Abstract: The coin batch loading device of the present invention is a coin batch loading device capable of separating out coins one by one which were input as a batch and delivering them, including a cylindrical portion having an opening at the top and a side wall and a bottom wall, a rotor which is disposed inside the cylindrical portion and rotates about the center of the cylindrical portion, outer periphery sensors provided inside the cylindrical portion which detect one or more coins on an outer perimeter portion of the rotor, and a control device for controlling the rotation of the rotor, wherein if one or more outer periphery sensors detect one or more coins, the control device is able to set the rotational speed of the rotor to a medium speed which is lower than a high speed.

Abstract: A pill feeder accepts a quantity of pills and organizes the pills into a single file where each pill is output in a controlled orientation at a controlled rate. The apparatus includes a moving surface, such as a rotating disk, to receive and move pills past one or more gates that separate and orient groups of pills into a single file. The gates can start at a closed position and open until a pill has passed the gate. In one embodiment, a mixer counter-rotates relative to the rotating disk to prevent jams of the pills. The single file of pills is then guided out to an exit chute via an exit path. An alternative exit path provides an alternative route via which the pills exit the pill feeder. Multiple sensors can control the movement of the gates and the rate at which the pills exit the pill feeder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament dispensing device and system. In particular, the invention relates to a system having multiple containers capable of dispensing multiple medicaments. A center dispensing mechanism then actuates the containers release tray based on prscribed computer controlled settings.

Abstract: The described device for separating coins comprises a rotatable base disc (32), a delimiting element (34) and a driver disc (36). A circular ring-shaped sorting track (12) is arranged eccentrically relative to the base disc (32). The driver disc (36) and a circularly arranged conveying element (14) interact in a transfer region (38) such that the lowest layer of coins among a quantity of coins conveyed by the driver disc (36) are pushed underneath the conveying element (14), clamped thereat and conveyed further.

Abstract: A drawer 72 includes a coin container receiving unit 74 and a plurality of types of coin containers 76a, 76b having different shapes, each of the coin containers 76a, 76b can be placed in the coin container receiving unit 74, and wherein a number of the coin containers 76a, 76b installed in the drawer 72 is changeable according to a combination of the types of the coin containers 76a, 76b placed in the coin container receiving unit 74.

Abstract: Replenishing coins in a coin store associated with a coin handling device includes feeding a batch of coins from a bulk coin store to a receptacle near the coin handling device, delivering coins from the receptacle to the coin handling device and routing at least some of those coins from the coin handling device to the coin store associated with the coin handling device.

Abstract: A coin-separating and feeding device receives coins of different dimensions, sorts them in a sorting recess positioned on a rotating disk. A moving member is positioned within a sorting recess groove and reciprocates linearly between a sorting position for receiving a coin and a pushing-out position to feed for subsequent processing. The bulk coins are stored in a container that houses the rotating disk and an arc-shaped restrictor can surround an outer periphery of at least a portion of the rotating disk to maintain the separated coin within the sorting recess. A driving device comprising a ring shaped cam is fixedly arranged relative to the rotating disk and a pair of can followers mounted on the moving member can control the speed of the mover member including accelerating and decelerating the speed from a push-out position to a coin receiving position within the sorting recess.

Abstract: In a coin feeding machine 26 which uses a rotary disk 41 rotated at an inclined posture, a removal projection 59 for removing a smaller diameter coin is provided between a feeding projection 52 and a coin support portion 53 which are provided on a surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. The removal projection 59 is disposed to be positioned on the slightly outer side of the outer edge of a coin C when the coin C whose diameter is a lower limit value of a handling target range is brought into contact with the feeding projection 52 and the coin support portion 53. The side surface of the removal projection 59 is inclined relative to the surface of the rotary disk 41. When the coin is brought onto the inclined surface of this removal projection 59, the coin drops away from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. A coin C1 which is smaller than the lower limit value of the handling target range is brought onto the removal projection 59, so as to be dropped from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41 and removed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a coin processing system includes a coin input area that receives coins from a user, a coin processing module that counts the received coins, and a foreign object detection system that detects a foreign object within the coin processing module subsequent to counting substantially all the received coins.

Abstract: A coin sorting plate for receiving and sorting a stream of coins by the diameter and hence the denomination of the coin has a number of coin recesses that extend along the path of the coin stream. Each coin recess is sized to receive a respective coin diameter. The coin recesses are arranged with the recess openings increasing in size in the downstream direction to progressively remove coins in order of increasing diameter. Each coin recess is bounded by a downstream wall that forces a coin in the recess to move off a peripheral edge of the coin sorting plate for collection or other processing.

Abstract: A compact inexpensive coin separating and transferring apparatus can separate coins and reliably delivering each one to a rotating transferring body. Coins or tokens are contacted by a holding surface on a pusher unit formed so as to project from an upper surface of a rotary disk to permit the coins to be sorted one by one and stored. The coins are each pushed by the pusher unit along a circumferential-direction of a fixed guiding ledge positioned above the rotary disk. The coin reaches a stationary state at a predetermined delivery position on a delivery support ledge. A holding ledge has a predetermined diameter formed at an outer perimeter edge of the pusher. The coin is removed by a rotary transferring body from the delivery position, and physical properties can be detected by a sensor while moved along a sensor-part guide.

Abstract: An elastic coin moving disk assembly (23) for moving coins across a coin sorting and coin collection member (13) in a coin handling machine (10), in which the coin sorting and coin collection member (13) has openings (28) of varying size to receive coins (14) of respective denominations, the coin moving disk assembly (23) having an annular disk body with a groove (32) and an outer rim (35) having a cavity (33) in a bottom surface; and a fin ring (39) molded into the cavity (33) in the bottom surface, the fin ring (39) comprising planar fingers (42) extending downward and substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rim (35) when first manufactured, and later taking on an angular “set” after an initial break-in period, which is compensated for by a user-removable shim (43).

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: The coin sorting system includes a feed unit, a sorting unit, and a passageway member. Each unit has a rotary disc and a stationary member opposed to the disc. Each disc has a rotating axis inclined relative to a horizontal plane. A guide passageway with an outlet thorough which coins are fed one by one as the disc rotates is formed on the stationary member of the feed unit. Provided on the stationary member of the sorting unit are a conveying passageway with an inlet thorough which the coins fed from the outlet are introduced one by one and multiple sorting devices each for selectively ejecting the coins. A rolling-coin passageway is formed on the passageway member extending aslope to cause the coins to roll from the outlet to the inlet under own weight thereof.

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).

Abstract: The coin plate of a coin processing or sorting machine having one or more coin slots includes a stationary diverter finger that is attached to the surface of the plate. The finger is located radially inwardly of the coin slot or coin slots and extends downstream to preferably the most downstream slot. A coin that is located radially inwardly from the intended, correct position with respect to the coin slots engages the diverter finger and is directed along the diverter finger radially outwardly and towards the last downstream coin slot so that the coin passes through the slot and is removed from the plate.

Abstract: Chip sorting devices include a rotatable disc having a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one removal lever associated with at least one of the channels. The removal lever has an arm configured to extend adjacent at least a portion of a stack of chips when the stack of chips is in a channel. Other chip sorting devices include a plurality of wells for receiving chips therein, a plurality of channels for holding stacks of chips, at least one ejector for ejecting chips from the wells of the disc into the channels, and at least one spring member configured to bias the ejector to a position.

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.

Abstract: A hopper for a coin processing machine has a turntable that receives coins and rotates in a first direction to discharge coins from the hopper. A circumferential wall surrounds the turntable, and includes a coin discharge opening and a second opening. A diverter plate extends away from the wall upstream of the second opening. The diverter plate blocks coins from entering the second opening when the turntable rotates in the first direction. The diverter plate directs any debris remaining on the turntable to the second opening when the turntable rotates in the opposite, second direction after discharging all the coins from the hopper.

Abstract: A coin recycling machine (10) for receiving, sorting and dispensing coins, comprising a coin dispenser having a rotatable coin magazine (23) for holding respective denominations of coins and having an electronic control (100, 107), said electronic control (100, 107) being operable in response to a commanded total to control position of said coin magazine (23) to selectively dispense coins to provide the commanded total, a queuing device (52) for receiving the coins and arranging the coins in a queue, the queuing device (52) having an exit (66) directed towards said coin magazine (23) and having associated sensors (65, 72) for identifying a denomination of a next coin to pass through the exit (66) and the electronic control being responsive to the sensors (65, 72) associated with the queuing device for positioning the coin magazine such that coins are sorted into the coin magazine (23) by denomination as the coins exit the queuing device (52).

Abstract: An actuator unit is applied to joints, each movable along two or more axes, such as a hip joint, a knee joint, or an ankle joint of a legged mobile robot. All the moving portions of a power-supply and control-signal harness are accommodated inside the actuator unit, and an electric contact of the actuator unit is on the free end of an output shaft so that a multi-axis robot is easily achieved. The actuator unit has two orthogonal shafts, and is useful to robots having various kinds of joint structures.

Abstract: A cylindrical body is rotated about a rotation axis interconnecting a center point of a top circle thereof and a center point of a bottom circle thereof. The cylindrical body having an outer peripheral face formed with at least one token-groove. An outer wall member covers the outer peripheral face of the cylindrical body to form a gap between an inner face of the outer wall member and the token-groove such that a single gaming token in an upright attitude is held therein. The gaming token held in the gap is ejected toward a tangent direction of an outer peripheral circle of the cylindrical body in accordance with a rotary action of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A compact, simply structured token counting and sorting apparatus includes a rotary disc 10 which is rotatable by a handle 17. A generally arcuate token transfer track 23 including a token transfer inlet 24 is arranged along the outer circumference of the rotary disc 10. The token transfer track 23 is provided with a plurality of sorting holes 25 for successively sorting and dropping the tokens in the order of increasing diameters as the tokens are transferred from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the transfer direction. A transfer belt 30, which is annular as viewed in plan, is disposed above the outer circumference of the rotary disc 10 for rotation together with the rotary disc 10 to transfer the tokens while pressing the tokens against a surface of the token transfer track 23 A token discerner 31 is provided in the token transfer track 23 between the token transfer inlet 24 and the sorting hole 25 located at the most upstream position for determining the count and diameters of the tokens.

Abstract: A reduced-size coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes an integral base member which concentrically and circumferentially mounts both the rotatable disc and the sorting head. The unitary base member also provides as the mounting structure for the electronics and the motor.

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 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 pick up wheel for a coin receiving and validating apparatus, said pick up wheel comprising a disc-like body having a plurality of circumferentially spaced coin receiving recesses each recess including a chamfered edge portion extending at least partially about an upper edge thereof, said disc-like body having a central hub portion and an annular outer portion, said pick up wheel characterised in that said disc-like body is formed from a cross linked high molecular weight polyethylene polymer or co-polymer and further characterised in that said annular outer portion tapers convergently towards an outer edge of said disc-like body.

Abstract: A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of mixed denominations and paper notes is provided. The currency processing machine comprises means for receiving and counting the paper notes, a hopper for receiving the coins of mixed denominations, and means for determining the amount of the deposited funds. A sorting device sorts the mixed coins into denominations. A coin receptacle station for each denomination receives the sorted coins. Each of the coin receptacle stations includes a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the plurality of coin receptacles.

Abstract: A manifold adapted to distribute six coin denominations discharged from a coin sorter to a standard cash till is set forth. The manifold includes a plurality of paths to deliver at least five of the coin denominations to the five coin compartments of the standard cash till. The manifold delivers the sixth coin denomination to a receptacle within the manifold.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different exit locations around the periphery of the disc. Shunting mechanisms are disposed in one or more of the exit channels or are disposed outside the periphery of the disc adjacent one or more of the exit locations. These shunting mechanisms are used to separate coins into two or more batches for the purpose of either discriminating between valid coins and invalid coins or for the purpose of accumulating a predetermined number of coins in one batch and then accumulating additional coins in another batch.

Abstract: A reduced-size coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes an integral base member which concentrically and circumferentially mounts both the rotatable disc and the sorting head. The unitary base member also provides a mounting structure for the electronics and the motor.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes a brake mechanism which permits stopping of the coin-driving member at high speeds such that an invalid coin is retained or for ensuring the correct amount of coins is sent to the coin-collecting receptacle. The coin sorter also includes an operator interface panel for easy operator inputs. Operator inputs allow the operator to adjust the movement of the coin-driving member after encountering a stop and for adjusting the amount of lubrication sent to the coin-guiding member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading software changes into a processor-based coin sorting machine. In one embodiment, a flash card having a memory remotely programmed with a second software code is adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the system controller of the coin sorting machine. Insertion of the flash card causes the initial code in the resident memory of the machine to become erased and replaced with the second software code. The flash card may thereafter be removed from the machine and used to load software changes into other machines. In an alternative embodiment, the flash card may remain electrically coupled to the coin sorting machine. In this embodiment, insertion of the flash card causes the machine to execute the second software code, but the initial code is not erased or replaced. Upon removal of the flash card, the machine does not retain the second software code but will revert to execution of the initial code.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes a brake mechanism which permits stopping of the coin-driving member at high speeds such that an invalid coin is retained or for ensuring the correct amount of coins is sent to the coin-collecting receptacle. The coin sorter also includes an operator interface panel for easy operator inputs. Operator inputs allow the operator to adjust the movement of the coin-driving member after encountering a stop and for adjusting the amount of lubrication sent to the coin-guiding member.

Abstract: A reduced-size coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes an integral base member which concentrically and circumferentially mounts both the rotatable disc and the sorting head. The unitary base member also provides a mounting structure for the electronics and the motor.

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 process for emptying the tray space of flat-running coin-counting and coin-sorting machines with a coin support with coin tray. The process includes the automatic emptying and simple cleaning of the tray space and the elimination of disturbances caused by, e.g., jamming in the area of the coin intake. This occurs without opening the coin transport device, the height limitation device or the like, and which guarantees a high level of safety against unauthorized access to the tray space. The coin support is opened in the downward direction.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes a brake mechanism which permits stopping of the coin-driving member at high speeds such that an invalid coin is retained or for ensuring the correct amount of coins is sent to the coin-collecting receptacle. The coin sorter also includes an operator interface panel for easy operator inputs. Operator inputs allow the operator to adjust the movement of the coin-driving member after encountering a stop and for adjusting the amount of lubrication sent to the coin-guiding member.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters having improved exit slots is set forth. The sorter includes a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned parallel to the upper surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the sorting head. Each of the plurality of exit channels has two side walls between which the coins are guided and a base across which the coins pass. Each exit channel has a slot in the base and the coin engages a region of the base outside of the slot.

Abstract: A coin discrimination sensor for discriminating among desired and undesired coins, comprised of an excitation coil for producing an alternating magnetic field. These alternating magnetic fields couple to said desired and undesired coins to induce eddy-currents. The sensor also is comprised of a detection coil for detecting eddy-currents from desired and undesired coins. The detection coil produces a differential voltage corresponding to the composition of the desired and undesired coins being sensed.

Abstract: A coin discrimination sensor and coin handling system for discriminating among desired and undesired coins, comprised of an excitation coil for producing an alternating magnetic field. These alternating magnetic fields couple to the desired and undesired coins to induce eddy-currents. The sensor also is comprised of a detection coil for detecting eddy-currents from desired and undesired coins. The detection coil produces a differential voltage corresponding to the composition of the desired and undesired coins being sensed.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter for sorting coin mixtures which include coin denominations of substantially similar diameters, the sorter has a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, a drive motor for rotating the disc, a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent to the upper surface of the disc and having an opening in the central region thereof for feeding coins between the opposed surfaces of the disc and sorting head, the lower surface of the sorting head is contoured to align the coins in a single file and single layer, the contoured lower surface extends downwardly between exit channels at a common radial position providing a positive guide wall which maintains the radial alignment of coins as they pass between exit channels and tapers upwardly in a radial direction from the area traversed by the inner edges of the largest-diameter coins, to the top edge of the guide wall that extends between adjacent exit channels.

Abstract: A coin sorting system comprises a coin sorter for sorting a plurality of coins, an operator interface panel, and a control unit coupling the operator interface panel to the coin sorter. The coin sorter includes a coin-driving member having a resilient surface and a stationary coin-guiding member having a coin-guiding surface opposing the resilient surface of the coin-driving member. The coin-guiding surface is positioned generally parallel to the resilient surface. The resilient surface of the coin-driving member is constructed and arranged to move the coins along the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The coin-guiding surface forms a plurality of exit stations for selectively allowing exiting of the coins based upon their respective diameters. The operator interface panel includes a display unit and a touch screen mounted over the display unit. The display unit includes a plurality of display fields for displaying keys, coin sorter status, and sorted coin total.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different exit locations around the periphery of the disc. Shunting mechanisms are disposed in one or more of the exit channels or are disposed outside the periphery of the disc adjacent one or more of the exit locations. These shunting mechanisms are used to separate coins into two or more batches for the purpose of either discriminating between valid coins and invalid coins or for the purpose of accumulating a predetermined number of coins in one batch and then accumulating additional coins in another batch.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter comprises a rotatable disc with a resilient top surface. A stationary sorting head forms a queuing region to align the outer edges of the coins at a desired common radius, and a plurality of exit channels receive the queued coins and guide coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the sorting head. The lower surface of the sorting head is positioned parallel to the upper surface of the disc and spaced slightly therefrom, to press coins of all denominations downwardly into the resilient top surface at predetermined sections thereof. A pair of recycle channels recirculates coins in the queuing region if the outer edges of these coins are located inwardly of the desired common radius.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a coin sorter apparatus for sorting a group of mixed coins by denomination and immediately terminating the sorting process in response to a predetermined operating condition, such as the filling of a coin receptacle with a predetermined number of coins. Sorting is provided by a stationary sorting head and a rotatable disc positioned sufficiently proximate to one another so that when the group of mixed coins are dropped into the center opening of the stationary sorting head, they are rotated by the rotating disc and guided by the sorting head on a outward spiral sorting path to exit channels along the periphery of the stationary sorting head. Each of the exit channels acts as an exit chute for a particular coin denomination by releasing pressure on that particular coin and freeing the coin to move outwardly along the exit channel and exit into a coin receptacle.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different discharge stations around the periphery of the disc. A plurality of coin sensor/discriminators are mounted in the stationary sorting head over the rotatable disc for discriminating between valid and invalid coins guided by said stationary sorting head. At least one coin sensor/discriminator is mounted in each of the plurality of exit channels.

Abstract: A coin handling system comprises a coin-driving member having a resilient surface and a stationary coin-guiding member having a coin-guiding surface opposing the resilient surface of the coin-driving member. The coin-guiding surface is positioned generally parallel to the resilient surface and spaced slightly therefrom. The resilient surface of the coin-driving member moves coins along the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The coin handling system uses a lubrication distribution system to reduce friction between the coins and the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The lubrication distribution system includes at least one cavity formed in the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. A reservoir stores a lubrication fluid, and a supply tubing is used to convey the lubrication fluid from the reservoir to the cavity. A control system regulates the flow of the lubrication fluid from the reservoir to the cavity via the supply tubing.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination. The apparatus comprises a rotatable disc which has a resilient surface for receiving coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins. A stationary sorting head has a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc. The stationary sorting head sorts and discharges coins of different denominations at different exits around the periphery of the stationary sorting head. The sorting head includes a separate exit channel for each denomination of coin, and a sensor for each coin denomination within the exit channel for that denomination. An encoder monitors the movement of a sensed coin on the rotating disc downstream of the sensors by monitoring the angular movement of the disc. Further, a coin discriminator is used to detect foreign and counterfeit coins and to prevent the detected invalid coins from being discharged with the valid coins.