Rotary Patents (Class 453/49)
  • Patent number: 11884501
    Abstract: An example disclosed output hopper includes a cavity to receive media units from an output of a media processing device, the cavity to cause the media units to form a stack in a first direction; a first door pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position, the first door to retain the media units in the cavity when in the closed position, wherein the first door is configured to pivot on a first axis substantially parallel to the first direction; wherein: the first door includes a first cutout at a first top edge of the first door; and the first cutout allow the media units to spill over the first and second top edges when a capacity of the cavity is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Marshall, Konstantinos Tsiopanos, Thomas R. Helma, Noel R. Bankston
  • Patent number: 11361608
    Abstract: A coin separating and detecting device includes: a separating and feeding rotating body disposed inclinedly and configured to receive and separate coins; a coin separating and feeding device configured to push out the coins that have been separated; and a coin detecting device configured to receive the coins from the coin separating and feeding device, the coin detecting device including: a detecting rotating body configured to move the coins; and a sensor configured to acquire physical information on the coins, wherein the separating and feeding rotating body and the detecting rotating body are positioned adjacent each other in a horizontal direction; and wherein the detecting rotating body is configured to receive the coins; hold the coins; deliver the coins onto the detecting portion introduction guide; and push the coins forward along the detecting portion introduction guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Minoru Enomoto
  • Patent number: 10913603
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a plurality of conveyor segments that define a movement path that has a closed shape, and at least one actuator that can move inventory storage containers along the movement path. Each actuator has a roller having a cylindrical body that has a first end, a second end that are offset from the first end along a central axis, and a cylindrical outer surface that extends from the first end to the second end. Each actuator has a helical track disposed around the cylindrical outer surface in a helical pattern. Further, each actuator has at least one track follower that can ride along the helical track when the roller is rotated about the central axis so as to move the inventory storage containers along an axial direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Kalm, Vahideh Kamranzadeh
  • Patent number: 8992292
    Abstract: A coin processing device includes a rotating member that has an annular rib provided annularly along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion, which transports a coin upon a transport path using a cutout portion formed upon a lower portion of the annular rib. An open position intersects the annular rib. An opening and closing member, when positioned at the open position, is positioned adjacent to the annular rib in a radial direction of the rotating member so as to allow rotation of the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Suetomi, Tatsuya Yano
  • Patent number: 8986083
    Abstract: A coin feeding device (70) includes: a rotary disc (72) that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical direction; a hopper member (74) configured to define a coin storage space (73) for storing coins between the hopper member (74) and a surface (72b) of the rotary disc (72); and a plurality of protruding members (78) disposed on the surface (72b) of the rotary disc (72). Coins in a lower area of the rotary disc (72) are transported by the respective protruding members (78) to an upper area of the rotary disc (72) along with a rotation of the rotary disc (72). A first guide member (80) is located nearer to a center of the rotary disc than the respective protruding members on the rotary disc (72), with a slight gap being defined between the first guide member and the surface (72b) of the rotary disc (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8932118
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Shuren, Neil M. Young, Andrew M. Yellop, David Michael Furneaux, Karen Aurelius
  • Patent number: 8747194
    Abstract: A device for singularising coins of different sizes and thickness with a housing which comprises an obliquely inclined base plate is suggested. A catch element for catching and conveying coins to a further processing is rotatably arranged above the base plate. The coins are randomly present at least in the lower region of the base plate on which a collection container is fastened. A flap is arranged in the base plate, which opens and closes synchronously with the driven coin catch element for leading a caught coin further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstätten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hugo Girrbach, Roland Griese, Christian Trenner
  • Patent number: 8734208
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Masayoshi Umeda
  • Patent number: 8720665
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Itou
  • Patent number: 8668559
