Including Value Accumulator For Plural Checks Patents (Class 194/215)
  • Patent number: 11704959
    Abstract: A sheet processing system, comprising a storage device that stores one or more sheets, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to count a number of sheets stored in the storage device; determine whether the storage device is full based on a storage state of the storage device; in a case that the storage device is determined to be full, decide a set value relating to an upper limit number of the sheets storable in the storage device by using a plurality of count results from the control circuitry; and set the set value for the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: GLORY LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Ihara, Kazuya Nishino
  • Patent number: 10867462
    Abstract: A self-vending beverage distribution station is disclosed. The station is housed inside an aircraft or vehicle monument having a counter surface and delivery points set thereinto, the counter supported by forward and rear structural walls which define an interior compartment. The station can accommodate multiple mobile beverage dispensing carts secured therein, each cart capable of dispensing a variety of canned beverages. The station includes beverage dispensing systems connected to the beverage carts. The beverage dispensing systems include a selector for retrieving selected cans from the cart, conveyors for transferring the selected cans to a can lift, and linear actuators for transporting the cans upward to the delivery points for collection by the requesting users or consumers. Control systems within the dispensing station receive user requests and coordinates operations of the beverage dispensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. L. Burd
  • Patent number: 10535215
    Abstract: Provided is a switch unit that drastically reduces the effort required to assemble a vending machine. The switch unit includes: a commodity selection part; an illumination part; a price display part; and a control part, wherein the switch unit is communicatively connected to at least one slave switch unit, and the control part includes: a position determination part configured to determine a relative position of the slave switch unit to the switch unit; and a code impartment part configured to impart a code to each of the keys of each of the switch unit and the slave switch unit on the basis of the determined relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Obata, Yu Imai
  • Patent number: 10094082
    Abstract: A finger wedge barrier system includes a frame having a top side and a bottom side, a laterally extending beam trough located along a front wall, and laterally spaced apart finger troughs extending axially from a rear wall to the beam trough, each of the finger troughs is open at the top side of the frame and formed between a cooperative pair of rails; a first cavity formed between a first pair of the laterally spaced apart finger troughs, the first cavity open at the top side and the bottom side; a second cavity formed between a second pair of the laterally spaced apart finger troughs, the second cavity open at the top side and the bottom side; and a finger wedge barrier having fingers aligned with the finger troughs, each of the fingers having a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear end pivotally connected to the frame, and a blocking member extending perpendicular to the fingers and connected at front ends of each of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 10013880
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for estimating parking occupancy. For a paid parking period, parking meter transaction data may be acquired for a parking meter encompassed by a zone of one or more parking spaces. The parking meter transaction data may be evaluated to determine status data, such as an estimation of whether one or more parking spaces are available, occupied, and/or will become available. A parking occupancy, indicative of a likelihood of available parking spaces, may be estimated based upon the status data. For a free parking period, the parking occupancy may be estimated based upon vehicle flow data that is indicative of vehicles entering, parking, and/or leaving the one or more parking spaces. In this way, the parking occupancy may be provided to a driver to mitigate wasted time and/or gas otherwise spent searching for an available parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: INRIX INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Scofield
  • Patent number: 9771696
    Abstract: A wedge barrier system includes a frame to be disposed within a foundation, for example a shallow foundation, a wedge barrier comprising fingers having an asset end pivotally connected to the frame at an asset side and a blocking member extending perpendicular to the fingers and connected at threat ends of each of the fingers and a drive mechanism located below the top side of the frame and connected to one of the fingers to move the wedge barrier between a non-deployed position with the wedge barrier disposed inside the frame and a deployed position with the blocking member located above the top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 9672741
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for estimating parking occupancy. For a paid parking period, parking meter transaction data may be acquired for a parking meter encompassed by a zone of one or more parking spaces. The parking meter transaction data may be evaluated to determine status data, such as an estimation of whether one or more parking spaces are available, occupied, and/or will become available. A parking occupancy, indicative of a likelihood of available parking spaces, may be estimated based upon the status data. For a free parking period, the parking occupancy may be estimated based upon vehicle flow data that is indicative of vehicles entering, parking, and/or leaving the one or more parking spaces. In this way, the parking occupancy may be provided to a driver to mitigate wasted time and/or gas otherwise spent searching for an available parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: INRIX INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Scofield
  • Patent number: 9211025
    Abstract: A device configured to securely and automatically receive parcel is described. The device is equipped with a front door and an automatic top rolling door in order to accommodate parcel delivery via conventional parcel delivery personnel, or delivery via airlift from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device is also equipped with a secure internet connection which facilitates communication between recipient and delivery personnel, as well as expedites the delivery confirmation process upon parcel delivery. Audio and video capture and transmission equipment on-board the device permit the recipient to remotely provide access to the device upon authentication of identity and/or credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Walid Elhawwashy
