Patents by Inventor Robert E. Gunst

Robert E. Gunst 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: 8708129
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Talaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Thomas P. Adams, Jason R. Parpart, Myron W. Spoehr
  • 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: 8020758
    Abstract: A note presenter and method is disclosed for dispensing notes at a plurality of dispensing locations that are spaced apart such that two or more persons can be positioned at the dispensing locations at one time. The note presenter is attached to a secure container for receiving the cash at a single exit slot and includes a rotatable mechanism for repositioning the cash in alignment with either one of the two dispensing locations, and a linearly moveable part to withdraw the notes from the exit slot and to extend the notes to either one of the two dispensing locations to two or more persons who can be positioned at the dispensing locations. Several different configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Michael Bielamowicz
  • 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: 7891478
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Talaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Myron W. Spoehr, Joseph P. Hanus, Jason R. Parpart
  • Publication number: 20100170911
    Abstract: A note presenter (51) and method is disclosed for dispensing notes at a plurality of dispensing locations that are spaced apart such that two or more persons (C) can be positioned at the dispensing locations at one time. The note presenter (51) is attached to a secure container (30) for receiving the cash at a single exit slot (38) and includes a rotatable mechanism (52) for repositioning the cash in alignment with either one of the two dispensing locations (59, 60), and a linearly moveable part to withdraw the notes from the exit slot (38) and to extend the notes to either one of the two dispensing locations (59, 60) to two or more persons (C) who can be positioned at the dispensing locations. Several different configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Michael Bielamowicz
  • Publication number: 20100155193
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Myron W. Spoehr, Joseph P. Hanus, Jason R. Parpart
  • Patent number: 7682228
    Abstract: A self-service change redemption machine (10) has a coin hopper area (41) for receiving batches of mixed coinage and a powered mechanism (43) for transporting them to an intake opening (44) into the machine (10) for sorting, counting and directing coins into a plurality of coin receptacles. The transport mechanism has a pivotable cover (46, 46a) for preventing access to a portion of the feed path leading into the machine (10) and, if the cover (46, 46a) is lifted, the powered mechanism (43) will be stopped. The mechanism (43, 46) is designed to prevent jamming of the coins in the hopper area (41) or along the feed path (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Joseph P. Hanus, Thomas P. Adams
  • Publication number: 20100017017
    Abstract: A cash redemption and dispensing machine (10) has a housing (12), a first intake area (19) for receiving a batch of unsorted coins, an output device (55) for providing the customer with a credit for the coins deposited in the machine (10), a dispensing area formed on a back side of the housing (10) for receiving a portable receptacle (22) into which the coins are dispensed in a sorted condition, a coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) for processing the coins that are deposited into the machine through the first intake area so that the coins can be dispensed by denomination through the dispensing area in the back side of the machine, and a controller (53) electronically connected to the coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) for calculating a first total for an amount of coins received through the first intake area, the controller (53) also being electrically connected to the coin processing mechanism (21, 30, 29, 46, 50) to track a second total for the coins being dispensed to the employee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080035445
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Myron W. Spoehr, Joseph P. Hanus
  • Publication number: 20040231956
    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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert E. Gunst, Robert L. Zwieg, Robert F. Fredrick, Joseph P. Hanus, Jon R. Stieber
  • Patent number: 6595606
    Abstract: A cash dispenser (10) includes a secure enclosure (11, 12, 14) with an enclosure body (11), a door (12) on one side of the enclosure body (11) for opening and closing an access opening (9) into the enclosure (11, 12, 14), a lock (14) for securing the door (11) to the enclosure body (12), and a cash drawer assembly (20) with a plurality of drawers (22) for holding a plurality of denominations of cash. The drawer assembly has a frame with sliding members (28) near the top and wheels (21) at the front for moving the drawer assembly (20) out of the secure enclosure (11, 12, 14) through the access opening (9). The enclosure (11, 12, 14) has a bottom wall (11b) with an aperture (11d) therein sized to allow the wheels (21) to rest on a supporting surface (35) for the enclosure (11, 12, 14) and being open to a front side when the door (12) is open, to allow the drawer assembly (20) to be rolled forwardly through the access opening (9) along the supporting surface (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Gunst
  • Patent number: 5153635
    Abstract: A microfilm viewer/printer projection system particularly adapted for full plane plain paper copying has a first, a second and a third mirror which selectively project a document image from a horizontal object plane to a vertical viewing plane or a horizontal exposure plane. In the view mode, the first and second mirrors reflect the document image to a screen which defines the viewing plane. An AC motor movement drives the first and second mirrors to a print mode, in which the second mirror is parked in a parking zone which is enveloped by the projection path from the object plane to the exposure plane, which is defined by a belt type photoreceptor. In the print mode, the first mirror reflects the entire document image to the third mirror, which is a black mirror, and the third mirror reflects the entire document image to the photoreceptor, to expose the photoreceptor to the entire document image simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Infographix, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Kahle, Robert E. Gunst, James H. Westoby
  • Patent number: D574125
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Jesse Cotterman, Lisa Howard
  • Patent number: D329247
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Infographix, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Westoby, Todd A. Kahle, Robert E. Gunst, James E. Grace