    Abstract: A mechanism for separating single coins from a plurality of coins provided within a coin dispensing apparatus. The mechanism comprises a housing defining a coin dispensing path, coin transport means for urging coins along the coin dispensing path; and first and second biased coin stripping members located adjacent each other and disposed successively in the coin dispensing path at an outlet of the coin dispensing mechanism. The first and second stripping members together comprise a double outlet gate and each member is movable independently of the other by each urged coin to effect, in use, alignment and stripping of coins being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Technology Limited
    Inventor: David Bellis
  • Patent number: 8616942
    Abstract: A bulk coin dispenser bin holds nonaligned coin inventory even when removed from a base containing drive mechanisms and control electronics. A rotor assembly at the bin outlet retains coin inventory during separation, with a rotating disk dispensing coins through a discharge slot in a controlled manner. Optional adjustment of the rotor assembly's angular positioning changes the coin size/denomination dispensed by the bin. Uniqueness required to dispense coins of a given size/denomination is embodied in the bin, such that any base may operate with the bin without adjustment other than update of bin denomination in the dispensing system controller. Bin location and the combination of coin denominations dispensed may thus be readily altered within the dispensing system. Optional bin memory and optical level sensing improve inventory management functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Telequip Corporation
    Inventors: Paul O. Stump, Jeffrey M. Janway, Michael Thibedeau, Victor A. Quattrini
  • Patent number: 8535125
    Abstract: A feed unit for filling a coin module with coins improved in such a way that a plurality of coin modules can be filled or loaded with just one feed unit. The coin feed unit is a coin drum which is rotatable inside a shell. A coin stock compartment is provided into which coins can be filled via a charge aperture. A dispensing compartment is provided inside the coin drum from which coins can be taken out via the discharge aperture. A passage is arranged in such a way that coins get from the stock compartment into the dispensing compartment as the coin drum rotates around a pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Starke, Thorsten Neumann, Axel Grimm, Stig Goepel, Wilfried Meyer
  • Patent number: 8475242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Patent number: 8439731
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Umeda
  • Patent number: 8435102
    Abstract: A coin dispenser including a coin storing unit (1) and a coin extractor (3), the casing of which (4) demarcates a cylindrical chamber (5) with side outlet (6) for the exit of coins, in which there is housed a rotary driving disc (7) which has a series of cavities (8) closed, on the side opposite to that occupied by the coin storing unit, by a base disc (9) forming stops (14) opposite the rotation direction of the driving disc (7). The disc has retractable parts (13) which, together with the stops (23), control the exit of coins driven in the cavities (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Azkoyen, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Calleja LaFuente, Oscar Lacarra Fernandez, Alvaro Martinez Chavoy, Bernardo Sola Sanchez, Silvia Jimenez Zozaya, Juan Miguel Irurita Loyarte
  • Patent number: 8381893
    Abstract: The invention proposes an insertion device for coins for transferring said coins to a coin tester or to a coin-operated machine, having an insertion slot and having a coin outlet, between which is arranged a rotatable drum having a receiving region for receiving a coin, wherein in a receiving position, the receiving region is accessible to a coin which can be inserted through the insertion slot, and the insertion slot can be closed off by means of rotation of the drum. The drum having the receiving region is covered by a flap which can be opened in a controlled fashion in an ejection position for ejecting foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Walter Hanke Mechanische Werkstatten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Trenner, Andreas Fresenborg
  • 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: 8069967
    Abstract: A downstream side of a chute associated with at least one sorting hole is branched into a first chute and a second chute, through which coins ejected from the sorting hole are guided into first and second temporary storages, respectively. A route-switching mechanism is also provided that switches, between the two chutes, a route of the coins ejected from the sorting hole. The following control is conducted for the coins of a denomination to be ejected from the sorting hole. (i) Switching the route of the coins ejected from the sorting hole from the first chute to the second chute in appropriate timing to ensure that the last coin (CN) to be received into the first temporary storage enters the first chute, and (ii) controlling an ejection mechanism to eject, among coins following the last coin, all coins that have reached the ejection mechanism (6a) earlier that the above route-switching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Yushi Hino, Shungo Yoshino, Yoshikatsu Oota, Tatsuya Oonishi
  • Patent number: 8007350