  • Patent number: 9105145
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for an end-to-end currency handling, and servicing apparatus. The apparatus may be used in any cash-centric business or enterprise for cash register till set up and balancing, back office reconciliation, and other cash payment handling activities. Further aspects of the invention provide real-time access to cash receipts for enterprise use in making financial and planning decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Duane Brown, Anthony B. Calderone, Henry W. Debnam, Shane Anthony Johnson, Bethann Johnston, Michelle Davis Nichols, John Daniel Shaver, John N. Venzon, John Scott Walbert, Margaret Morgan Weichert
  • Patent number: 9047638
    Abstract: A wagering system may include a server, an application server, a client device, and a terminal. The wagering system may issue a voucher or a wagering ticket to a client device. Wagers may be placed against the voucher balance and redeemed at the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sportech Racing, LLC
    Inventors: Louis Felipe Skelton, Scott Andrew Watterson
  • Publication number: 20150075945
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8967361
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8967362
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet serving as an apparatus housing for the apparatus. The apparatus has a control means for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus further has a module for receiving, optionally validating and optionally sorting coins of different types and at least one dispenser for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus also comprises a filling compartment comprising a plurality of dispense locations. Each dispense location is adapted for receiving a portable coin receptacle for collecting dispensed coins from a specific dispenser. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific amount of coins under control of said control means to at least one portable coin receptacle at a specific dispense location in said filling compartment. The control means is adapted to only start the dispense operation at said specific dispense location if a portable coin receptacle is present at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Scan Coin AB
    Inventors: Per-Ola Ingvarsson, Nicklas Hallenborg
  • 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: 8807316
    Abstract: Disclosed are a banknote processing system and method. The system comprises: a terminal (1), an identification unit (2), a physical banknote box (4), a banknote box information storage unit (5), and a main control unit (3). The identification unit (2) detects the banknotes getting in or out of the physical banknote box (4) to obtain inherent information of the banknotes; the main control unit (3) updates a virtual electronic banknote box according to the inherent information of the banknotes, and determine information of the banknotes in the physical banknote box (4) according to the information of the virtual electronic banknote box. The virtual electronic banknote box is a set of the inherent information of the banknotes, wherein the inherent information of the virtual electronic banknote box is one-to-one mapped to the banknotes in the physical banknote box (4), and the storage sequence of the inherent information is the same as the placement sequence of the banknotes in the physical banknote box (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yedong Li, Zhiqiang Sun, Yanwen Ha
  • Patent number: 8783435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus having a function in which two operators can commonly operate the one apparatus. That is, two pairs of a process instruction button for instructing start/stop of a discriminating and counting process and an approval button for approving counting result are provided, two independent storage areas are provided in a storage area in which the counting result is stored, the counting result is stored in the corresponding storage area while each storage area is associated with the pair of the process instruction button and the approval button, and two operators can commonly use the one bill discriminating and counting apparatus by providing occupation switching means for switching an occupation state of the bill discriminating and counting apparatus and occupation state display means for displaying a current-occupation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Matsuura, Toshio Numata, Hajime Morino, Shinji Matsui
  • Publication number: 20140151183
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining an electromagnetic sensor signal of a coin, generating a contour signal by digitizing the sensor signal, identifying an active interval in the contour signal by eliminating the segments of the contour signal which are close to zero, and detecting the coin approach, pivot and departure points (coin features) from the contour signal in the active interval. The coin features can be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: OUTERWALL INC.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Everhart
  • Patent number: 8684158
    Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into a parking meter assembly is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure located on the inner housing, a user input device located on the inner housing, and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism includes a front shelf and a front solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the front shelf. The mechanism may also include wireless communications hardware supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Duncan Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
  • Patent number: 8668068
    Abstract: The coin handling apparatus configured to handle the first coin of the first nation and the second coin of the second nation includes a recognition unit 48 configured to recognize a coin and detects a feature amount of the recognized coin. The recognition unit 48 is configured to regard the recognized coin as the first coin when the feature amount of the detected coin conforms to feature amount information including a feature amount of the first coin and a feature amount of the second coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiju Nakagawa, Minoru Higashiyama, Hideki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8540068
    Abstract: In a control unit (50), a predetermined amount of money of fund money that is the money to be dispensed as the change or the like (i.e., predetermined denominations and the number for each denomination or predetermined total amount of the fund money) is set in advance. The control unit (50) controls an insertion unit (12), a transport unit (16), a storing unit (22) and an escrow unit (20), so as to automatically perform a dispensing process for feeding the money corresponding to the predetermined amount of the fund money from the storing unit (22) to a dispensing unit (14), after the control unit (50) serves to perform a depositing process for taking the money into a casing (10) from the exterior thereof via the insertion unit (12), and then feeding the money taken in the casing (10) to the escrow unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Tasuku Nakamoto, Kazuhiro Doi, Yasuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8515573
    Abstract: A sort pattern creating method, for a banknote handling apparatus, comprises a step of selecting a denomination of banknote (S501), a step of selecting a print version of banknote (S502), a step of selecting a direction of banknote (S503), a step of selecting a fitness of banknote (S504), a step of creating the sort pattern by combining the contents selected in the step of selecting a denomination of banknote, a print version of banknote, a direction of banknote and a fitness of banknote (S505). The sort pattern creating method comprises a step of checking a validity of the combination of the contents, wherein the combination is valid when a type of banknote is defined to be sorted into one stacking unit, and the combination is not valid when the type of banknote is not defined to be sorted into one stacking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Morino, Kozen Nakai, Masanori Nose
  • Publication number: 20130161153
    Abstract: Consumer operated kiosks for coin counting and/or providing various products and services are described herein. In various embodiments, the kiosks can provide the consumer with the ability to review and select various favorite options for utilizing coin value and other forms of value and to sort same. Other embodiments provide the ability for the user log in to a social networking website to share and compare their experiences on the kiosk with others via the social network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: COINSTAR, INC.
    Inventor: Coinstar, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8464854
    Abstract: A money handling system includes a plurality of money handling machines that are configured to recognize and count money. A management device is provided to assign first and second recognition information for respectively recognizing a transaction of money and for recognizing a group that is created by dividing the money for one transaction. In addition, each money handling machine receives the second recognition information, counts the money of the group corresponding to the second recognition information, and associates the count result with the second recognition information, whereupon the associated count result and second recognition information is transmitted to a management device. The management device manages the count result for each group based on the association between the first recognition information and the second recognition information, as well as on the count results and second recognition information, respectively received from the plurality of money handling machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tameike
  • Publication number: 20130132217
    Abstract: Systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or other forms of value for use with mobile commerce platforms implemented on, for example, smart phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a mobile commerce account on a mobile device includes receiving coins and/or other funds from a user at a consumer-operated kiosk. The method can further include counting the coins and/or other funds to determine a value, and then communicating at least a portion of the value from the kiosk to the hand-held mobile device for deposit in the mobile commerce account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Yahn, Engle Saez
  • Patent number: 8443958
    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: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, William J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130037376
    Abstract: The coin handling apparatus configured to handle the first coin of the first nation and the second coin of the second nation includes a recognition unit 48 configured to recognize a coin and detects a feature amount of the recognized coin. The recognition unit 48 is configured to regard the recognized coin as the first coin when the feature amount of the detected coin conforms to feature amount information including a feature amount of the first coin and a feature amount of the second coin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Keiju NAKAGAWA, Minoru HIGASHIYAMA, Hideki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20120285788
    Abstract: A banknote deposit apparatus includes: a storing box 70 configured to receive the banknote stacked in a stacking unit 60 so as to store the banknote; and a clamping and transporting mechanism 10 configured to clamp surfaces of the banknote stacked in the stacking unit 60 and to transport the banknote to a direction parallel to the surfaces of the clamped banknote so as to store the banknote in the storing box. A front opening 61 through which the stacked banknote is taken out from outside, and a front shutter unit 62 configured to open and close the front opening are disposed on a front surface of the stacking unit 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Toru Akamatsu, Masaki Inoue, Masakazu Sakata
  • Publication number: 20120273323
    Abstract: A money handling system of the present invention includes: a plurality of money handling machines, each money handling machine being configured to recognize and count money, and a management device configured to assign first recognition information for recognizing a transaction to the money for one transaction, assign second recognition information for recognizing a group to each of a plurality of groups provided by dividing the money for one transaction, associate the first recognition information with the second recognition information, and manage such associated first and second recognition information; wherein each money handling machine receives the second recognition information inputted thereto, counts the money of the group corresponding to this second recognition information, and associates this count result with the second recognition information and then transmits the associated count result and second recognition information to the management device, and the management device manages the count res
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Tetsuya TAMEIKE
  • Patent number: 8261902
    Abstract: A coin exchange machine (10) and method in which a coin counting mechanism (25, 23) receives a plurality of coins from a customer and counts the coins to determine a total, a dispensing mechanism (20) dispenses a receipt (17a) in exchange for the coins, and wherein before accepting coins for totaling and before dispensing the receipt, the machine (10) causes a display of a notice (21, 22) with a request for the customer to indicate acceptance through a user interface; wherein the machine (10) receives the customer's acceptance of the notice (21, 22) through the user interface; and wherein only after the customer's acceptance, the machine (10) then proceeds to receive and count coins deposited by the customer and to dispense the receipt (17a) to the customer for redemption. The machine (10) keeps a record of the transactions for performing a reconciliation routine to identify unredeemed receipts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Allexon, William M. Paist
  • 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: 8109379
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet housing the apparatus. The apparatus has a controller and at least one dispenser for dispensing coins. The apparatus is for dispensing a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from the at least one dispenser to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space is arranged within the cabinet. The closeable dispense space has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of the specific composition of coins from the at least one dispenser into the portable coin receptacle while shielding the closeable dispense space from user access during the dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Scan Coin AB
    Inventor: Anders Sjöström
  • Publication number: 20120012436
    Abstract: In a control unit (50), a predetermined amount of money of fund money that is the money to be dispensed as the change or the like (i.e., predetermined denominations and the number for each denomination or predetermined total amount of the fund money) is set in advance. The control unit (50) controls an insertion unit (12), a transport unit (16), a storing unit (22) and an escrow unit (20), so as to automatically perform a dispensing process for feeding the money corresponding to the predetermined amount of the fund money from the storing unit (22) to a dispensing unit (14), after the control unit (50) serves to perform a depositing process for taking the money into a casing (10) from the exterior thereof via the insertion unit (12), and then feeding the money taken in the casing (10) to the escrow unit (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Tasuku Nakamoto, Kazuhiro Doi, Yasuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8033375
    Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry Smith
  • 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: 7971699
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens H. Molbak, Vae E. Sun
  • Patent number: 7798304
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus is provided which can detect a dispensed coin without lowering a dispensation speed of coins, even dispensed small-diameter coins without lowering a dispensation speed without damaging a coin detecting device. The coin dispensing apparatus has a throwing-out device and a noncontact type detecting device. A rebound member is provided against which the coin thrown out by the throwing-out device strikes, to rebound in a predetermined direction. The noncontact type coin detecting device continuously detects a coin before the coin strikes against the rebound member and after the coin rebounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20100168902
    Abstract: A money handling machine of the present invention that includes a storing unit for storing money and that performs depositing processing for transporting and storing supplied money in the storing unit, further includes: limit setting unit that sets a storage limit level for the storing unit; storage limit determination unit that determines, when the money stored in the storing unit reaches the storage limit level set for the storing unit, the limitation of storage; and deposit stopping unit that stops the depositing processing according to a result obtained by determination by the storage limit determination unit. Here, the limit setting unit includes a setting storage portion that stores the storage limit level, and performs the setting based on contents stored in the setting storage portion, and the setting can be changed by varying the stored contents. Thus, a money handling machine is provided that can easily adjust, as appropriate, the storage limit level without need to replace a ROM or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Yoshikatsu Mizushima
  • Publication number: 20100138308
    Abstract: There is provided a banknote counter 17 capable of speedily and accurately checking banknotes exchanged for chips and automatically acquiring and managing accurate transaction information. Banknotes received in the banknote counter 17 are recognized one by one by a recognition unit, and thus can be checked speedily and accurately compared with manually checking banknotes. Banknotes can be additionally received until one transaction is confirmed by a confirmation unit, and one transaction can be confirmed by the confirmation unit. Information on a confirmed transaction is displayed on an external display unit 18. Accurate information on a confirmed transaction is transmitted from the banknote counter 17 to a higher-ranking machine and can be automatically acquired and managed by the higher-ranking machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Yuichi Fujita, Kazumi Yamauchi, Shigekuni Sakiyama, Toshiyuki Matsui, Toru Takaki
  • Patent number: 7699153
    Abstract: A method for identifying suspected counterfeit and/or counterfeit banknotes paid into an automatic teller machine, wherein banknotes to be paid in are checked for authenticity on the basis of data from a sensor device. The identification is achieved by linking data from the sensor device concerning the suspected counterfeit and/or counterfeit banknotes to an identity of a payer. The method also includes storing the data concerning the suspected counterfeit and/or counterfeit banknotes and the identity of the payer, and generating checking data for the suspected counterfeit and/or counterfeit banknotes by means of the sensor device or a sensor device similar to the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Ehrich, Karl-Dieter Förster, Franz Müller, Manfred Parussel, Wolfgang Rapf, Helmut Karl Reinisch, Steffen Schmalz, Helmut Steidl, Hermann Weilacher
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7637365
    Abstract: A car wash includes a controller having an input element and an output element. The input element is configured to receive an input representing a payment. The output element is in operative communication with the input element, and is configured to assign an output comprising a bonus value of a product or service to be dispensed if the payment is of a preferred form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark G. Ringdahl, Harry Dilling
  • Publication number: 20090236200
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Curtis W. Hallowell, John R. Blake, William J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090236201
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Curtis W. Hallowell, William J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090236199
    Abstract: A coin change device with automatic readjustment and classification to match with the transaction/retail (wholesale) account closing device such as a cash register for use comprises a coin readjustment and dispense module, a recognition module, a storage module, and a dispense/retrieve module, wherein more than one coin can be thrown in said coin readjustment and dispense module at one time to perform automatic coin recognition, calculation, storage and change-making action through said coin change device with automatic readjustment and classification, thereby to exempt required manual counting and change-making operation by the register and thus reducing chances of possible errors in receiving and dispensing the monetary amount as well as saving the time required for daily coins counting and adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Shao-Tsu Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090183967
    Abstract: A paper sheet recognition apparatus includes a sensor that measures feature amounts of a paper sheet; a recognition unit that recognizes whether the paper sheet is genuine or counterfeit, and fit or unfit, based on the feature amount; a memory unit that stores therein a plurality of pieces of different category classification pattern information prepared for each category for classifying the paper sheets into a plurality of categories, which is obtained by combining the feature amounts; and a category determining unit that determines a category of the recognized paper sheet using a recognition result in the recognition unit and the category classification pattern information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroki Hamasaki
  • Publication number: 20090178897
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jens H. Molbak
  • Patent number: 7559418
    Abstract: A method of exchanging coins that maximizes benefits to a host/operator of an implementing machine (10) and minimizes or eliminates any transaction charges to users of the machine (10) by providing users an establishment-specific or otherwise dedicated cash-substitute or other non-cash option in return for the coins. Possible exchange options include dispensing a disposable first type of cash-substitute device (40a,40b); storing a credit on a re-usable second type of cash-substitute device (44); making a charitable donation; and crediting an account. Because the establishment own or rents and operates the machine (10), exchanged coins can be used to replenish cash drawers or to replenish its coin dispensers or dispensing machines used, for example, at or by checkstands or self-checkout stands or self-service checkout systems, and because the exchange options are primarily establishment-specific, sales increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Balance Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Carter
  • Publication number: 20090127065
    Abstract: A coin bank with an automated means for depositing groups of coins is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a coin bank for storing money, including a vessel configured to store at least one coin, where the vessel includes an opening, a means for receiving the at least one coin in a first position, the receiving means having a first hinge at a first end and a second hinge at a second end, and an actuating means for moving the receiving means from the first position to a second position, the actuating means in contact with the receiving means and the vessel, wherein the opening is configured to receive the at least one coin in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Marshall S. Hacker
  • Publication number: 20090084656
    Abstract: A system for treating money in an automatic vending machine imposes a limitation on the kinds of bills (amount of money) and on the number of pieces of bills that are to be thrown in due to the program of the controller in the automatic vending machine, making it often difficult to cope with the use of various kinds of moneys, lowering the utilization of the automatic vending machines and decreasing the profit. To overcome the above problem, a device for treating the coins that are thrown in is electrically connected to communication means which receives and transmits data related to the throw-in of coins, and the communication means, the device for identifying the bills that are thrown in and the controller in the automatic vending machine are electrically connected together. Further, the primary side and the secondary side of the communication means select either a VTS system or a MDB system and, particularly, the primary side is of the VTS system and the secondary side is of the MDB system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicants: Kabushiki-Kaisya I-S ELECTRONICS, Kabushiki-Kaisya FUJIDENKISHOKAI
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Ishiwata
  • Publication number: 20090071793
    Abstract: A coin depositing and dispensing machine automatically returning coins remaining on a passage in case an error-stop during depositing operation. The coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing in a reverse transporting direction reverse to the depositing and transporting direction, one coin in a sorting passage is transported to the upstream side from a rejecting portion. Then, the coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing in the depositing and transporting direction, and eliminated by the rejecting portion. While the coins on the passage are transported by the transporting unit for depositing alternately in the depositing and transporting direction and the reverse transporting direction, the coins in the sorting passage are eliminated by the rejecting portion one by one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nagase, Keita Toyama, Keita Ito