Having Means To Test Size Patents (Class 194/334)
  • Patent number: 8998686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sorting coins, the diameter and thickness of which are within predefined size ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Arno Fischer, Bruno Gruenberger, Daniel Obermayr
  • Patent number: 8720665
    Abstract: In a coin feeding machine 26 which uses a rotary disk 41 rotated at an inclined posture, a removal projection 59 for removing a smaller diameter coin is provided between a feeding projection 52 and a coin support portion 53 which are provided on a surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. The removal projection 59 is disposed to be positioned on the slightly outer side of the outer edge of a coin C when the coin C whose diameter is a lower limit value of a handling target range is brought into contact with the feeding projection 52 and the coin support portion 53. The side surface of the removal projection 59 is inclined relative to the surface of the rotary disk 41. When the coin is brought onto the inclined surface of this removal projection 59, the coin drops away from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. A coin C1 which is smaller than the lower limit value of the handling target range is brought onto the removal projection 59, so as to be dropped from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41 and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Itou
  • Patent number: 8615123
    Abstract: A coin identification method and apparatus capable of reliably acquiring stable two-dimensional images of both surfaces of coins 217, and using the acquired two-dimensional images to perform identification and discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between coin denomination, types, dates and origins of mint. In a coin pathway, imaging devices 207a,b are positioned at an image-capture position such that images above and below the surface of passing coins are captured under illumination. The coin denomination is identified by geometric measurements of enhanced images, the coin type is identified by matching templates to enhanced images, and the coin date and mint are identified using template matching to segmented sub-images. In one embodiment, the coin identification information is used for the promotion of a coin counting service. The results are displayed in an entertaining and engaging manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: IdentiCoin, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Dabic
  • Patent number: 8550227
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically positioning a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-positioning coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a coin sensor for determining a physical characteristic of an object and a moving device operably coupled to the coin sensor. The moving device can be configured to adjust the position of the coin sensor to determine the physical characteristic. Auto-positioning coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can include coin sensors that can be positioned based on a measurement of a dimension of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8517163
    Abstract: A system for handling coins employs a front end coin acceptor and validator that feeds a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism utilizes a substantially horizontal track module to load coins by denomination into an arrangement of bins. The coins are ejected by means of a solenoid onto the track module that provides a path according to the denomination of the coin into the proper bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Telequip Corporation
    Inventors: Victor A. Quattrini, Robert Pitman, Paul Stump, Jack J. Bisson, Jeff Janway, Hamlin Peterke, Don Stanley
  • Patent number: 8474593
    Abstract: A coin processing machine for processing coins of various diameters includes an elongate guide surface that guides coins moving along a coin path extending beside and along the guide surface, and sets of first and second coin sensors spaced along the path. Each first and second coin sensor is associated with a respective coin diameter. The coin sensor signals are transmitted to a controller that recognizes the value of a coin associated with a pair of first and second sensors only when both sensors signal the presence of a coin. If only the first sensor signals the presence of a coin, the controller may generate an output signal indicating the presence of a misaligned coin moving along the coin path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Patent number: 8210337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Daniel Brandle, John P. Grajewski, Jon R. Stieber, Thomas P. Adams
  • Patent number: 8127914
    Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8100245
    Abstract: A bill recognizing and counting apparatus includes a feeding and transporting mechanism; a line sensor to scan an image of the bills; a denomination determination table in which denomination recognition data is registered for at least one currency; a denomination recognizing unit that recognizes a denomination of the currency by referring to the table; a processing-mode switching unit that switches between a denomination mode and a different currency recognition mode; a different-currency recognizing unit that compares a difference in size between a first bill and each bill of a second bill and thereafter with an allowable range, and recognizes whether the each bill of the second bill and thereafter is of the same denomination as the first bill; and a control unit that guides the bill being determined as a different denomination to a rejecting unit or stops the feeding and transporting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Numata, Shinji Matsuura, Teruo Sudo, Tomoyasu Sato, Yasutaka Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20110290617
