Coin counter and voucher dispensing machine and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of operating a coin counting machine, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of coins of multiple denominations from a consumer, wherein the coin counting machine is positioned in a publicly accessible area of a retail location;
automatically counting the plurality of coins;
dispensing a voucher in exchange for the plurality of coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable at a point of sale in the retail location;
receiving a request for information from a central computer located outside of the retail location; and
automatically transmitting information from the coin counting machine to the central computer in response to receiving the request for information from the central computer.
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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
26 Claims
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1. A method of operating a coin counting machine, the method comprising:
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receiving a plurality of coins of multiple denominations from a consumer, wherein the coin counting machine is positioned in a publicly accessible area of a retail location; automatically counting the plurality of coins; dispensing a voucher in exchange for the plurality of coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable at a point of sale in the retail location; receiving a request for information from a central computer located outside of the retail location; and automatically transmitting information from the coin counting machine to the central computer in response to receiving the request for information from the central computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of exchanging coins for cash, the method comprising:
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positioning a coin counting kiosk in a publicly accessible area of a supermarket, wherein the supermarket is owned by a first company and the coin counting kiosk is owned by a second company, different from the first company; communicatively coupling the coin counting kiosk to a central computer located outside of the supermarket at an office of the second company; receiving, at the coin counting kiosk, a plurality of coins of multiple denominations; counting the plurality of coins with the coin counting kiosk to determine a total value of the coins; dispensing a voucher from the coin counting kiosk, wherein the voucher is redeemable for an amount equal to or less than the total value of the coins; receiving, at the coin counting kiosk, a request for information from the central computer; and transmitting information from the coin counting kiosk to the central computer in response to receiving the request for information from the central computer. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A coin exchange system comprising:
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a coin counting apparatus positioned in a publicly accessible area of a retail location, wherein the coin counting apparatus includes; a coin counting mechanism that receives a plurality of coins from a consumer and counts the coins to determine a total; and a voucher dispenser that dispenses a voucher in exchange for the coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable at a cashier location in the retail location for an amount equal to or less than the total of the coins; and a central computer located remotely from the retail location, the central computer having a communications facility that transmits a request for information to the coin counting apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification