Cleaning apparatus and method for a coin counter and voucher dispenser
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for untrained users to obtain a voucher for coins comprising the steps of:
- providing a kiosk having first means for discriminating among coin denominations;
receiving, from said untrained user, in a receiving location of said kiosk, a plurality of coins of arbitrary denominations;
performing a first step of cleaning said plurality of coins while said coins are in a first cleaning location;
moving at least some of said coins from said first location to a second location in said kiosk;
performing a second step of cleaning said coins, different from said first step of cleaning, while said coins are in said second location;
discriminating, in said kiosk, said denominations of coins, using said first means, after said steps of performing a first step of cleaning and performing a second step of cleaning;
determining a total amount of said coins; and
dispensing, from said kiosk, a voucher redeemable in cash or merchandise for a value related to said total amount wherein said value is determined only after said steps of receiving and determining.
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Accused Products
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
48 Claims
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1. A method for untrained users to obtain a voucher for coins comprising the steps of:
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providing a kiosk having first means for discriminating among coin denominations; receiving, from said untrained user, in a receiving location of said kiosk, a plurality of coins of arbitrary denominations; performing a first step of cleaning said plurality of coins while said coins are in a first cleaning location; moving at least some of said coins from said first location to a second location in said kiosk; performing a second step of cleaning said coins, different from said first step of cleaning, while said coins are in said second location; discriminating, in said kiosk, said denominations of coins, using said first means, after said steps of performing a first step of cleaning and performing a second step of cleaning; determining a total amount of said coins; and dispensing, from said kiosk, a voucher redeemable in cash or merchandise for a value related to said total amount wherein said value is determined only after said steps of receiving and determining. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for untrained users to obtain a voucher for coins comprising the steps of:
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providing a kiosk having first means for discriminating among coin denominations; receiving, from said untrained user, in a first receiving location of said kiosk, a plurality of coins of arbitrary denomination; performing a first step of cleaning said plurality of coins while said coins are in a first cleaning location; moving at least some of said coins from said first cleaning location to a second location in said kiosk; performing a second step of cleaning said coins, different from said first step of cleaning, while said coins are in said second location; discriminating, in said kiosk, said denominations of coins, using said first means; determining a total amount of said coins; and outputting, from said kiosk, a voucher redeemable in cash or merchandise for a value related to said total amount. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. An apparatus for allowing untrained users to obtain a voucher for coins comprising:
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a kiosk, having means for discriminating among coin denominations; means for receiving, from said untrained user, in a first receiving location of said kiosk, a plurality of coins of arbitrary denomination from a user; means, coupled to said means for receiving, for performing a first step of cleaning said plurality of coins while said coins are in a first cleaning location; means for moving at least some of said coins from said first cleaning location to a second location in said kiosk; means for performing a second step of cleaning said coins, different from said first step of cleaning, while said coins are in said second location; means, coupled to said second location, for determining a total amount of said coins; and means, coupled to said means for determining, for outputting, from said kiosk, a voucher redeemable in cash or merchandise for a value related to said total amount; wherein said value is determined only after said means for determining has determined said total amount. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification