Abstract: A coin processing machine with a coin discriminator operated by a method is provided. The coin discriminator measures how a coin having an iron core covered by a layer of copper, brass, or bronze affects a coil when the coin is subjected to magnetic fields generated by the coil, external to the coin. Eddy currents induced in the coin are detected external of the coin. The discriminator induces a magnetic field in the coil by driving the coil with time varying drive signals having high frequencies. The coin discriminator receives the coin at precise positions in the magnetic field and detects the eddy currents induced in the coin by measuring the eddy currents through the coil. Then, the coin discriminator compares the measured eddy currents with predetermined values for different types of coils, and determines the structure, materials and type of the coin.

Abstract: A coin discriminating device has a sensor electrode and an oscillator. The oscillator is coupled to the sensor electrode. The oscillator generates an output signal with a frequency which is capacitively controllable. A frequency detector detects a frequency deviation in the oscillator output signal, caused by a variation in capacitance at the sensor electrode when a coin is positioned in the vicinity of the sensor electrode. A processing device determines the thickness of the coin from the frequency deviation. The coin discriminating device is arranged such that the variation in capacitance occurs between the sensor electrode and a surface of the coin.

Abstract: A device for the handling of objects such as coins or similar items of different object types has a transport path with a plurality of separating stations for the objects. Each separating station is associated with an object type and is capable of assuming an activated position for separating a passing object, and a deactivated position, in which a passing object is not separated but continues past the separating station in question. The device has a sensor for detecting said object and for determining its object type, and a controller, which controls the separating stations by selective activation/deactivation depending on determined object types. The controller determines that a first train of objects has been detected, records information about an object type for said first train, determines that a second train of objects has been detected and records information about an object type for said second train.

Abstract: A cash handling apparatus has a user interface (26) which includes a main keypad (7) and a first functional-key-type keypad (5). The first functional-key-type keypad (5) has a plurality of functional keys (F1-F8) associated with functions or actions in the user interface. The user interface also includes a second functional-key-type keypad (6). Individual keys (F1?-F8?) of the second functional-key-type keypad are associated with the same functions or actions in the user interface as are associated with corresponding individual keys (F1-F8) of the first functional-key-type keypad (5). Both of the first and second functional-key-type keypads (5, 6) are capable, during a user session of the cash handling apparatus, of receiving user input for selection among said functions or actions.

Abstract: A coin cleaning device for separating foreign objects from a mass of coins, comprising first and second shelf portions arranged at first and second heights, vibration means for vibrating both the first and second shelf portions to cause coins on said shelf portions to be conveyed along said shelf portions, said shelf portions each being perforated by apertures of transverse dimensions smaller than a predetermined minimum diameter of coins to be handled by the device, whereby foreign matter of transverse dimensions smaller than the perforations can fall through said perforations, said first shelf portion having an upstream end and a downstream end, said second shelf portion having an upstream end and a downstream end, said shelf portions being arranged in series with one another whereby coins fall from said downstream end of said first shelf portion to tumble downwards to lie on said upstream end of said second shelf portion, and a coin outlet positioned beneath said downstream end of said second shelf portion

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.

Abstract: A coin discriminator has a coin path along which a coin, containing a first portion and a second portion made of different metals and/or metal alloys, is arranged to pass. An electrical mechanism supplies time-varying drive signals to the coil mechanism. A detection mechanism detects eddy currents induced in the coin by the coil mechanism. The coil mechanism is arranged to induce in the coin an eddy current loop, which in a predetermined region of the coin crosses a bond between the first and the second portions of the coin.

Abstract: A coin discriminating device has a first camera for producing a first image of a first surface of a coin, a second camera for producing a second image of a second surface of the coin, and a processor, e.g. a computer, which is operatively connected to the first and second cameras. The processor analyzes the first and second images in order to determine a type of the coin.

Abstract: A coin processing apparatus has an opening for receiving a plurality of coins of different types, a coin sensor adapted to determine a respective type of individual coins among the plurality of coins, a controller operatively coupled to the coin sensor, a coin separator operatively coupled to the controller and capable of separating the individual coins from the plurality of coins under control of the controller. Moreover, the apparatus has a coin packaging device comprising a coin inlet, a supply of packaging material and a packaging mechanism capable of producing a plurality of coin bags from the supply, so that at least two different coin types are packaged in the coin bags in a continuous operation.

Abstract: A non-horizontal conveyor for feeding objects has a conveyor belt, a first pulley at a first end forming a loading area of the conveyor, and a second pulley at a second end forming a feeding area of the conveyor. The conveyor also has a conveyor cover having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part extends from the second pulley towards the first pulley, thereby covering a substantial part of the conveyor and preventing the objects from falling out of the conveyor during transport. The lower part is resiliently attached to the upper part adjacently to the first pulley, thereby preventing a plurality of objects from aggregating in the loading area at the first pulley. Furthermore, the conveyor cover has two symmetrical members rotationally attached to its lower part.

Abstract: A device is used to separate foreign objects from a mass of coins between a coin intake and a coin lifting device in a coin sorting and/or counting machine. The device has a perforated drum (13; 33), which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, is open at its respective ends and is connected at a first end to the coin intake and at a second end to the coin lifting device. The machine also has a driving device (15, 16:35) for rotating drum.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus for sorting and/or counting a plurality of coins (15a-h) has a circular sorting path with at least one off-sort station (6) and a rotatable carrier device (3) for transporting the coins along the circular sorting path. Furthermore, the apparatus has a first rotatable means (1) with a first surface and a second rotatable means (3) with a second surface. The first and second surfaces are arranged to rotate at essentially the same speed and to engage the coins (15a-h) therebetween, thereby transporting the coins along the circular sorting path.

Abstract: A device is used to separate foreign objects from a mass of coins between a coin intake and a coin lifting device in a coin sorting and/or counting machine. The device has a perforated drum (13; 33), which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, is open at its respective ends and is connected at a first end to the coin intake and at a second end to the coin lifting device. The machine also has a driving device (15, 16, 35) for rotating drum.