    Abstract: An apparatus for the payout of coins from a pair of neighbouring coin tubes, in which one stack of coins at a time is supported on the bottom of a coin tube, with a payout disc below the coin tubes, which is rotatably mounted around an axis parallel to the axis of the coin tubes and which has a payout element on the side facing the coin tubes, which is moved along a curved slit in the bottom of the respective coin tube in an angular rotation of the payout disc, in order to capture the respective lowermost coin and to push it out, with an electric drive motor for the payout disc and a control device, which triggers the drive motor such that departing from a rest position, the payout disc is rotated at option about a limited rotational angle up to a final position, and is consecutively turned back into the rest position, wherein the payout disc has an extension in the rotational direction by which the stack of coins rests on the payout element in the final position of the payout disc, characterised in that on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: National Rejectors, Inc. GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Wenskus, Torsten Schneider
  • 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: 7922569
    Abstract: A coin counter includes a base unit, an adjusting plate adjustably mounted on the base unit, and a coin outlet port mounted on the base unit. The adjusting plate has a first end provided with an adjusting slot and a second end provided with a micro-adjusting slot. The adjusting plate has a mediate portion provided with a guide slot located between the adjusting slot and the micro-adjusting slot. Thus, by provision of the micro-adjusting slot of the adjusting plate, the pitch angle of the adjusting plate can be slightly adjusted to slightly adjust and control the projecting distance of each of the coins so that each of the coins can be projected onto the coin outlet port exactly to facilitate collection of the coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Chiu-Fang Li
  • Patent number: 7802669
    Abstract: A coin or token image acquiring apparatus includes a coin moving unit for receiving coins in a sequential manner and translating each coin to a predetermined station. A time sensor unit detects the position of the respective coins in the coin moving unit and provides a timing signal that can activate an image apparatus unit positioned at the predetermined station. A light emitting apparatus is positioned to illuminate the coin face at the predetermined station so that the image apparatus can capture an illuminated image of the face of the coin. A storage unit can store a reference image of an authenticated coin image where by a comparator unit can compare the captured image of the coin with the authenticated coin image to provide an authenticated output signal when the respective image is matched. A separator unit can separate false coins from authenticated coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Irie
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7775863
    Abstract: A method and device for dispensing coins from a compact coin dispensing device while fully utilizing the storage capacity of a retaining bowl. The coin dispensing device or devices can be installed in a coin recycling machine where coins are retained by specific denominations. Detectors monitor the coins that are dispensed and the coins that are accepted into the retainer bowls and a control unit can appropriately coordinate and automatically drive a motor in a reverse direction for a predetermined movement and/or predetermined time after a coin dispensing operation and/or a coin depositing operation into a retainer bowl to prevent coin stacking and to maximize the storage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Sato, Shigeo Kawauchi
  • Patent number: 7735622
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Publication number: 20100029188
    Abstract: A coin dispensing device having a mechanism to reliably dispensing a predetermined number of coins. Coins are accommodated on a surface side of a rotary disc rotating at a position tilted at a predetermined angle. A dispensing and transporting passage guides coins dispensed by rotation of the rotary disc to a coin inlet/outlet. A gate member for opening/closing the coin inlet/outlet is provided at the coin inlet/outlet. A projection is provided at the dispensing and transporting passage. When coins are dispensed, the projection retracts under the dispensing and transporting passage according to opening operation of the gate member, allowing the coins to be transported. When no coin is dispensed, the projection projects from the dispensing and transporting passage according with closing operation of the gate member to regulate transportation of coins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Komoto
  • Patent number: 7654891
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coin feeding device that can separate coins of multiple denominations that are different in diameter. A rotary disk has a circular base plate and a pushing out disk with a plurality of space radial projecting portions extending above the circular base plate. The spaces between the radial projecting portions form coin separating concave portions for receiving coins. The circular base plate can have cam grooves. A pivoting moving body can be driven by the cam grooves and can be positioned at either a radially inward surface of the separating concave portion or extended forward to discharge a coin. One side of the separating concave portions are curved as a coin pushing portion while the other side has a protruding portion that is cantilevered to extend into the concave portion and to project upward to remove any extraneous coin that may be carried by movement of the rotary disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Enomoto, Masayoshi Umeda
  • Patent number: 7568972
    Abstract: A coin counter includes a receptacle disposed on a stand and defining a space for coins. A rotary plate assembly is disposed in the space, and is driven by a drive assembly to eject the coins out of the receptacle. A rigid push rod forms a spacing with the rotary plate assembly that is substantially equal to a coin thickness. A counter counts the coins that are ejected. The counter includes a sensing element, an interrupting element, and a resilient element having ends coupled to the interrupting element and the stand. The interrupting element is in a path of ejection of the coins at a first position, and is displaced by a coin being ejected at a second position. The sensing element detects displacement of the interrupting element. The resilient element is pre-tensioned when the interrupting element is at the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Shang Yang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Chuan Chung
  • Patent number: 7553224
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus is provided. The coin sorting apparatus includes a coin separating unit for separating coins depending on kinds of the coins, and a coin receiving unit. The coin receiving unit continues to automatically operate until a plurality of coin receiving tubs are all full. Therefore, the number of coins that can be separated by one-time operation is increased, thereby improving a user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign, Inc.
    Inventors: Hun Choi, Dae Seung Woo, Han Sung Park, Un Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7553223
    Abstract: A coin sorter has a separator strip disposed outside of an exit area of a stationary plate in which a line of coins of mixed denominations are indexed against a spirally extending ridge in a single layer and single file. The strip has a series of incremental segments defined in a side facing the center of a resilient disc which enables the coins to be captured. An edge area of the strip is configured to immediately re-capture coins as they are released at the exit area and to hold the coins until they pass by a segment of the strip that is far enough away from the indexing line of the coins that they are no longer captured, but are freely released. The released coins then proceed outward along a specific path defined for a particular coin denomination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Ristvedt, LLC
    Inventors: Victor G. Ristvedt, Mark E. Ristvedt
  • Patent number: 7497769
    Abstract: The invention promotes a smooth agitation and efficient transport of coins by setting the rotation direction of the agitator in the same direction as the rotary disc to move a center of rotation of the agitator to a location where most coins are collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Takashi Inozuka
  • Patent number: 7427230
    Abstract: A resilient pad for a disc-type coin processing machine is provided with a first portion with a property having a first value and a second portion with the property having a second value, wherein the first value of the property is different than the second value of the property. The property may include, for example, stiffness or coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, David J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 7381126
    Abstract: A device for dispensing bulk-loaded coins including a transport unit having a transport unit frame, an electric motor driving a drive gear, a rotor and a transport slide. The drive gear further includes a drive pin. The rotor agitates coins located within a bin of a bulk-loaded coin hopper when rotated in a first direction and relaxes coins within the bin when rotated in a second direction. The rotor is rotatable by an associated drive gear. The transport slide includes a central bore and flexible member. The flexible member defines a home position deflection ramp and a home position clearance path. The home position deflection ramp and home position clearance path are located in a position such that the drive pin causes the transport slide to reciprocate when the drive gear is operated in a first direction and to remain stationary when the drive gear is operated in a second, different direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: COIN Acceptors, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Zychinski
  • Publication number: 20080102742
    Abstract: A coin counter includes a receptacle disposed on a stand and defining a space for coins. A rotary plate assembly is disposed in the space, and is driven by a drive assembly to eject the coins out of the receptacle. A rigid push rod forms a spacing with the rotary plate assembly that is substantially equal to a coin thickness. A counter counts the coins that are ejected. The counter includes a sensing element, an interrupting element, and a resilient element having ends coupled to the interrupting element and the stand. The interrupting element is in a path of ejection of the coins at a first position, and is displaced by a coin being ejected at a second position. The sensing element detects displacement of the interrupting element. The resilient element is pre-tensioned when the interrupting element is at the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Shu-Chuan Chung
  • Patent number: 7329176
    Abstract: The present invention provides a guiding device for dispensing discs from a storage hopper and includes a disc guiding unit attached to the storage hopper to extend operatively for conveying discs in a first mode of operation and also attached relative to the storage hopper to extend in a second non-operative mode of operation wherein jammed coins can be removed and a disc dispensing apparatus can be provided in a compact configuration for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Takashi Inozuka
  • Patent number: 7294051
    Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus dispenses coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between first and second elements. The second element is carried on the underside of a disc-like portion of a rotor which rotates about or with a central shaft. The disc-like portion has an opening, allowing coins to move axially therethrough from a supply side to a position aligned with the second element. The opening has a diameter substantially equal to or greater than the radius of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell
  • Publication number: 20070212997
    Abstract: A remaining coin amount detecting apparatus is provided for a coin hopper, disposed on a lower portion of a cylindrical storing bowl. The coin hopper dispenses coins one by one using a rotary disk fixed on a rotary shaft rotated by a driving apparatus. At least a part of a surface of the rotary disk includes a conductor, and the conductor is electrically connected to a detecting terminal disposed inside the storing bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Motoharu KUROSAWA
  • Patent number: 7249999
    Abstract: There is provided a coin handling apparatus which can be employed in public telephones and other coin fed apparatus. In a preferred embodiment the coin handling apparatus comprises a pocketed disc (100) arranged, in use, to cooperate with an entry portal (506) for receiveing coins and an exit portal (507) for dispensing coins, and drive means arranged, in use, to cause rotation of the pocketed disc (100), said drive means comprising a driving gear (200) and a driven gear (120) wherein the pocketed disc (100) comprises said driven gear (120), and the driving gear (200) is arranged such that it rotates the disc (100) in predetermined increments and rotation of the pocketed disc (100) can be paused between each incremental rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Coin Controls Limited
    Inventors: Reginald Hallas Bell Malcolm, Anthony Edward Morrison, Paul Richard Ashford, Ian Macleod
  • Patent number: 7244175
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Adams, Robert L. Zwieg
  • Patent number: 7235008
    Abstract: A token dispensing device including a storing bowl for storing the tokens and having an upper opening and a lower opening, a rotating disk for dispensing tokens one-by-one in a rotating manner located below the storing bowl. The storing bowl has a convex section for creating a quasi-jamming condition for restricting the flow of tokens from the storing bowl upper opening through the storing bowl lower opening to reduce the load on the rotating disk. The rotating disk has at least one through hole for holding and moving tokens across a base plate. A motor rotates the rotating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motoharu Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 7104880
    Abstract: A coin feeder (A) comprises a drum-shaped rotating body capable of feeding not only a single size of coins but also different sizes of coins within an allowable range. A coin receiving part (6) and a coin pressing projection (12) pressing a coin (CN) against the coin receiving part (6) are provided at the inner surface of the peripheral wall (2) of the drum-shaped rotating body (1) capable of rotating vertically with a number of coins (CN)(CN) . . . accommodated therein. A coin pressing projection (12) is operated according to the rotation of the dram-shaped rotating body (1) so as to press-hold the coin (CN) against the inner surface of the peripheral wall (2) and release the pressing of the coin at the upper position. Immediately before the coin press-hold state is released, a coin striking member strikes the coin (CN) and the coin pressing projection (12) urges the coin (CN) so as to eject the coin (CN) toward the side of the drum-shaped rotating body (1), i.e., the front of the coin feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: HIMECS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadanori Maki
  • Patent number: 7066335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Pretech AS
    Inventors: Per Christian Aas, John-Haakon Lippert
  • Patent number: 7059957
    Abstract: A miniaturized coin hopper device is provided so as to have a lower height. The device has an electric motor which is arranged such that the projection end of a rotated axis thereof is located at a lower side. A first gear is fixed on this projection end of rotated axis. A disk for discharging coins one by one is provided at the bottom of a hopper which stores the coins. A second gear rotates this disk. A gear train connects this second gear and the first gear. The problem of a true coin being disbursed when a pseudo-coin was stored in a hopper device and the return button was pushed is also addressed. A distinguishing element checks the money kind of a deposited coin. A reserve temporarily holds the coin distinguished by this distinction element. A storage for coins of same money kind and a disbursing element is provided for the the coin in this storage to return the coin reserved in the temporary reservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoharu Kurosawa, Hiroshi Abe
  • Patent number: 7018285
    Abstract: A guiding structure for discs is disclosed. The guiding structure includes a hopper that dispenses discs one at a time, a guiding device that guides and aligns the dispensed discs, and a holding device for the discs that is located at the lower section of the guiding passageway. The guiding device may be detachably attached to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6981913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Shirasawa, Yoshikazu Tomioka
  • Patent number: 6837783
    Abstract: A base for a coin store comprises an essentially planar part for supporting a coin or coins and retaining means for retaining coins within the coin store in use, and the retaining means comprises at least one part extending essentially perpendicular to the planar part of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Will Hunt-Vincent, Paul Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20040176020
    Abstract: An improved coin hopper that can be provided as original equipment or as a conversion member for a coin dispensing apparatus is provided. The coin hopper includes a housing member having a cavity for storing coins when mounted in a coin dispensing apparatus and a movable member operatively connected to the cavity of the housing member for increasing and decreasing the storage volume available for coins in the housing member. One or more movable members can exist about a storage bowl. An actuator unit can be activated by a detector unit responsive to the number of coins in the bowl to move the auxiliary movable members into a coin release position. Alternatively, a spring-biased actuator unit can be used for automatically moving the movable member for storing and releasing coins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6776702
    Abstract: A coin payout device has a slider with a coin receiving hole for receiving a coin. The slider is reciprocable between a first position whereat the hole is at a coin discharging station and a second position whereat the hole is at a coin receiving station. A rotary coin orienting device is located at the coin receiving station for orienting coins parallel to the hole by a rotary action. A motor drives the slider from the first position to the second position and simultaneously rotates the rotary coin orienting device. In order to prevent damage in the event of jams, the motor is not used to drive the slider from the second position to the first position and instead springs are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Coin Acceptors, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Richard Ashford, Anthony Edward Morrison, Nicholas John Aspinall, Gary John Anderson
  • Patent number: 6712688
    Abstract: A series of staggered, overlapping coin carousels with coin stalls that receive coins, drive motors that operate to rotate the carousels and position the coin stalls so that the coins can be transferred between the carousels, and coin transfer mechanisms with gates that operate to move the coins between the carousels. An electronic controller is programmed to keep track of the positions and values of the coins in the coin stalls, and to determine and operate the appropriate drive motors and transfer gates for transferring coins between the carousels and for returning change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Qvex, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. McGinty, Steven M. Faes
  • Publication number: 20040048566
    Abstract: A coin feeder (A) comprises a drum-shaped rotating body capable of feeding not only a single size of coins but also different sizes of coins within an allowable range. A coin receiving part (6) and a coin pressing projection (12) pressing a coin (CN) against the coin receiving part (6) are provided at the inner surface of the peripheral wall (2) of the drum-shaped rotating body (1) capable of rotating vertically with a number of coins (CN)(CN) . . . accommodated therein. A coin pressing projection (12) is operated according to the rotation of the dram-shaped rotating body (1) so as to press-hold the coin (CN) against the inner surface of the peripheral wall (2) and release the pressing of the coin at the upper position. Immediately before the coin press-hold state is released, a coin striking member strikes the coin (CN) and the coin pressing projection (12) urges the coin (CN) so as to eject the coin (CN) toward the side of the drum-shaped rotating body (1), i.e., the front of the coin feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Tadanori Maki