Patents Assigned to Cummins-Allison Corp.
  • Patent number: 11847879
    Abstract: A coin processing system comprises a rotatable disc including a resilient pad coupled thereto for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, the resilient pad including an outer peripheral edge, and a stationary sorting head. The stationary sorting head includes a lower surface forming a coin path for directing movement of each of the coins, a stripping area of the coin path including at least one stripping surface operable to retain at least one coin when overlapping another coin such that the other coin is separated from the at least one coin by the motion imparted by the rotatable disc, and a queuing area of the coin path that receives the plurality of coins from the stripping area, the queuing area including a beveled surface curving substantially parallel with the outer peripheral edge of the resilient pad to guide the coins in a single file configuration to a discrimination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 11776345
    Abstract: A resilient coin sorting pad for imparting motion to a plurality of coins is provided, the resilient coin sorting pad designed to be coupled to a rotatable disc of a coin sorter, the resilient coin sorting pad being generally circular and having an outer periphery edge. The resilient coin sorting pad comprises a lower foam layer having a top surface, an upper skin layer coupled to the top surface of the foam layer, and a layer of mesh material. According to some embodiments, the upper skin layer comprises at least one layer of nitrile rubber and the layer of mesh material is nylon fiber mesh. According to some embodiments, the upper skin layer comprises at least two layers of nitrile rubber and the layer of mesh material is positioned between the at least two layers of nitrile rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas U. Mennie, John R. Blake, Ricky Newsom, James M. Rasmussen, Kevin M. Carrara, Glenn S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11734983
    Abstract: A banknote transport mechanism comprising a plurality of driven roller shafts spaced apart in a direction of banknote transport along a transport path, wherein a plurality of driven rollers are positioned on each driven roller shaft, wherein each driven roller shaft rotates about a respective driven roller axis. The banknote transport mechanism further comprises a plurality of low friction rails, each low friction rail having and upper surface and a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a direction of banknote transport. The plurality of driven roller axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of banknote transport along the transport path. The plurality of driven roller axes generally lie in a first plane and the upper surfaces of the low friction rails generally lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The driven rollers of each driven roller shaft are offset laterally in a direction transverse to the direction of banknote transport from the lateral location of each rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Glenn S. Gordon, Douglas U. Mennie, Ricky Newsom, Roy C. Schoon, Joey D. Newsom
  • Patent number: 11625968
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, and methods of imaging coins are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles. The disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to the coins, and a sorting head having a lower surface adjacent the rotatable disk. The lower surface forms various shaped regions for guiding the coins, under the motion imparted by the rotatable disk, to exit channels through which the coins are discharged to the coin receptacles. A linear array of sensors is mounted to the sorting head and/or the rotatable disk. The sensors examine each coin on the rotatable disk and output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Mathew Tomor, Araz Yacoubian, David J. Mecklenburg, Danny D. Yang
  • Patent number: 11514743
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
  • Patent number: 11443581
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a resilient coin sorting pad for imparting motion to a plurality of coins is provided, the resilient pad designed to be coupled to a rotatable disc of a coin sorter, the resilient pad being generally circular and having an outer periphery edge. The resilient pad comprises a lower foam layer having a top surface, an upper skin layer coupled to the top surface of the foam layer, and a layer of mesh material. According to some embodiments, the upper skin layer comprises at least one layer of nitrile rubber and the layer of mesh material is nylon fiber mesh. According to some embodiments, the upper skin layer comprises at least two layers of nitrile rubber and the layer of mesh material is positioned between the at least two layers of nitrile rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas U. Mennie, John R. Blake, Ricky Newsom, James M. Rasmussen, Kevin M. Carrara, Glenn S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11410481
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin imaging sensor assemblies and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit, which is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles, includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins to the coin receptacles. A sensor assembly is mounted to, adjacent or within the sorting head adjacent the rotatable disk. The sensor assembly includes a linear array of sensors, wherein the linear array of sensors is configured to sense coins processed by the coin processing unit, and to output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Danny D. Yang, Frank M. Csulits, Howard Choi
  • Patent number: 11314980
    Abstract: A document processing device convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration includes an input receptacle, a transport mechanism, a scanner, and a convertible output area. The input receptacle is configured to receive documents including currency bills therein. The transport mechanism is configured to transport the documents along a transport path from the input receptacle. The scanner is positioned along the transport path and is configured to scan at least a portion of each of the documents transported to generate data associated therewith. The convertible output area is configured to be selectively coupled with a first output assembly and a second output assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Paul A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11232668
    Abstract: A coin processing device, comprising a coin processing module including an inlet for receiving coins to be processed and at least one coin output location, including an elongated sleeve for receiving the coins from the at least one outlet, wherein the elongated sleeve is operable to receive, in a first mode of operation of the coin processing device, a first flexible walled coin receptacle about the elongated sleeve, and wherein, in the first mode of operation, the coins are delivered by the elongated sleeve into the first flexible walled coin receptacle, and receive, in a second mode of operation of the coin processing device, a second coin receptacle within the elongated sleeve, wherein the second coin receptacle is a generally rigid container, and wherein, in the second mode of operation, the coins are delivered from the at least one outlet into the second coin receptacle positioned within the elongated sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Frank J. Janezic, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 11132859
