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).

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).

Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.

Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.

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).

Abstract: A coin collecting machine and coin bin are disclosed. The coin bin includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle. A plurality of ports can be provided in the lid of the coin bin for distributing coins evenly through the bin, and the apertures can be selectively opened to receive coins and prevent access to the coins. The bin further includes a floor that includes sloped surfaces. The coin collecting machine includes a motorized funnel system for funneling coins to each of the ports in the bin for even distribution.

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).

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).

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.

Abstract: A bagging spout for a coin handling machine has an inclined chute extending between an upper inlet and a lower outlet. A spreader plate extends downwardly adjacent the outlet. A clamp member is hinged to the top of the spout adjacent the inlet. The clamp member has spaced ears that engage the outside of parallel side portions of the chute to pinch a coin bag between the ears and the chute.

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.