity-fed mechanism comprising:
- means for receiving a plurality of coins in a first location;
means for identifying a plurality of coin denomination;
gravity-fed means for conveying at least some of said plurality of coins from said means for receiving to said means for identifying;
means, coupled to said means for identifying, for detecting an abnormal condition of coin movement or position while coins are being conveyed by said gravity-fed means; and
means, coupled to said gravity-fed means, for automatically correcting said abnormal condition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. Apparatus for coin counting using a gravity-fed mechanism comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of coins in a first location; means for identifying a plurality of coin denomination; gravity-fed means for conveying at least some of said plurality of coins from said means for receiving to said means for identifying; means, coupled to said means for identifying, for detecting an abnormal condition of coin movement or position while coins are being conveyed by said gravity-fed means; and means, coupled to said gravity-fed means, for automatically correcting said abnormal condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. In a coin handling apparatus, a dejamming method comprising:
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detecting a jam in said coin handling apparatus; and automatically initiating a dejamming measure, said dejamming measure including activating a transducer to cause said transducer to vibrate so as to provide mechanical energy to said coin handling apparatus wherein said transducer which is activated to cause said transducer to vibrate is also used for another purpose, wherein said another purpose is a purpose of knocking a coin off said rail. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. Apparatus for coin counting comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of coins in a first location; means for identifying a plurality of coin denominations; means for conveying at least some of said first plurality of coins from said means for receiving to said means for identifying, defining a direction of conveyance; means, coupled to said means for identifying, for detecting an abnormal condition of coin movement or position; and means, for automatically correcting said abnormal condition, in the absence of reversing said direction of conveyance.
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Specification