Abstract: A donation transaction apparatus and method for facilitating donations to charitable organizations is provided. The apparatus is configured to receive coins or, in some embodiments, cash or funds transfer authorization or credit charges, and preferably dispenses a donation receipt to the user which the user may use to prepare or document income tax returns. Preferably, the user is able to select among a plurality of charitable organizations to receive the donation.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.