Abstract: A coin handling device comprises a hopper and an escalator for receiving coins from the hopper. The escalator is connected to the hopper and extends upwardly from the hopper. At least a portion of the escalator is downwardly foldable toward the hopper to reduce an overall height of the coin handling device. The reduced height facilitates removal of the coin handling device from a gaming machine cabinet and installation of the coin handling device into the cabinet in the event the cabinet provides minimal clearance.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 21, 2001
Date of Patent:
December 2, 2003
Assignee:
WMS Gaming Inc.
Inventors:
James M. Rasmussen, Gregory J. Tastad, Norman R. Wurz, Erik J. Lindahl
Abstract: The fare box contains an elongate, vertically disposed chute, the upper end of which registers with a slot formed in the top of the box for inserting paper currency into the chute. The chute has a cross sectional area substantially greater than that of a dollar bill, so that once the bill has been inserted into the chute, whether rolled or folded, it could fall by gravity downwardly through the chute to a space provided therefor in the bottom of the box. An endless belt is mounted adjacent the chute to be driven unidirectionally in a path which causes one run of the belt to travel vertically downwardly in a groove formed in one side of the chute. At equi-spaced intervals along its length the belt carries a plurality of transverse tine-supporting bars, which carry a plurality of spaced, parallel tines or fingers that project part way into the bore of the chute as the support bars travel downwardly in the chute.