    Abstract: A banknote processing device comprises a banknote transport path defined at least in part by a transport plate on one side of the banknote transport path, the banknote transport plate being pivotally mounted about a first axis near an upstream end of the transport plate, the transport plate including a working position and an open position, a display assembly being pivotally mounted about a second axis spaced a defined distance apart from the first axis, the display assembly including an operational position and a non-operational position, and a linkage coupled to display assembly and to the transport plate near a downstream end of the transport plate, wherein, when the display assembly is rotated from the operational position to the non-operational position, the linkage causes the transport plate to move from the working position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Glenn S. Gordon, Roy C. Schoon, Ralf H. Jaeger, Scott Michael Minch
  • Patent number: 10964148
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a coin chute for receiving coins exiting from a coin sorting system comprising a rotatable disc for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the resilient pad, the lower surface forming a coin path for directing the movement of each of the coins, and a reject slot, wherein coins exiting the reject slot travel in a first generally horizontal direction is provided. The coin chute comprises a lower tapered surface having a generally funnel shape having a larger perimeter at its top than near its bottom; and an upper generally vertical wall having an angled portion at an angle from the first horizontal direction coins exit the reject slot, the portion being positioned such that coins exiting the reject slot contact the angled portion and are directed in a generally horizontal second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, John R. Blake, David J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 10685523
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin imaging sensor assemblies and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit, which is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles, includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins to the coin receptacles. A sensor assembly is mounted to, adjacent or within the sorting head adjacent the rotatable disk. The sensor assembly includes a sensor circuit board with photodetector elements and light emitting devices. An illumination control device is communicatively coupled to and operable for controlling the light emitting device(s). A photodetector control device is communicatively coupled to and operable for controlling the sensor circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventor: Tomasz M. Jagielinski
  • Patent number: 10679449
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins, comprises a rotatable disc having a resilient pad coupled thereto for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, the resilient pad being generally circular and having an outer periphery edge, a center, and an upper surface. The system further comprises a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the resilient pad, the lower surface forming a coin path for directing the movement of each of the coins past a coin re-gauging area. The re-gauging area comprises a gauging block, a lower surface, and an elevated surface. The rotation of the pad drives radial outward edges of the coins into contact with the gauging block. The elevated surface is positioned radially inward of a portion of the lower surface and the gauging block is positioned radially outward of the portion of the lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10629020
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
  • Patent number: 10452906
    Abstract: Currency bills are transported past an image scanner to one or more output receptacles. Each of the bills is imaged to produce image data from which a visually readable image of each bill can be reproduced. The serial number, denomination, and/or secondary identifiers of a bill is attempted to be extracted and/or determined from the image data associated with the bill. The serial number of the bill has an integer number, X, of characters. One or more of the X characters of the serial number of the currency bill is not extracted with a predetermined confidence. In response to failing to extract all of the X characters of the serial number of the bill with the predetermined confidence, a serial number field in an electronic record associated with the bill is populated with a serial number snippet image. The electronic record is stored in a non-transitory memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: CUMMINS-ALLISON CORP.
    Inventors: Douglas U. Mennie, Antony D. Susai, William J. Jones, Frank M. Csulits, Matthew L. Anderson, Robert J. Klein, Ralf H. Jaeger, David R. Badalamenti, Dale E. Beutel
  • Patent number: 10181234
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins, comprises a rotatable disc having a resilient pad coupled thereto for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, the resilient pad being generally circular and having an outer periphery edge. The system further comprises a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the resilient pad, the lower surface forming a coin path for directing the movement of each of the coins and a coin reject region for discharging coins. The reject region comprises a diverter pin. A coin to be rejected coin travels toward the diverter pin in a radial outward downward tilted manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, John R. Blake, David J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 10163023
    Abstract: A document processing device convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration includes an input receptacle, a transport mechanism, a scanner, and a convertible output area. The input receptacle is configured to receive documents including currency bills therein. The transport mechanism is configured to transport the documents along a transport path from the input receptacle. The scanner is positioned along the transport path and is configured to scan at least a portion of each of the documents transported to generate data associated therewith. The convertible output area is configured to be selectively coupled with a first output assembly and a second output assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Paul A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10089812
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, and methods of sorting coins with disk-type sorters are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with an input area for receiving coins and receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles. The coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to coins, and a sorting head adjacent the rotatable disk with shaped regions for guiding moving coins to exit channels which sort and discharge coins through exit stations to the coin receptacles. The sorting head includes a plurality of localized inserts that are fabricated from a material or materials which is/are distinct from the material of the sorting head. Each localized insert has a distinct shape and is readily removably attached at a distinct one of various predetermined locations on the sorting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Douglas U. Mennie, David J. Wendell, Ricky Newsom, James M. Rasmussen, Marianne L. Krbec
  • Patent number: 10068406
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, and methods of imaging coins are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit is coupled to the coin input area and coin receptacles. The disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to the coins, and a sorting head having a lower surface adjacent the rotatable disk. The lower surface forms various shaped regions for guiding the coins, under the motion imparted by the rotatable disk, to exit channels through which the coins are discharged to the coin receptacles. A linear array of sensors is mounted to the sorting head and/or the rotatable disk. The sensors examine each coin on the rotatable disk and output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Mathew Tomor, Araz Yacoubian, David J. Mecklenburg, Danny D. Yang
  • Patent number: D931362
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Morad Ghassemian, Jared Lee Fritts