Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Adams
Thomas P. Adams 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).
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Patent number: 11514743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
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Publication number: 20200250914Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
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Patent number: 10629020Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
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Patent number: 10043333Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobelevsky
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Patent number: 9875593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobelevsky
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Patent number: 9830762Abstract: The method according to some embodiments comprises a coin processing machine depositing a plurality of the coins from the coin processing machine through an upper opening of a generally rigid and elongated tubular body of a coin receptacle sleeve and into the coin sleeve until a top level of coins within the sleeve is adjacent to a top of a coin bag; and continuing to deposit additional coins through the upper opening and into the sleeve until a top level of coins within the sleeve is adjacent a full coin height level and above the top of the coin bag.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon
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Patent number: 9437069Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon
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Patent number: 8708129Abstract: A method and system for prevention of dust accumulation on a coin sensor assembly (67) in a coin handling machine (60), includes a lower optical element (83, 90) positioned below a coin track (63) and then either, or both of, 1) blowing off dust that tends to accumulate on the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) and 2) coating the cover (83) for the lower optical element (90) with a transparent conductive coating (83a) that is electrically grounded to prevent accumulation of dust due to static electrical attraction. A fan unit (82) is positioned adjacent the cover (83) for blowing dust off the cover (83) during operation of the coin handling machine (60). The method and system is preferably a optical reflector system with an upper optical element in the form of a reflector (86, 87) and a transparent conductive coating of material (87a) is also provided on the reflector (86, 87).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Talaris, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Thomas P. Adams, Jason R. Parpart, Myron W. Spoehr
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Patent number: 8701860Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams
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Patent number: 8545295Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams
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Patent number: 8267755Abstract: An elastic coin moving disk assembly (23) for moving coins across a coin sorting and coin collection member (13) in a coin handling machine (10), in which the coin sorting and coin collection member (13) has openings (28) of varying size to receive coins (14) of respective denominations, the coin moving disk assembly (23) having an annular disk body with a groove (32) and an outer rim (35) having a cavity (33) in a bottom surface; and a fin ring (39) molded into the cavity (33) in the bottom surface, the fin ring (39) comprising planar fingers (42) extending downward and substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rim (35) when first manufactured, and later taking on an angular “set” after an initial break-in period, which is compensated for by a user-removable shim (43).Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Richard P. Uecker, Daniel J. Folger, Robert L. Zwieg
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Patent number: 8251198Abstract: A self-service change redemption machine (10) has an intake area (18) for receiving batches of mixed coinage and conveying the coins to a coin sorter (22) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of coin chutes (26). From there, the coins are routed to coin receptacles such as bags (60). Multiple bags are provided for certain denominations. To fill multiple bags for a given denomination, repositionable diverter mechanisms (30) are provided between the chutes (26) and pluralities of bags for the respective denominations. The bags are held by bag holders (34) which extend downward from a substantially rigid one-piece chassis (40), which also supports the diverter mechanisms (30). The machine (10) has buttons (80) responsive to inputs from a user to turn on the machine, to process coins that are input through the intake area (18) and to issue the voucher or other form of credit. Instructions for using the machine (10) and other information are displayed on a screen display (15).Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, Jon R. Stieber, Myron W. Spoehr, Daniel J. Folger, Robert E. Gunst
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Patent number: 8210337Abstract: A coin sensor and method of identifying coins by size and also discriminating invalid coins includes a portion of a coin track (63) over which coins (14) pass in a single file, an illumination source (92) for illuminating at least portions of the coins (14) as the coins move along the coin track (63), an optical detector (95) spaced from the coin track (63) for detecting a size of at least a portion of each coin passing the coin sensor along the coin track, and a telecentric lens (94) positioned between the optical detector (95) and the coin track (63), such that the portion of each coin passing the optical detector (95) is seen to have an apparent size and configuration independent of a variation in distance of the coin from the telecentric lens (94) as each coin moves along the coin track (63). The optical sensor and detector (90) can be angled to assist in preventing stray light from the bottom of the coins from being transmitted to the detector (95).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Daniel Brandle, John P. Grajewski, Jon R. Stieber, Thomas P. Adams
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Publication number: 20120156976Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams
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Patent number: 7992699Abstract: A cash recycling machine (10) has an input hopper (19) for feeding batches of mixed coinage to a coin sorter (21) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34). From there, the coins are fed into a plurality of smaller dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) equipped with sensors (88) for counting the coinage as it is dispensed. A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a first operating cycle of the machine to cause the dispensing hoppers (46, 47, 48, 49) to dispense an amount of sorted coinage into one of several receptacles including a cash drawer (15) or coin bags (40). A controller (80) is responsive to inputs from a user in a second operating cycle of the machine to receive, sort and count a batch of coins that is loaded into the input hopper (19) and stored in the bulk coin storage receptacles (31, 32, 33, 34).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst, Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, Joseph P. Hanus, Jon R. Stieber
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Publication number: 20110189932Abstract: An elastic coin moving disk assembly (23) for moving coins across a coin sorting and coin collection member (13) in a coin handling machine (10), in which the coin sorting and coin collection member (13) has openings (28) of varying size to receive coins (14) of respective denominations, the coin moving disk assembly (23) having an annular disk body with a groove (32) and an outer rim (35) having a cavity (33) in a bottom surface; and a fin ring (39) molded into the cavity (33) in the bottom surface, the fin ring (39) comprising planar fingers (42) extending downward and substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rim (35) when first manufactured, and later taking on an angular “set” after an initial break-in period, which is compensated for by a user-removable shim (43).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Richard P. Uecker, Daniel J. Folger, Robert L. Zwieg
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Patent number: 7704133Abstract: A two disk coin handling machine and method for offsorting with a feeding disk (11) for feeding coins to a sorting disk (62) having at least one opening (15-20) for receiving valid coins of different denominations, a drive member (71) disposed above the sorting disk (62) with narrowed fins (62) for moving the coins along an outside reference edge (64, 65, 66), a diverter member (74) disposed along the reference edge (64, 65, 66) to project into the coin track (63) to move a coin (14) selected for offsorting away from the reference edge (64, 65, 66) and off of a narrow rail portion (81) of the coin track (63) into an offsort opening (76), which causes the coin to tip up, and a deflector 77 for deflecting larger, tipped-up coins into the offsort opening (76).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Daniel J. Folger, Richard P. Uecker, Joseph P. Hanus
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Patent number: 7682228Abstract: A self-service change redemption machine (10) has a coin hopper area (41) for receiving batches of mixed coinage and a powered mechanism (43) for transporting them to an intake opening (44) into the machine (10) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of coin receptacles. The transport mechanism has a pivotable cover (46, 46a) for preventing access to a portion of the feed path leading into the machine (10) and, if the cover (46, 46a) is lifted, the powered mechanism (43) will be stopped. The mechanism (43, 46) is designed to prevent jamming of the coins in the hopper area (41) or along the feed path (45).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Joseph P. Hanus, Thomas P. Adams
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Publication number: 20100017017Abstract: A cash redemption and dispensing machine (10) has a housing (12), a first intake area (19) for receiving a batch of unsorted coins, an output device (55) for providing the customer with a credit for the coins deposited in the machine (10), a dispensing area formed on a back side of the housing (10) for receiving a portable receptacle (22) into which the coins are dispensed in a sorted condition, a coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) for processing the coins that are deposited into the machine through the first intake area so that the coins can be dispensed by denomination through the dispensing area in the back side of the machine, and a controller (53) electronically connected to the coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) for calculating a first total for an amount of coins received through the first intake area, the controller (53) also being electrically connected to the coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) to track a second total for the coins being dispensed to the employee.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst
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Patent number: 7522880Abstract: A wireless networked cash management system includes a coin handling device (13, 14, 17) for performing at least one of the operations of coin counting, coin sorting, coin dispensing and cash redemption, a currency handling device (15, 16, 17) for performing at least one of the operations of note counting, note dispensing, note sorting and cash redemption, and a control unit (12) for performing at least one of the operations of monitoring cash handling, accounting for cash dispensing, providing for cash settlement, monitoring maintenance information and providing commands for controlling operation one of the cash handling devices (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) and a wireless communication network operating in a range of frequencies made available for locally distributed wireless networks for allowing communication of data between the control unit (12) and the cash handling devices (13, 14, 15, 16, 17).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Talaris Inc.Inventors: Jon R. Stieber, Thomas P. Adams, Robert L. Zwieg, William R. Kirkman