Patents by Inventor Curtis W. Hallowell

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

  • Patent number: 11514743
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
  • Publication number: 20200250914
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
  • Patent number: 10629020
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobolevsky
  • Patent number: 10049521
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, computer-readable storage media, and methods of managing processed coins are presented herein. A method is presented for managing coins processed by a currency processing system. The method includes: receiving a batch of coins by the currency processing system; feeding the coins into a coin processing unit which includes one or more coin discriminating sensors; sorting the batch of coins into genuine fit target coins and reject coins; sorting the reject coins into a plurality of reject groups, each of which corresponds to a respective category of rejected coins; analyzing at least one of the reject groups to determine if any genuine target coins were mischaracterized and erroneously sorted into that reject group; and, crediting a user of the currency processing system for any genuine target coins in the reject group determined to have been mischaracterized and erroneously sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Tomasz M. Jagielinski
  • Patent number: 10043333
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobelevsky
  • Patent number: 9875593
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, coin sorting and recycling assemblies, and methods of making and methods of using the same are presented herein. A currency processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving coins and coin receptacles for stowing processed coins. A disk-type coin processing unit includes a rotatable disk for imparting motion to input coins, and a sorting head for separating and discharging coins from exit stations. An automated coin chute receives coins from one of the exit stations. The automated coin chute includes a movable diverter plate that selectively transitions between a first position, whereby coins received from the exit station of the disk-type coin processing unit are redirected through a coin-recycling output passage to a coin-recycling receptacle, and a second position, whereby coins received from the exit station are redirected through a coin-depositing output passage to a coin-depositing receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon, Matthew J. Bochnak, Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, Mikhail B. Sobelevsky
  • Patent number: 9830762
    Abstract: The method according to some embodiments comprises a coin processing machine depositing a plurality of the coins from the coin processing machine through an upper opening of a generally rigid and elongated tubular body of a coin receptacle sleeve and into the coin sleeve until a top level of coins within the sleeve is adjacent to a top of a coin bag; and continuing to deposit additional coins through the upper opening and into the sleeve until a top level of coins within the sleeve is adjacent a full coin height level and above the top of the coin bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9633500
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, computer-readable storage media, and methods of managing processed coins are presented herein. A method is presented for managing coins processed by a currency processing system. The method includes: receiving a batch of coins by the currency processing system; feeding the coins into a coin processing unit which includes one or more coin discriminating sensors; sorting the batch of coins into genuine fit target coins and reject coins; sorting the reject coins into a plurality of reject groups, each of which corresponds to a respective category of rejected coins; analyzing at least one of the reject groups to determine if any genuine target coins were mischaracterized and erroneously sorted into that reject group; and, crediting a user of the currency processing system for any genuine target coins in the reject group determined to have been mischaracterized and erroneously sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Tomasz M. Jagielinski
  • Patent number: 9495808
    Abstract: A method of processing documents includes receiving a stack of documents including currency bills and substitute currency media. Each substitute currency medium has at least one barcode. The method further includes transporting the stack of documents via a transport mechanism, one document at a time, along a transport path and denominating with a currency detector each of the currency bills in the stack of documents. The currency detector is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes scanning with a barcode scanner a barcode on each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents. The barcode scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes imaging with an image scanner each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents to generate a raw image file of the substitute currency medium. The image scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Charles P. Jenrick, Robert J. Klein, Curtis W. Hallowell, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 9437069
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for processing coins are presented herein. A coin processing system is disclosed which includes a housing with a coin input area for receiving a batch of coins, a controller with a communication interface operatively attached to the housing, and a coin processing unit for counting, discriminating, and/or valuing coins received from the coin input area. The coin processing system also includes a mobile coin receptacle removably disposed within the housing and configured to receive coins from the coin processing unit. The mobile coin receptacle is configured to wirelessly communicate information to the communication interface of the controller. The mobile coin receptacle can include one or more electrical contacts that mate with one or more electrical contacts on the housing to wirelessly communicate the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Marianne Krbec, William J. Jones, Thomas P. Adams, Glenn S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9430893
    Abstract: Currency processing systems, coin processing machines, computer-readable storage media, and methods of managing processed coins are presented herein. A method is presented for managing coins processed by a currency processing system. The method includes: receiving a batch of coins by the currency processing system; feeding the coins into a coin processing unit which includes one or more coin discriminating sensors; sorting the batch of coins into genuine fit target coins and reject coins; sorting the reject coins into a plurality of reject groups, each of which corresponds to a respective category of rejected coins; analyzing at least one of the reject groups to determine if any genuine target coins were mischaracterized and erroneously sorted into that reject group; and, crediting a user of the currency processing system for any genuine target coins in the reject group determined to have been mischaracterized and erroneously sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, Tomasz M. Jagielinski
  • Patent number: 9296573
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of stacked currency bills into a currency handling device. The apparatus may comprise an input receptacle being configured to receive a plurality of stacked currency bills, the receptacle having a first side and a second opposing side, a front end, and an opposing back end. The apparatus further may comprise a first paddle rail disposed adjacent the first side and a first paddle assembly slidably coupled to the first paddle rail, the first paddle assembly having a portion configured to contact a stack of a plurality of bills residing in the input receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Daniel, III, Roy C. Schoon, Charles P. Jenrick, Curtis W. Hallowell
  • Patent number: 9189780
    Abstract: A first prompt is displayed to insert a deposit slip that includes declared information. The deposit slip is received, transported at a first speed, and imaged. A total declared cash-in amount and a total declared check amount are extracted from image data associated with the deposit slip. The total declared cash-in amount is determined to be a non-zero number. A second prompt is displayed to insert currency bills. The currency bills are received, transported at a second speed, and imaged. Deposit information is generated from image data associated with each of the currency bills. The deposit information at least includes a calculated total cash deposit amount. The deposit information is compared with the declared information to determine if the deposit transaction is balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Frank M. Csulits, Curtis W. Hallowell, Douglas U. Mennie, Matthew L. Anderson, Robert J. Klein, Ralf H. Jaeger, David R. Badalamenti
  • Publication number: 20150325056
    Abstract: A method of processing documents includes receiving a stack of documents including currency bills and substitute currency media. Each substitute currency medium has at least one barcode. The method further includes transporting the stack of documents via a transport mechanism, one document at a time, along a transport path and denominating with a currency detector each of the currency bills in the stack of documents. The currency detector is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes scanning with a barcode scanner a barcode on each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents. The barcode scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes imaging with an image scanner each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents to generate a raw image file of the substitute currency medium. The image scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Charles P. Jenrick, Robert J. Klein, Curtis W. Hallowell, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Patent number: 9129271
    Abstract: A method of processing documents includes receiving a stack of documents including currency bills and substitute currency media. Each substitute currency medium has at least one barcode. The method further includes transporting the stack of documents via a transport mechanism, one document at a time, along a transport path and denominating with a currency detector each of the currency bills in the stack of documents. The currency detector is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes scanning with a barcode scanner a barcode on each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents. The barcode scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path. The method further includes imaging with an image scanner each substitute currency medium in the stack of documents to generate a raw image file of the substitute currency medium. The image scanner is positioned adjacent to the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Charles P. Jenrick, Robert J. Klein, Curtis W. Hallowell, Douglas U. Mennie
  • Publication number: 20150183593
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of stacked currency bills into a currency handling device. The apparatus may comprise an input receptacle being configured to receive a plurality of stacked currency bills, the receptacle having a first side and a second opposing side, a front end, and an opposing back end. The apparatus further may comprise a first paddle rail disposed adjacent the first side and a first paddle assembly slidably coupled to the first paddle rail, the first paddle assembly having a portion configured to contact a stack of a plurality of bills residing in the input receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: John H. Daniel, III, Roy C. Schoon, Charles P. Jenrick, Curtis W. Hallowell
  • Patent number: 8973817
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of stacked currency bills into a currency handling device. The apparatus may comprise an input receptacle being configured to receive a plurality of stacked currency bills, the receptacle having a first side and a second opposing side, a front end, and an opposing back end. The apparatus further may comprise a first paddle rail disposed adjacent the first side and a first paddle assembly slidably coupled to the first paddle rail, the first paddle assembly having a portion configured to contact a stack of a plurality of bills residing in the input receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John H. Daniel, III, Roy C. Schoon, Charles P. Jenrick, Curtis W. Hallowell
  • Patent number: 8959029
    Abstract: A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie, John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell
  • 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: 8948490
    Abstract: A first prompt is displayed to insert a deposit slip that includes declared information. The deposit slip is received, transported at a first speed, and imaged. A total declared cash-in amount and a total declared check amount are extracted from image data associated with the deposit slip. The total declared cash-in amount is determined to be a non-zero number. A second prompt is displayed to insert currency bills. The currency bills are received, transported at a second speed, and imaged. Deposit information is generated from image data associated with each of the currency bills. The deposit information at least includes a calculated total cash deposit amount. The deposit information is compared with the declared information to determine if the deposit transaction is balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Frank M. Csulits, Curtis W. Hallowell, Douglas U. Mennie, Matthew L. Anderson, Robert J. Klein, Ralf H. Jaeger, David R. Badalamenti