Patents by Inventor Evan J. Cost

Evan J. Cost has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11475728
    Abstract: An open banknote system comprises a first banknote path plate and a second banknote path plate coupled to a frame, wherein the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each one of the plurality of rollers forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: 11189122
    Abstract: An open banknote system comprises a first banknote path plate and a second banknote path plate coupled to a frame, wherein the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate and the second banknote path plate, wherein each one of the plurality of rollers forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20200286322
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an open banknote path system (200). The system comprises a first banknote path plate (207) and a second banknote path plate (208) coupled to a frame (210), wherein the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208) are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path (202) disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208), wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion (204) of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers (212) each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208), wherein each one of the plurality of rollers (212) forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers (212).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventor: Evan J. COST
  • Patent number: 10640317
    Abstract: One example embodiment in this disclosure provides an apparatus comprising an opening configured to receive a banknote into a banknote path. The apparatus also includes a plurality of inboard transport wheels positioned in the banknote path and configured to transport the banknote in a direction longitudinal to the banknote path. The apparatus also includes at least one initial transport wheel positioned in the banknote path and nearer to the opening than the plurality of inboard transport wheels, the at least one initial transport wheel configured to transport the banknote from the opening to a first of the plurality of inboard transport wheels. The at least one initial transport wheel causes the banknote to pivot around the first inboard transport wheel when a leading edge of the banknote contacts the first inboard transport wheel. Pivoting causes banknote to contact a second of the plurality of inboard transport wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: 10604366
    Abstract: One example embodiment in this disclosure provides an apparatus comprising an opening configured to receive a banknote into a banknote path. The apparatus also includes a plurality of inboard transport wheels positioned in the banknote path and configured to transport the banknote in a direction longitudinal to the banknote path. The apparatus also includes at least one initial transport wheel positioned in the banknote path and nearer to the opening than the plurality of inboard transport wheels, the at least one initial transport wheel configured to transport the banknote from the opening to a first of the plurality of inboard transport wheels. The at least one initial transport wheel causes the banknote to pivot around the first inboard transport wheel when a leading edge of the banknote contacts the first inboard transport wheel. Pivoting causes banknote to contact a second of the plurality of inboard transport wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20180327206
    Abstract: One example embodiment in this disclosure provides an apparatus comprising an opening configured to receive a banknote into a banknote path. The apparatus also includes a plurality of inboard transport wheels positioned in the banknote path and configured to transport the banknote in a direction longitudinal to the banknote path. The apparatus also includes at least one initial transport wheel positioned in the banknote path and nearer to the opening than the plurality of inboard transport wheels, the at least one initial transport wheel configured to transport the banknote from the opening to a first of the plurality of inboard transport wheels. The at least one initial transport wheel causes the banknote to pivot around the first inboard transport wheel when a leading edge of the banknote contacts the first inboard transport wheel. Pivoting causes banknote to contact a second of the plurality of inboard transport wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20150122885
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: MEI, INC.
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8573490
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8550453
    Abstract: An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20120286044
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MEI, INC.
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin
  • Publication number: 20120242210
    Abstract: An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. COST
  • Patent number: 8240451
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Deaville, Peter Bullard, Robert J. Clauser, Jeffrey T. Thawley, Michael D. Nunn, Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: 8220611
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting currency mechanisms of various sizes and shapes in vending machines or the like. The system may allow for relatively simple installation and removal of currency mechanisms without the use of mounting screws. The system includes a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to mate with a first surface of a currency mechanism. A tab is extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism. A retention device is coupled to the mounting surface and is manipulable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: 8157167
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 8146914
    Abstract: An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20100116883
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin
  • Publication number: 20080185259
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: David C. Deaville, Peter Buillard, Robert J. Clauser, Jeffrey T. Thawley, Michael D. Nunn, Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20080185260
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting currency mechanisms of various sizes and shapes in vending machines or the like. The system may allow for relatively simple installation and removal of currency mechanisms without the use of mounting screws. The system includes a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to mate with a first surface of a currency mechanism. A tab is extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism. A retention device is coupled to the mounting surface and is manipulable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: D626682
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: D627096
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost