Rotation Device Conveys Coins Through Assorter Patents (Class 453/12)
  • Patent number: 11282320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for sorting disc-shaped objects, in particular coins. The device comprises a conveying device configured to convey individual disc-shaped objects along a conveyor path. A discharge unit comprising a pivotable diversion element serves to selectively discharge individual objects which are being conveyed along the conveyor path. The objects are discharged according to a previously determined classification for each object, in a classification system which differentiates between good parts and defective parts. In order to discharge an object, the diversion element is designed to be pivoted by means of a drive into the conveyor path such that, by means of the pivoting movement, the diversion element transfers a mechanical impulse to the object to be discharged. The impulse has, with respect to the direction of movement of the object at the time of the impulse transfer, both a perpendicular and an antiparallel impulse component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mühlbauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Hesse, Andreas Reitinger
  • Patent number: 10643419
    Abstract: A coin processing apparatus configured to: cause a coin output conveying unit to collectively convey coins taken out for each denomination from a plurality of coin containers where the coins are housed in the respective coin containers for each denomination; and dispense the conveyed coins from a coin output port through a coin output shoot unit, the coin processing apparatus includes: a coin stay detecting sensor configured to detect a coin stay on a shoot face of the coin output shoot unit; a reporting unit configured to perform report output for abnormality; and a controller configured to cause the reporting unit to perform report output for coin stay abnormality in the coin output shoot unit when the coin stay detecting sensor detects the coin stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Niizuma, Tomohiko Kimura, Yoshimasa Inoue
  • Patent number: 10621806
    Abstract: A coin handling apparatus capable of appropriately feeding coins is provided. A coin handling apparatus includes a plurality of storing units each including an inclining disk rotated in an inclining attitude in which the inclining disk inclines by a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical direction and a transport unit that transports coins. The storing units form a plurality of rows along the transport unit, and the rows each include a plurality of the storing units and are each disposed so that surfaces of adjacent inclining disks in the row face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GLORY LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujio, Masato Takeuchi, Yoshikatsu Oota
  • Patent number: 10096192
    Abstract: Chip sorting devices may include at least one chip collection tube having at least one of a chip stack alignment cup or a stabilizer positioned over the at least one chip collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Peter Krenn
  • Patent number: 9589407
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Peter Wolfgang DeRaedt, Ludo DeMeutter
  • Patent number: 9542786
    Abstract: A coin hopper includes a rotating disc having recesses that receive and hold coins one by one; a moving body that is disposed at a position corresponding to the recess and moves reciprocally between a holding position and a push-out position; a cam groove including a first route having a substantially circular shape and a second route connected to the first route at first and second branch points and protruding toward the outer periphery of the rotating disc with respect to the first route; and a cam follower disposed in the cam groove provided on a back side of the moving body. The moving body is held at the holding position when the cam follower moves along the first route and moves reciprocally between the holding position and the push-out position when the cam follower moves along the second route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Minoru Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9330516
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SHUFFLE MASTER GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Peter Wolfgang DeRaedt, Ludo DeMeutter
  • Patent number: 8992292
    Abstract: A coin processing device includes a rotating member that has an annular rib provided annularly along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion, which transports a coin upon a transport path using a cutout portion formed upon a lower portion of the annular rib. An open position intersects the annular rib. An opening and closing member, when positioned at the open position, is positioned adjacent to the annular rib in a radial direction of the rotating member so as to allow rotation of the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Suetomi, Tatsuya Yano
  • Patent number: 8950566
    Abstract: A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, William J. Jones
  • Patent number: 8932118
    Abstract: Replenishing coins in a coin store associated with a coin handling device includes feeding a batch of coins from a bulk coin store to a receptacle near the coin handling device, delivering coins from the receptacle to the coin handling device and routing at least some of those coins from the coin handling device to the coin store associated with the coin handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Shuren, Neil M. Young, Andrew M. Yellop, David Michael Furneaux, Karen Aurelius
  • Patent number: 8747194
    Abstract: A device for singularising coins of different sizes and thickness with a housing which comprises an obliquely inclined base plate is suggested. A catch element for catching and conveying coins to a further processing is rotatably arranged above the base plate. The coins are randomly present at least in the lower region of the base plate on which a collection container is fastened. A flap is arranged in the base plate, which opens and closes synchronously with the driven coin catch element for leading a caught coin further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstätten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hugo Girrbach, Roland Griese, Christian Trenner
  • Patent number: 8475242
    Abstract: A coin sorting plate for receiving and sorting a stream of coins by the diameter and hence the denomination of the coin has a number of coin recesses that extend along the path of the coin stream. Each coin recess is sized to receive a respective coin diameter. The coin recesses are arranged with the recess openings increasing in size in the downstream direction to progressively remove coins in order of increasing diameter. Each coin recess is bounded by a downstream wall that forces a coin in the recess to move off a peripheral edge of the coin sorting plate for collection or other processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Patent number: 8439731
    Abstract: A compact inexpensive coin separating and transferring apparatus can separate coins and reliably delivering each one to a rotating transferring body. Coins or tokens are contacted by a holding surface on a pusher unit formed so as to project from an upper surface of a rotary disk to permit the coins to be sorted one by one and stored. The coins are each pushed by the pusher unit along a circumferential-direction of a fixed guiding ledge positioned above the rotary disk. The coin reaches a stationary state at a predetermined delivery position on a delivery support ledge. A holding ledge has a predetermined diameter formed at an outer perimeter edge of the pusher. The coin is removed by a rotary transferring body from the delivery position, and physical properties can be detected by a sensor while moved along a sensor-part guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Umeda
  • Patent number: 8435102
    Abstract: A coin dispenser including a coin storing unit (1) and a coin extractor (3), the casing of which (4) demarcates a cylindrical chamber (5) with side outlet (6) for the exit of coins, in which there is housed a rotary driving disc (7) which has a series of cavities (8) closed, on the side opposite to that occupied by the coin storing unit, by a base disc (9) forming stops (14) opposite the rotation direction of the driving disc (7). The disc has retractable parts (13) which, together with the stops (23), control the exit of coins driven in the cavities (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Azkoyen, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Calleja LaFuente, Oscar Lacarra Fernandez, Alvaro Martinez Chavoy, Bernardo Sola Sanchez, Silvia Jimenez Zozaya, Juan Miguel Irurita Loyarte
  • Patent number: 8381893
    Abstract: The invention proposes an insertion device for coins for transferring said coins to a coin tester or to a coin-operated machine, having an insertion slot and having a coin outlet, between which is arranged a rotatable drum having a receiving region for receiving a coin, wherein in a receiving position, the receiving region is accessible to a coin which can be inserted through the insertion slot, and the insertion slot can be closed off by means of rotation of the drum. The drum having the receiving region is covered by a flap which can be opened in a controlled fashion in an ejection position for ejecting foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstatten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Trenner, Andreas Fresenborg
  • Patent number: 8267755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Richard P. Uecker, Daniel J. Folger, Robert L. Zwieg
  • Patent number: 8251198
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, Jon R. Stieber, Myron W. Spoehr, Daniel J. Folger, Robert E. Gunst
  • Patent number: 8202144
    Abstract: The coin sorting system includes a feed unit, a sorting unit, and a passageway member. Each unit has a rotary disc and a stationary member opposed to the disc. Each disc has a rotating axis inclined relative to a horizontal plane. A guide passageway with an outlet thorough which coins are fed one by one as the disc rotates is formed on the stationary member of the feed unit. Provided on the stationary member of the sorting unit are a conveying passageway with an inlet thorough which the coins fed from the outlet are introduced one by one and multiple sorting devices each for selectively ejecting the coins. A rolling-coin passageway is formed on the passageway member extending aslope to cause the coins to roll from the outlet to the inlet under own weight thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Yushi Hino, Daisuke Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7992699
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst, Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, Joseph P. Hanus, Jon R. Stieber
  • Patent number: 7922569
    Abstract: A coin counter includes a base unit, an adjusting plate adjustably mounted on the base unit, and a coin outlet port mounted on the base unit. The adjusting plate has a first end provided with an adjusting slot and a second end provided with a micro-adjusting slot. The adjusting plate has a mediate portion provided with a guide slot located between the adjusting slot and the micro-adjusting slot. Thus, by provision of the micro-adjusting slot of the adjusting plate, the pitch angle of the adjusting plate can be slightly adjusted to slightly adjust and control the projecting distance of each of the coins so that each of the coins can be projected onto the coin outlet port exactly to facilitate collection of the coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Chiu-Fang Li
  • Patent number: 7735622
    Abstract: A hopper for a coin processing machine has a turntable that receives coins and rotates in a first direction to discharge coins from the hopper. A circumferential wall surrounds the turntable, and includes a coin discharge opening and a second opening. A diverter plate extends away from the wall upstream of the second opening. The diverter plate blocks coins from entering the second opening when the turntable rotates in the first direction. The diverter plate directs any debris remaining on the turntable to the second opening when the turntable rotates in the opposite, second direction after discharging all the coins from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Patent number: 7553223
    Abstract: A coin sorter has a separator strip disposed outside of an exit area of a stationary plate in which a line of coins of mixed denominations are indexed against a spirally extending ridge in a single layer and single file. The strip has a series of incremental segments defined in a side facing the center of a resilient disc which enables the coins to be captured. An edge area of the strip is configured to immediately re-capture coins as they are released at the exit area and to hold the coins until they pass by a segment of the strip that is far enough away from the indexing line of the coins that they are no longer captured, but are freely released. The released coins then proceed outward along a specific path defined for a particular coin denomination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Ristvedt, LLC
    Inventors: Victor G. Ristvedt, Mark E. Ristvedt
  • Patent number: 7204749
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper and a coin ramp positioned below the coin hopper. A coin separator mechanism is located between the coin hopper and the coin ramp. The coin separator mechanism includes a separating wheel having a plurality of coin receiving apertures and a wheel housing which supports the separating wheel. The wheel housing includes a set of apertures arranged in order of increasing size for sorting the coins by diameter. A coin support surface is provided on one of the separating wheel and the wheel housing and a coin rolling surface is defined on the wheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 7066335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Pretech AS
    Inventors: Per Christian Aas, John-Haakon Lippert
  • Patent number: 7059957
    Abstract: A miniaturized coin hopper device is provided so as to have a lower height. The device has an electric motor which is arranged such that the projection end of a rotated axis thereof is located at a lower side. A first gear is fixed on this projection end of rotated axis. A disk for discharging coins one by one is provided at the bottom of a hopper which stores the coins. A second gear rotates this disk. A gear train connects this second gear and the first gear. The problem of a true coin being disbursed when a pseudo-coin was stored in a hopper device and the return button was pushed is also addressed. A distinguishing element checks the money kind of a deposited coin. A reserve temporarily holds the coin distinguished by this distinction element. A storage for coins of same money kind and a disbursing element is provided for the the coin in this storage to return the coin reserved in the temporary reservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoharu Kurosawa, Hiroshi Abe
  • Patent number: 7048623
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper and a coin ramp positioned below the coin hopper. A coin separator mechanism is located between the coin hopper and the coin ramp. The coin separator mechanism includes a separating wheel having a plurality of coin receiving apertures and a wheel housing which supports the separating wheel. The wheel housing includes a set of apertures arranged in order of increasing size for sorting the coins by diameter. A coin support surface is provided on one of the separating wheel and the wheel housing and a coin rolling surface is defined on the wheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6981913
    Abstract: A cylindrical body is rotated about a rotation axis interconnecting a center point of a top circle thereof and a center point of a bottom circle thereof. The cylindrical body having an outer peripheral face formed with at least one token-groove. An outer wall member covers the outer peripheral face of the cylindrical body to form a gap between an inner face of the outer wall member and the token-groove such that a single gaming token in an upright attitude is held therein. The gaming token held in the gap is ejected toward a tangent direction of an outer peripheral circle of the cylindrical body in accordance with a rotary action of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Shirasawa, Yoshikazu Tomioka
  • Patent number: 6976589
    Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Streamline Innovations GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Wolfgang De Raedt, Ludo DeMeutter
  • Patent number: 6830509
    Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6772870
    Abstract: A token count/sort apparatus includes a rotary disc (10) for supporting tokens (11) and is manually rotatable, an arcuate transfer track (23) extending along the periphery of the disc and formed with one token transfer inlet (24). A plurality of sorting holes are formed in the transfer track for successively sorting and dropping the tokens in the order of increasing diameters as the tokens are transferred upstream toward downstream in the transfer direction. An endless transfer belt (30) rotates in synchronism with the rotary disc (10) by intermediate gears (40), (41) and (42), thereby transferring the tokens (11) in a pressed condition. A token discerner (31) is provided between the token transfer inlet (24) and the sorting hole located at the most upstream position in the transfer direction for counting the tokens and determining the diameters of the tokens. In a batch processing mode, the token discerner determines whether the preset value for the token count or sum is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: Sugai General Industries Ltd., Wing Design Co., Prev.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sugai, Nobuyuki Nakatani, Masanari Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040092222
    Abstract: A disc-type coin processing device for processing a plurality of coins is disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention. The coin processing device includes a rotatable disc that imparts motion to the plurality of coins and a stationary head, which has a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the rotatable disc. The lower surface of the stationary head has a plurality of shaped regions that control the movement of the coins. A solid lubricant is disposed on the lower surface of the sorting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Bogdan Kowalczyk, Mark A. Fladeland
  • Patent number: 6716098
    Abstract: A coin pick up wheel for a coin receiving and validating apparatus, said pick up wheel comprising a disc-like body having a plurality of circumferentially spaced coin receiving recesses each recess including a chamfered edge portion extending at least partially about an upper edge thereof, said disc-like body having a central hub portion and an annular outer portion, said pick up wheel characterized in that said disc-like body is formed from a cross linked high molecular weight polyethylene polymer or co-polymer and further characterized in that said annular outer portion tapers convergently towards an outer edge of said disc-like body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Queensland Motorways Limited
    Inventors: Terry Brown, Roy Allan Leo Austin, Christopher Douglas Brown, Andrew John Drysdale
  • Patent number: 6663482
    Abstract: A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, William J. Knox, Jr., John W. Spirk, Nicholas E. Stanca, Douglas A. Gall
  • Patent number: 6602125
    Abstract: An automatic coin input tray is disclosed. In one embodiment, the automatic coin input tray includes a coin-staging section, a delivery disk section and a ramp section. A user pours coins onto the coin-staging section, which are then delivered to the delivery, disk section under the force of gravity. The delivery disk section automatically meters the coins provided to the ramp section by providing a rotatable disk that sinks into a coin-input buffer, based upon the weight of coins placed thereupon. Accordingly, instead of all coins being fed to the ramp section at once, a more limited number of coins are provided to the ramp section. In addition, a controller circuit is provided to stop rotation of the rotatable disk and, hence, delivery of further coins, upon sensing various conditions including, for example, a coin jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6524179
    Abstract: A coin bank (A) having one or more coin holders (70A-70D) removably aligned with one or more coin chutes (56A-56D) for receiving coins therefrom. The coin bank (A) preferably includes a coin sorter assembly (32) for sorting coins by diameter, a separator assembly (30) for conveying coins one at a time to the coin sorter assembly (32), a coin chute assembly (54) including the one or more coin chutes (56A-56D) each accommodating coins of a respective maximum diameter. The one or more coin chutes (56A-56D) each include at least one finger for abutting the top edge of the corresponding coin holder (70A-70D) for maintaining the alignment. An overflow passage (62) is defined in the wall of at least one of the coin chutes (56A-56D) for allowing coins to pass therethrough when the associated coin holder (70A-70D) is filled with coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerzy Perkitny, William J. Knox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6503138
    Abstract: A coin sorting machine (10) has a motor output shaft (31) driving a coin queueing disk (21) and also has a coin sorting assembly (22) having a coin pushing member (24). A power transmission device (32, 34) transmits power from the motor output shaft (31) to a second shaft (36) driving the coin pushing member (24). A coin sensor (26b) senses each coin in a respective denomination as it is sorted into a respective receptacle (17) during a sorting operation. A controller (38) receives signals from the coin sensor (26b) determines a last coin in a bag count limit and generates a braking signal to a braking assembly (37) to stop rotation of the second shaft (36) without directly mechanically braking the motor output shaft (31) or the motor (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Myron W. Spoehr, John A. Kressin, John Grajewski, Cory A. Kohls
  • Patent number: 6319126
    Abstract: A game machine wherein there is provided an attach-detach guide means D for guiding attaching and detaching of a coin-sending device C with respect to the game machine body 8 and causing an outlet passing C20 of the device C to be aligned with a communicating opening at the body 8 at an attach-finish position of the coin-sending device C with respect to the game machine body, thereby easily connecting passages and excellently receiving and transferring coins to a coin-payout hopper or the like arranged for following stages; upon detaching operation, the coin-sending device C is guided by the guide means D to be removed from the machine body 8, thereby simultaneously disengaging the outlet passage C20 from the communicating opening and providing simple separation of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Aruze Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Tamaki
  • Patent number: 6312331
    Abstract: A coin-receiving device wherein a control switch AS is integrally formed on an assembly AA provided with a coins-lump insertion part A, so that inserting coins in a lump and following taking coins in the inside are carried out in a continuous series of actions; and the coins-lump insertion part A and control switch AS are handled as a single assembly AA thereby improving workability in assembly and upon exchanging parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Aruze Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Tamaki
  • Patent number: 6029794
    Abstract: A coin-sending device wherein coins can be lined up and discriminated at the same place, limitation of inner spaces of game machines or the like in which the coin-sending device is incorporated can be mitigated, and enlargement and complexity of their structures can be prevented, the coin-sending device comprising a coin-selection part 4 on a forcible-transfer passage 20 where a transfer force of a rotary disc 3 acts on coins sent from the rotary disc, coins are sent sequentially one by one to a second-side passage 2 following drive of the rotary disc 3, false coins IM at the coin-selection part 4 are removed through a removal opening 40 and only true coins are picked up at the coin-selection part 4, whereby coins are lined up and discriminated at the same place where the rotary disc 3 is provided, so that difference of height between an inlet of lump-insertion for coins and an outlet 202 of coins after discriminated can be made smaller, limitation of inner spaces of game machines or the like for mounting the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Aruze Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5992602
    Abstract: A coin sorter has a circular sorting track with an upstanding rim. A diverter mechanism is located at the rim and may be actuated to move a selected coin away from the rim to an off-sort depression inwardly of the rim and then to an off-sort opening at the end of the depression. The diverter mechanism is actuated by a coin recognition system that includes an induction coil located beneath the track in advance of the diverter mechanism. Signals from the induction coil are read at spaced positions of a coin passing over the coil and compared with stored ranges of acceptable signals for coins of various denominations. The diverter mechanism is actuated to divert a coin to the off-sort opening when the signals for that coin do not fall within a range of acceptable values. The ranges of acceptable values can be established by calibrating the coin recognition system by processing a plurality of known acceptable coins of a denomination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: De La Rue Systems Americas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, Myron W. Spoehr, Robert F. Fredrick, Jon R. Stieber, John P. Grajewski
  • Patent number: 5562536
    Abstract: A coins receiving and dispensing apparatus suitable for food shops or restaurants allows precise transfer and reception of various coins without error and confirmation of the balance of the coin. When coins received from customers are inserted into this apparatus, the coins are immediately sorted by a sorting mechanism with respect to the denominations of the currency and stored at the respective storage portions. When the coins are paid out as change, the coin feeder operates based on a dispensing command signal produced corresponding to the differences between the sold amount inputted in the register and the received amount from the customers to feed the coins of the wanted denomination in the necessary number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Uchida, Noboru Ichihara
  • Patent number: 5525104
    Abstract: The coin sorter includes a rotating hard disc forming the bottom of a hopper, and a stationary sorter plate to one side of the hard disc. The sorter plate includes a circular sorting track that begins at a point adjacent to the perimeter of the hard disc and which includes a series of spaced sorting openings each sized for a particular coin denomination. The track has an edge defined by a thin resilient rail held in place in a groove by an elastomer band. A second rotating disc having a series of resilient fingers depending from its underside is mounted above and in close proximity to the upper surface of the sorter plate. The fingers partially overlap the upper surface of the hard disc. Coins deposited in the hopper are formed into a single file and single layer at the outer edge a central upright portion of the hard disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Brandt, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Myron W. Spoehr, Daniel J. Folger, Richard P. Uecker
  • Patent number: 5489237
    Abstract: A coin queuing and sorting arrangement comprises a coin queuing device and a coin sorting device. The queuing device receives coins of the same or mixed denominations and delivers the coins to an outlet of the queuing device in single file, in a single layer, and with a radially inner edge of each coin positioned at a common reference location. The queuing device includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, and a stationary queuing head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the top surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the queuing head forms a queuing region for aligning the radially outer edges of coins of all denominations at a common radius, and an exit channel for receiving the queued coins. The exit channel includes a radially inner wall spiralling outwardly relative to the center of rotation of the disc to engage the radially inner edges of the queued coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 5425669
    Abstract: A coin queuing and sorting arrangement comprises a coin queuing device and a coin sorting device. The queuing device receives coins of the same or mixed denominations and delivers the coins to an outlet of the queuing device in single file, in a single layer, and with a radially inner edge of each coin positioned at a common reference location. The queuing device includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, and a stationary queuing head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the top surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the queuing head forms a queuing region for aligning the radially outer edges of coins of all denominations at a common radius, and an exit channel for receiving the queued coins. The exit channel includes a radially inner wall spiralling outwardly relative to the center of rotation of the disc to engage the radially inner edges of the queued coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 5295899
    Abstract: The coin sorter includes a rotating hard disc forming the bottom of a hopper, and a stationary sorter plate to one side of the hard disc. The sorter plate includes a circular sorting track that begins at a point adjacent to the perimeter of the hard disc and which includes a series of spaced sorting openings each sized for a particular coin denomination. The track has an edge defined by a thin resilient rail held in place in a groove by an elastomer band. A second rotating disc having a series of resilient fingers depending from its underside is mounted above and in close proximity to the upper surface of the sorter plate. The fingers partially overlap the upper surface of the hard disc. Coins deposited in the hopper are formed into a single file and single layer at the outer edge a central upright portion of the hard disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Joseph P. Hanus, John H. Winkelman
  • Patent number: 5209696
    Abstract: An improved coin sorter sorts coins of at least a first and second denomination according to their denominations. The first coin denomination defines coins which are thicker and wider than the coins of the second denomination. The coin sorter includes a rotatably mounted coin carrying disk having a resilient surface onto which coins may be fed, a mechanism for rotating the coin carrying disk, and a guideplate having a central opening in a configured surface positioned closely adjacent to the disk and over the resilient surface. The configured surface includes an inner recess area for receiving coins of all denominations from the central opening and for allowing those coins to move radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Joseph J. Geib, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 5106338
    Abstract: An improved coin sorter sorts coins of at least a first and second denomination according to their denominations. The first coin denomination defines coins which are thicker and wider than the coins of the second denomination. The coin sorter includes a rotatably mounted coin carrying disk having a resilient surface onto which coins may be fed, a mechanism for rotating the coin carrying disk, and a guideplate having a central opening in a configured surface positioned closely adjacent to the disk and over the resilient surface. The configured surface includes an inner recess area for receiving coins of all denominations from the central opening and for allowing those coins to move radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Joseph J. Geib, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 5009627
    Abstract: In a coin sorter of the kind in which coins of mixed denomination are sorted between a rotating resilient disc and a sorting head, stacked coins are broken up and the excess coins recirculated prior to referencing a single-file stream of coins to a fixed radial position and recirculating excess coins that are not properly referenced. By recirculating the coins in these two different circumstances, the breaking up of the stacked coins does not hinder the referencing of the coins, and consequently the possibility of miss-sorting due to stacked coins is reduced and the sorting speed is increased, especially when sorting predominately small thin coins such as dimes. To increase the sorting speed when small thin coins are mixed with large thick coins, the large thick coins are preselected before being referenced together with the coins of other denominations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4966570
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus receives coins through an opening in a guide plate onto the resilient surface of a rotating disc. The surface of the guide plate is contoured and includes portions positioned sufficiently close to the surface of the disc to press coins traveling therebetween into the resilient surface of the disc. As the coins are circulated circumferentially between the discs, the contours in the guide plate guide the coins into a single file along a first prescribed path. Coins of at least one selected denomination are displaced to follow a second prescribed path. The coins are discharged along each prescribed path at exit locations at the periphery of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventors: Victor G. Ristvedt, Mark E. Ristvedt
  • Patent number: RE37662
    Abstract: A coins receiving and dispensing apparatus suitable for food shops or restaurants allows precise transfer and reception of various coins without error and confirmation of the balance of the coin. When coins received from customers are inserted into this apparatus, the coins are immediately sorted by a sorting mechanism with respect to the denominations of the currency and stored at the respective storage portions. When the coins are paid out as change, the coin feeder operates based on a dispensing command signal produced corresponding to the differences between the sold amount inputted in the register and the received amount from the customers to feed the coins of the wanted denomination in the necessary number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Uchida, Noboru Ichihara