    Abstract: The check deposit apparatus of the present invention comprises an insertion part that is used to insert a check from outside for deposit, a feed part furnished with a feed roller that feeds the placed check along a feed path, an alignment part furnished with an alignment roller that feeds the check fed from the feed part to one side of the feed path and also aligns it, a check reading part that reads information of the check that has been aligned by the alignment part, first and second sensor groups that judge whether the check inserted into the insertion part has a specification that enables it to be fed and processed toward the alignment part normally, a third sensor group that judges whether the check aligned in the alignment part has a specification that enables it to be read and processed normally in the check reading part, and a control part that judges whether to deposit or return the check in question based on the information sensed by the first and second group or third sensor group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: NAUTILUS HYOSUNG INC.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Kwak, Woo Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7987961
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus, which ejects coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between an element on a rotor and an ejector, has a variable height rotor (3), an improved two-part coin ejector (10a, 10b). A optical sensor for detecting coins being ejected positive detects both the presence and absence of coins in a coin path. Also, a payout device comprising a first coin dispensing device (61) including a dispensed coin type detector and a second coin dispensing device (62). The first coin dispensing device (61) is used to store coins of plurality of large denominations and is used initially for paying out an amount. The second coin dispensing device (62) is used for a single low denomination coin type and coins are dispensed from the second coin dispensing device (62) after the first coin dispensing device has been used as much as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Phil Richardson, Peter Crossan, David F Ellwood
  • Patent number: 7984906
    Abstract: Using detectors, skewed conveyance of sheet media such as checks can be detected accurately regardless of whether part of the conveyed medium is folded over. The biased feed detection unit 33 of a check processing device 1 according to at least one embodiment of the invention determines the lengths L1 and L2 of the conveyed check 6 (ST31 and ST32) and the thickness of a folded part of the check 6 (ST33) at different positions perpendicular to the transportation direction based on the output of a paper thickness detector 25 and a length detector 26 disposed to the check transportation path 7. The folded length L3 is then subtracted from the difference ?L of the detected lengths to acquire a corrected difference ?L1 (ST35). If the corrected difference ?L1 is less than or equal to a threshold value D, the medium is determined to be conveyed normally (ST37). If the corrected difference ?L1 exceeds the threshold value D, the medium is determined to be skewed (ST38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Yoneyama, Tomoaki Kimura, Atsushi Natsuno
  • Patent number: 7950513
    Abstract: A coin drop mechanism comprises a support member movably connected to a channel member. A contoured channel configured to receive at least one coin is formed on at least one of the members and defines a coin slot when the members are in contact with each other. The channel is configured to guide the at least one coin to a desired location aligned with an actuator opening on the members. The mechanism further comprises an actuator. The actuator comprises a actuation member configured to travel through the actuator opening, engage the at least one coin against a surface of the channel member, and displace the channel member relative to the support member causing a selected product to be dispensed from a product receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Horian
  • Patent number: 7896149
    Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7870942
    Abstract: A coin-roll storage 1 comprises a storage body 1a and a coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) having a plurality of coin-roll storage portions 14 provided therein, each coin-roll storage portion 14 being adapted for storing one coin roll therein. Each coin-roll storage portion 14 of the coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) is adapted for storing therein the coin roll of any denomination. A determination unit 16 is adapted for determining the denomination of each coin roll by detecting an outer diameter, an axial length and material of the coin roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Hiroshi Tone, Ryuichi Tabata, Koichi Nishida, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20100270119
    Abstract: A bill acceptor includes a bill acceptor body defining therein a bill passage, a bill slot panel mounted on the front side of the bill acceptor body and defining a bill insertion slot for the insertion of a bill into the bill passage, a bill box located on the rear side of the bill passage, a transmission mechanism for transferring an acceptable bill through the bill passage toward the bill box, a bill recognition unit for checking the authenticity and face value of an inserted bill, a bill pressing device for pushing each acceptable bill away from the bill passage into the inside of the bill box, two first adjustment devices for mounting on two opposite lateral sides of the bill passage to adjust the width of the bill passage to one of a set of bill passage widths, and two second adjustment devices for mounting on the inside of the bill slot panel at two opposite lateral sides relative to the bill insertion slot to adjust the width of the bill insertion slot subject to the bill passage width defined by the f
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sheng-Yen Tsao
  • Patent number: 7789213
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Discapa, S.L.
    Inventors: Joan Carles Jimenez, Miguel Delgado, Antoni Vilagines, Xavier Clua, Carles Marti
  • Patent number: 7669705
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coin recognition device comprising an integrated circuit, a coin receiving member, and a retractable trigger mechanism. The integrated circuit comprises a built-in recognition program and a plurality of pads as signal input ends thereof. The recognition program is configured for discriminating denomination of coins based on signals from the pads. The coin receiving member defines a coin slot for coins to be inserted. The retractable trigger mechanism is associated with the coin slot and is disposed on the coin receiving member. The trigger mechanism comprises a conductive contact part attached thereto. The contact part moves together with movement of the trigger mechanism in response to the insertion of coins. When the contact part moves to corresponding positions in relation to varying diameters of coins, the contact part at each specific position is electrically connected to one respective pad to stimulate a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Jin Jiang Zhanwang Electronic (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baoliu Yu
  • Patent number: 7552809
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coin operated device, whereby the articles inside the locker can still be taken out with the spare key of the locker provider without damaging the coin operated device when the key is lost. The coin operated device is installed in the door frame of a locker and comprises first and second lock cylinders respectively for the insertion of the spare key and the key. The second lock cylinder is used to lock or unlock the locker, wherein a coin is inserted into the coin operated device, and a coin triggered module lets the coin fall into a coin accommodation module; then, the key is turned to latch the lock tongue and lock the locker, and the coin accommodation module is simultaneously driven to let the coin stay in behind the coin return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: MIZ Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chih Lu
  • Patent number: 7553224
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus is provided. The coin sorting apparatus includes a coin separating unit for separating coins depending on kinds of the coins, and a coin receiving unit. The coin receiving unit continues to automatically operate until a plurality of coin receiving tubs are all full. Therefore, the number of coins that can be separated by one-time operation is increased, thereby improving a user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign, Inc.
    Inventors: Hun Choi, Dae Seung Woo, Han Sung Park, Un Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7552811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for testing coins which are placed in a coin acceptor unit and which are displaced in front of an image sensor consisting of lines and columns, whereby said image sensor records an image of the coins that are to be tested. At least one of the front columns in the direction of movement of said coins and/or at least one line of the image sensor captures parameters, which in conjunction with the temporal detection information, are used to provide information on the movement of said coins. It is determined independently from said parameters when the coin will appear in a desired overlap area for recording, whereby the image sensor is shifted into an activation mode of the columns and lines of the overlap area and recording is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstatten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Wollny
  • Patent number: 7513353
    Abstract: A combination pawl and coin wheel for use in a vending machine is disclosed. The pawl has a beveled disk-engaging tooth adapted to engage a disk or coin at a coin corner so as to urge that coin against wheel surfaces and thereby inhibit coin rotation while the coin is in the pocket. Coin wheel wear is thus inhibited, and vending machine maintenance is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Bolen
  • Patent number: 7494000
    Abstract: A snack dispenser comprises tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into transparent slots into which a snack may be placed. The troughs are mounted on a rotatable carousel having a transparent front shell with transparent locked doors therein. The doors are unlocked by a door control mechanism when coins of proper monetary value are inserted into a coin box. The coin box accepts and learns the value of different types of coins, or accepts personal identification numbers. Opening the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of other doors, and resets the credit of the coins inserted. When closed, the door locks all doors until additional coins are inserted. Servicing the dispenser includes removal of the front shell, removal of empty tiers, and replacement of replenished tiers. All segments can be removed and collapsed into a flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Newco Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Billy J. Castleberry
  • Publication number: 20090045031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Thomas P. Adams, Jason R. Parpart, Myron W. Spoehr
  • Patent number: 7472780
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coin sorting apparatus whose operation is controlled by sensing means to count the received coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign Inc.
    Inventor: Hun Choi
  • Publication number: 20080257681
    Abstract: The coin identifying device is provided where the number of coins stored can be changed and a coin can be returned without a return button, and thus it is simple and inexpensive to make. The device has a coin slot, a coin outlet, and a rotating body. The rotating body has a coin containing section which can store multiple coins inserted from the coin slot, a switching member which changes the number of stored coins in the coin containing section, and a coin passage which is connected with the coin containing section and in which the coin falls to the coin outlet. A partition member inside a body of the device divides the coin containing section and the coin passage and does or does not prevent the coin in the coin containing section from falling to the coin passage depending on the direction of the rotation of the rotating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Bandai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7104384
    Abstract: A method for measuring the diameter of coins in coin validators, comprising the steps below: The coins traverse an electromagnetic field which is formed such as to partially hide the field, at least also by their upper area. The field is generated between at least one transmitter coil and a receiver coil. The transmitter coil is periodically acted on by a short transmission pulse the duration of which is small as compared to the time of coin passage. The maximal attenuation values are determined for different times of the transmission pulse. The attenuation values measured are extrapolated into time 0. The measured value determined by extrapolation is compared to a predetermined acceptance band or a predetermined characteristic line for coin diameters for comparison to a stored setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: National Rejectors, Inc. GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Cohrs, Wilfried Meyer
  • Patent number: 7073654
    Abstract: A coin selector assembly includes a coin passageway having at least a pair of thickness sensor unit operatively positioned along the coin passageway to provide respective measurements of the thickness of the coin. A comparing unit compares the respective thickness signals with corresponding stored standard values representative of a genuine coin to determine the authenticity of the coin. Additional sensor unit can be positioned along the coin passageway and excited with different frequencies. Thus, a material sensor unit and a diameter sensor unit or a pair of diameter sensor unit can also be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinari Matubara, Hiroshi Ohtomo
  • 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: 6988606
    Abstract: A coin discrimination sensor having an excitation coil and two detector coils arranged to detect eddy currents in a passing coin. The excitation coil is provided a composite waveform formed by adding a low frequency signal (30 KHz) with a high frequency signal (480 KHz). The two detector coils are arranged at different distances from the passing coin, and are calibrated to eliminate the common-mode voltage when no coin is present. As a coin passes by the sensor, eddy currents are induced in the coin which result in phase and amplitude shifts in the low and high frequency components of the detector signal. The low and high frequency components are separated from the detector signal, and their respective phases and amplitudes are ascertained and compared against values stored in a lookup table. These values represent the composition, thickness, and diameter characteristics of known coins, and if the signature of the processed coin does not appear in the lookup table, it can be flagged as an invalid coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, John R. Blake, David J. Wendell, Scott D. Casanova, David J. Mecklenburg, Eric J. Strauts
  • Patent number: 6929110
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing an improved coin acceptor are described. In one aspect, an electronic coin acceptor exaggerates relatively small differences in coin diameters. A coin deposited into the coin acceptor passes along a coin path through two sensing beams, with at least one of the beams positioned at a nonperpendicular angle to the coin path. Timing information relating to the coin's passage through the beams is recorded and utilized to identify the coin. In another aspect, the thickness of the coin is determined as the coin passes through the sensing beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Ellenby Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Bob M. Dobbins, Christian F. Dungan, Aaron H. Dobbins
  • Publication number: 20040222062
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coin sorting apparatus whose operation is controlled by sensing means to count the received coins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hun Choi
  • Patent number: 6729461
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus and method uses a light source (50) disposed on one side of the coin path (23); a coin moving member (21) of light transmissive material; a coin path insert (41) having at least a portion the is light transmissive; an optical detector (55) disposed on an opposite side of the coin path (23) from the light source (50) for detecting coin size as a coin (14) passes the coin path insert (41); a coin core alloy composition sensor (42); a coin surface alloy composition sensor (43); an edge sensor (46) disposed along a reference edge (45) along the coin path; and a plurality of processors (90, 94, 95, 107, 96) for receiving data developed from signals from the optical detector (55), the coin core alloy sensor (42), the coin surface (43) alloy detector, and the coin edge sensor (46), the data being for comparison with stored values for a plurality of denominations to determine the denomination of the coin (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Brandle, Klaus Muller, Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, John P. Grajewski
  • Patent number: 6721442
    Abstract: A document handling system is configured for processing a variety of different documents. The system includes an input receptacle for receiving a stack of documents, a standard sensor for scanning at least one non-color characteristic of the bills in the stack, a color sensor for scanning the color characteristics of the bills, and an output receptacle for receiving the bills after they have been processed. A transport mechanism is included for transporting bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past the sensors to the output receptacle. An operator interface is provided for displaying information to an operator and inputting information to the system. A processor is also included for processing the data gathered from the sensors to evaluate the bills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas U. Mennie, Frank M. Csulits, Matthew L. Anderson, Gary P. Watts, Richard A. Mazur, Charles P. Jenrick, Bradford T. Graves
  • Patent number: 6705448
    Abstract: Coins may be validated and denominated by comparing varying signals from coin sensors and checking whether a predetermined relationship between them is maintained, for example, as the coin moves past die sensors. In some implementations, each varying signal may represent the varying effect on a sensor as the coin moves relate to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Franklin Steel
  • Patent number: 6685000
    Abstract: A coin discrimination method and device reliably acquires stable two-dimensional images of the surfaces of coins, and using the acquired two-dimensional images is able to perform discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between genuine and counterfeit coins, and between coin types. In a coin pathway configured so as to block interfering light, sensors are positioned at an image-capture position and at a position upstream from the image-capture position; an image sensor is caused to begin image capture simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor upstream of the image-capture position, of a coin, and illumination is emitted for a short time simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor at the image-capture position, of the coin, to acquire an image of the coin. Specific patterns are detected in a binary image obtained by converting the acquired image to binary level, and coin discrimination is performed based on the detected patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Masanori Sugata, Akira Onodera
  • Patent number: 6640955
    Abstract: A coin inspection method and device of inexpensive composition are provided, whereby the shape of the edge portions of a coin and the indentations patterns on the surface of a coin can be inspected with a high level of accuracy by means of a simple, single group of coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventor: Yonezo Furuya
  • Patent number: 6640956
    Abstract: A coin handling machine (10) has a coin sorting member (12) with a plurality of sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) by which respective denominations of coins (14) are sorted, having a coin driving member (21) with webs (22) for moving the coins to the coin sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), having a motor (60) coupled to the coin driving member (21), and having a brake (65) for stopping the motor (60), the coin handling machine (10). A coin imaging sensor (40) optically images at least a portion of a coin (14) and for transmitting dimensional data for identifying coins by denomination. A main controller (120) receives said dimensional data and counts each coin for bag stopping purposes separate from the counts maintained for totalizing the sorted coins. The controller (120) transmits signals to at least reduce the speed of the motor (60) when a bag count limit is reached for a respective denomination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, John P. Grajewski, John A. Kressin, Thomas S. Murphy, Jon R. Stieber
  • Patent number: 6599181
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus includes a storage interior for storing bulk coins, a coin passageway extending along a vertical longitudinal axis upward from the storage container to an exit aperture, and a coin selector for selectively sending coins upward along the coin passageway. A lever is pivotably mounted for contacting the coin as it exits the exit aperture, and a sensor unit operatively connected with the lever can count the coins as they exit. The lever and the sensor unit can be appropriately aligned in a fixed relationship and a mounting assembly that is mounting the lever and the sensor unit adjacent the exit aperture can be adjusted traverse to to the longitudinal axis to accommodate different size coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Takashi Inozuka
  • Patent number: 6595343
    Abstract: A coin selector is provided with a decreased size as compared with prior art devices, which is also lighter. The selector, uses synthetic resin molded product componenets. The selector has a base element which has a shape such as a roughly square thick plate being stood up; a rail being arranged on this base element, for standing up and rolling a deposited coin; and a roller with a groove. The roller is freely rotatable arranged above this rail. The roller guides the upper edge of said rolling coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Tanaka, Hiroshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20030057054
    Abstract: A coin sensor is provided including a method and apparatus for providing adaptive operating point (AOP) control. The AOP control is provided using circuits and associated methods and algorithms connected between measurement circuits of the coin sensor and the coin sensor oscillator. The AOP control automatically monitors and controls the quiescent voltage levels of four signals used by the coin sensor to discriminate coins. The four signals represent coin size and coin composition. In addition, the AOP control automatically performs calibration and adjustment functions both during manufacture of the coin sensor system and during its operational life. The automatic monitoring and control functions provided by the AOP control result in a significant increase in the dynamic range of the coin sensor response. This reduces the coin false-reject rate while improving the coin discrimination precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mark L. Waechter
  • Publication number: 20030051970
    Abstract: An electrical discharge produces an acoustic impulse, and a reflection of the impulse from the upper coin in a coin stack is sensed so that the level of the coin stack can be determined from the time taken for the reflection to be received. Alternatively, or additionally, the acoustic impulse can be used to detect coin jams, the presence and/or width of a coin store, the state of a coin routing gate or the quantity of a vendible product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: David Michael Furneaux, Bernard Joseph Campbell
  • Publication number: 20030034223
    Abstract: A method for measuring the diameter of coins in coin validators, comprising the steps below:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Ulrich Cohrs, Wilfried Meyer
  • Publication number: 20030019716
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Katsumi Sugai, Nobuyuki Nakatani, Masanari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6467604
    Abstract: A coin validator is provided with at least two reference positions (U, D) for determining a diameter related characteristic of a coin being validated. In order to reduce the running to the testing station, the timing of a trailing point of the coin passing a first reference position (U) is used to determine the diameter related characteristic. Embodiments using optical inductive and piezo-electric sensors associated with the reference positions are disclosed. An inductive sensor for a coin validator comprises an elongate coil, which, when in use, is arranged such that the magnetic field is substantially constant across the width of the passageway. The use of coils of this type have the advantage of wrap around coils but enable the coin passageway to be shallower and be opened. A coin validator is described wherein the backwall of a coin passageway is movable to and fro so that the depth of the coin passageway can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Coin Controls, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis Wood, Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Publication number: 20020074210
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus and method uses a light source (50) disposed on one side of the coin path (23); a coin moving member (21) of light transmissive material; a coin path insert (41) having at least a portion the is light transmissive; an optical detector (55) disposed on an opposite side of the coin path (23) from the light source (50) for detecting coin size as a coin (14) passes the coin path insert (41); a coin core alloy composition sensor (42); a coin surface alloy composition sensor (43); an edge sensor (46) disposed along a reference edge (45) along the coin path; and a plurality of processors (90, 94, 95, 107, 96) for receiving data developed from signals from the optical detector (55), the coin core alloy sensor (42), the coin surface (43) alloy detector, and the coin edge sensor (46), the data being for comparison with stored values for a plurality of denominations to determine the denomination of the coin (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel Brandle, Klaus Muller, Robert L. Zwieg, Thomas P. Adams, John P. Grajewski
  • Patent number: 6379239
    Abstract: Unassorted tokens of different types are supplied into a coin inlet portion 16 of an upper casing 3, so that the numbers of respective types or total amount of discharged tokens are calculated and displayed. A rotary disk 5 and a disk follower 6 are arranged at an upper surface of a main case 2, with a belt 12 extending around their circumferences, so that they are rotated by a handle 14. An upper casing 3 is attached to the main case 2 in a manner enabling opening and closing movement. A lower surface of the upper casing 3 is formed with a guide passage 19. The upper casing 3 is provided with detection holes 23 above which a coin sensor is provided that is capable of calculating the diameters and transit number of tokens. The main case 2 is provided with a light source from which light is emitted for irradiating the coin sensor. The supplied tokens are shifted from the outer edge of the rotating rotary disk 5 onto the belt 12 in the guide passage 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignees: Sugai General Industries Ltd., Wing Design Co., PREV.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sugai, Nobuyuki Nakatani, Masanari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6328150
    Abstract: A coin discriminating apparatus includes a first light source for projecting light onto one surface of a coin being transported, a second light source for projecting light onto the other surface of a coin being transported, a first light detector for photoelectrically receiving light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the one surface of the coin and producing image pattern data of the one surface of the coin, a first pattern data memory for storing the image pattern data of the one surface of the coin produced by the first light detector, a second light detector for photoelectrically receiving light emitted from the second light source and reflected by the other surface of the coin and producing image pattern data of the other surface of the coin, a second pattern data memory for storing the image pattern data of the other surface of the coin produced by the second light detecting means, a reference data memory for storing reference data of coins of each denomination, a discriminator for com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiko Hibari
  • Patent number: 6283267
    Abstract: A coin selector assembly includes a frame member having an upper entrance opening for receiving a coin and a plurality of coin ejection openings. A passageway extends through the frame member from the upper entrance opening to a plurality of ejection openings. The entrance passageway has an arcuation entrance portion to contact a peripheral surface of a coin and to change its direction through the frame member. A replaceable roller unit can assist in sorting the coins. The frame member has a vertical height approximating a horizontal length to facilitate a vertical mounting in a coin operated machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6230870
    Abstract: A coin detection device for determining a size of a coin traveling along a coin track comprises a first inductive sensor positioned along the coin track, a second inductive sensor positioned above the first inductive sensor, a processing circuit connected to the first and second inductive sensors, each of the sensors for providing an output signal to the processing circuit and the processing circuit determining the size of the coin based upon a ratio of the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Coin Acceptors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Levasseur, Mark H. Leibu