Method and apparatus for conditioning coins prior to discrimination
First Claim
1. An apparatus for counting coins, the apparatus comprising:
- a coin input region configured to receive a plurality of coins in random orientation;
a debris separation device configured to receive the plurality of coins from the coin input region, the debris separation device having at least a first flat wall with at least one opening sized to prevent passage therethrough of a smallest coin of the plurality of coins, the debris separation device further having at least a first vane with a lower portion attached to an interior surface of the first flat wall and an upper free end portion extending inwardly from the lower portion and away from the first flat wall at an angle relative to the lower portion;
a driver operably coupled to the debris separation device and configured to move the debris separation device and agitate the plurality of coins;
a coin discriminator configured to receive the plurality of coins from the debris separation device and count the coins to determine a total; and
a voucher dispenser configured to dispense a redeemable voucher for at least one of the total and a value related to the total.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces. Tumbler perforations permit non-coin matter to pass through the perforations into a collection tray or other apparatus and/or are collected into filter media as a result of the air flow. In one embodiment, the air pressure system eliminates or reduces the occurrence of low density or light non-coin matter, such as hair or dust, and prevents these materials from settling or being carried through downstream portions of the coin processing system.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for counting coins, the apparatus comprising:
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a coin input region configured to receive a plurality of coins in random orientation; a debris separation device configured to receive the plurality of coins from the coin input region, the debris separation device having at least a first flat wall with at least one opening sized to prevent passage therethrough of a smallest coin of the plurality of coins, the debris separation device further having at least a first vane with a lower portion attached to an interior surface of the first flat wall and an upper free end portion extending inwardly from the lower portion and away from the first flat wall at an angle relative to the lower portion; a driver operably coupled to the debris separation device and configured to move the debris separation device and agitate the plurality of coins; a coin discriminator configured to receive the plurality of coins from the debris separation device and count the coins to determine a total; and a voucher dispenser configured to dispense a redeemable voucher for at least one of the total and a value related to the total. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for issuing a redeemable voucher, the apparatus comprising:
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means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user; means for separating debris from the plurality of coins received from the user, the means for separating defining an interior space having a flat interior surface with at least a first opening sized to let dirt and other non-coin items exit the means for separating to the exclusion of any one of the plurality of coins; means for lifting the plurality of coins in the interior space of the means for separating debris, the means for lifting including a first portion attached to the flat interior surface and a second free end portion extending inwardly from the first portion and away from the flat interior surface at an angle relative to the first portion; means for discriminating the plurality of coins received from the user to determine a total of acceptable coins; and means for dispensing a redeemable voucher for at least one of the total and a value related to the total. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for counting coins, the method comprising:
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receiving a randomly oriented plurality of coins in a coin input region; transferring the plurality of coins from the coin input region to a debris separation device positioned to receive coins from the coin input region, the debris separation device having at least a first flat wall with a plurality of holes sized to prevent passage therethrough of the smallest coin of the plurality of coins, the debris separation device further including at least a first vane having a lower portion attached to an interior surface of the first flat wall and an upper free end portion extending inwardly from the lower portion and away from the first flat wall at an angle relative to the lower portion; moving the debris separation device to agitate the plurality of coins and let non-coin matter within the debris separation device pass through one or more of the plurality of holes and exit the debris separation device; transferring the plurality of coins from the debris separation device to a coin discriminator, the coin discriminator including at least one coin sensor configured to discriminate the plurality of coins to determine a total; and dispensing a redeemable voucher for at least one of the total and a value related to the total. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification