Coin counter and voucher dispensing machine and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for processing coins, the method comprising:
- providing a kiosk having means for discriminating among coin denominations to determine a total amount, means for transferring a first value related to the total mount to an account, and means for dispensing a voucher for a second value related to the total amount, wherein the voucher is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandise;
receiving, in a location of the kiosk, a plurality of randomly oriented coins of arbitrary denominations;
cleaning the plurality of coins while the coins are in the location by providing at least one opening through which debris may pass;
discriminating the denominations of the plurality of coins;
determining a total amount of the plurality of coins; and
electronically transferring a value related to the total amount to an account.
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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.
235 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for processing coins, the method comprising:
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providing a kiosk having means for discriminating among coin denominations to determine a total amount, means for transferring a first value related to the total mount to an account, and means for dispensing a voucher for a second value related to the total amount, wherein the voucher is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandise;
receiving, in a location of the kiosk, a plurality of randomly oriented coins of arbitrary denominations;
cleaning the plurality of coins while the coins are in the location by providing at least one opening through which debris may pass;
discriminating the denominations of the plurality of coins;
determining a total amount of the plurality of coins; and
electronically transferring a value related to the total amount to an account. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 27, 28)
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5. An apparatus for processing coins, the apparatus comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins of arbitrary denomination from a user;
means, coupled to the means for receiving, for performing a first step of cleaning the plurality of coins by providing an opening through which debris may pass;
means for performing a second step of cleaning the coins different from the first step of cleaning the coins;
means for determining a total amount of the coins received from the user;
means for dispensing, in response to a first user input, a voucher for a value related to the total amount of the coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandize; and
means for transferring, in response to a second user input, a value related to the total amount of the coins to an account. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins of arbitrary denomination from a user, the means for receiving including a tray that is pivotable from a first holding position to a second delivery position;
means, coupled to the means for receiving, for removing waste included among the plurality of coins;
coin-counting means for determining a total amount of the coins, wherein pivoting the tray from the first holding position to the second delivery position delivers the plurality of coins for conveyance toward the coin-counting means;
means for dispensing, in response to a first user input, a voucher for a value related to the total amount of the coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandize; and
means for transferring, in response to a second user input, a value related to the total amount of the coins to an account. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for processing coins, the method comprising:
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providing an automatic coin-counting device including a communications facility which can electronically communicate with an account;
performing a first transaction in the automatic coin-counting device including receiving a first plurality of randomly oriented coins and counting at least some of the first plurality of coins to obtain a first total amount;
in response to a first user input, transmitting information relating to the first total amount via the communications facility to the account;
performing a second transaction in the automatic coin-counting device including receiving a second plurality of randomly oriented coins and counting at least some of the second plurality of coins to obtain a second total amount; and
in response to a second user input, dispensing a voucher for a value related to the second total amount, wherein the voucher is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandize. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A method for transferring a value of coins to one or more accounts, the method comprising:
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providing a coin-counting machine having a coin receiving area, a coin discriminator, and a communications facility, wherein the communications facility is configured to electronically communicate with at least one remote computer associated with an account;
receiving a plurality of coins from a user in the coin receiving area of the coin-counting machine;
counting the plurality of coins with the coin discriminator to determine a total amount of the coins;
displaying at least two transaction options to the user, wherein the first option includes receiving a redeemable voucher for a value related to the total amount, and the second option includes transferring at least a portion of the total amount to the account; and
in response to the user selecting the second option, transferring at least a portion of the total amount of the received coins to the account via the communications facility. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
issuing a redeemable voucher to the user, wherein the redeemable voucher has a voucher value related to a second portion of the total amount of the received coins.
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23. The method of claim 16 wherein the account is a first account and the portion of the total amount transferred to the first account is a first portion, and wherein the method further comprises, in response to the user selecting a third option,
transferring a second portion of the total amount of the received coins to a second account different from the first account. -
24. The method of claim 16 wherein providing a coin-counting machine includes providing a card reader configured to read information from cards, and wherein the method further comprises reading information from a card submitted by the user, the information being related to the account.
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25. The method of claim 16 wherein providing a coin-counting machine further includes providing a card reader configured to read information from cards, and wherein the method further comprises:
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reading information from a card submitted by the user with the card reader, the information being related to the account; and
receiving an input from the user defining a value to be transferred to the account.
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26. The method of claim 25 wherein reading information from a card submitted by the user includes reading information from at least one of a wallet-sized bank card, credit card, debit card, ATM card, and smart card.
Specification