Coin counting and/or sorting machines and associated systems and methods
First Claim
1. A coin processing machine comprising:
- a coin hopper configured to receive a plurality of coins of random denominations; and
a plurality of coin carriers linked together in an endless chain configured to circulate through the coin hopper, wherein each of the coin carriers includes a coin pocket configured to receive a coin from the coin hopper;
a bore; and
a coin mover having a stem portion and a head portion, wherein the stem portion is slidably received in the bore and the head portion is positioned outside of the bore to define a surface of the coin pocket, wherein the stem portion has a first diameter and the head portion has a second diameter, greater than the first diameter to displace a range of coins of different sizes from the coin pocket.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.
357 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A coin processing machine comprising:
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a coin hopper configured to receive a plurality of coins of random denominations; and a plurality of coin carriers linked together in an endless chain configured to circulate through the coin hopper, wherein each of the coin carriers includes a coin pocket configured to receive a coin from the coin hopper; a bore; and a coin mover having a stem portion and a head portion, wherein the stem portion is slidably received in the bore and the head portion is positioned outside of the bore to define a surface of the coin pocket, wherein the stem portion has a first diameter and the head portion has a second diameter, greater than the first diameter to displace a range of coins of different sizes from the coin pocket. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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9. A system for counting and/or sorting coins, the system comprising:
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a first wheel; a second wheel spaced apart from the first wheel; a plurality of coin carriers, wherein each of the coin carriers is pivotally coupled to two other of the coin carriers in end-to-end relationships, the plurality of coin carriers forming a continuous chain that operably extends around the first and second wheels, wherein each of the coin carriers includes a coin pocket; and a coin mover having a head portion operably positioned in the coin pocket; a coin hopper configured to receive a plurality of coins of random denominations, wherein rotation of at least one of the first and second wheels moves the coin carriers adjacent to the coin hopper, wherein the coin pockets are configured to receive coins from the hopper, and wherein the coin movers are configured to support the coins in the individual coin pockets as the coin carriers move the coins away from the coin hopper; and an actuator configured to cause the coin movers to displace the coins from the individual coin pockets. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A coin conveyor comprising:
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a plurality of links pivotally coupled together to form a continuous chain, wherein each of the links includes a coin holding portion configured to releasably carry an individual coin; and a plurality of plungers, wherein each of the plungers is operably coupled to at least one of the links proximate the coin holding portion thereof, and wherein each of the plungers is movable between a first position in which the plunger at least partially supports an individual coin carried by the coin holding portion and a second position in which the plunger displaces the individual coin from the coin holding portion. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification