Abstract: A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.

Abstract: A coin handling machine (10) has a coin sorting member (12) with a plurality of sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) by which respective denominations of coins (14) are sorted, having a coin driving member (21) with webs (22) for moving the coins to the coin sorting openings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), having a motor (60) coupled to the coin driving member (21), and having a brake (65) for stopping the motor (60), the coin handling machine (10). A coin imaging sensor (40) optically images at least a portion of a coin (14) and for transmitting dimensional data for identifying coins by denomination. A main controller (120) receives said dimensional data and counts each coin for bag stopping purposes separate from the counts maintained for totalizing the sorted coins. The controller (120) transmits signals to at least reduce the speed of the motor (60) when a bag count limit is reached for a respective denomination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact transmission assembly for use in a coin storage and dispensing apparatus. The transmission assembly can connect the rotational output of a reversible electrical motor to a link unit that supports a switching gear unit. A helical gear unit can be mounted adjacent to the link unit and can be driven axially along a shaft to contact a mounting unit to receive a thrust force and to drive the link unit in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction depending upon the rotation of the reversible motor. The switching gear unit is radially mounted at an offset position on the link unit and can appropriately contact output gears connected to output shafts for providing a selective dual power output.

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 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. A device is also provided to distribute the coin reserved in said temporary reservation to the storage.

Abstract: A coin dispensing device provides a housing frame that can be mounted within a predetermined space within a machine that requires dispensing coins in more than one denomination. A plurality of coin hoppers for respectively different denominations of coins can be stacked in vertical alignment within the housing frame for dispensing the coins. A cover member can provide a common passageway connected to the coin hoppers. The coin hoppers can be slid out of the housing frame for servicing and slid back into the housing frame for engagement with a transmission assembly to permit selective driving of a coin hopper dispensing unit from a power source such as a single motor.

Abstract: An automatic coin input tray is disclosed. In one embodiment, the automatic coin input tray includes a coin-staging section, a delivery disk section and a ramp section. A user pours coins onto the coin-staging section, which are then delivered to the delivery, disk section under the force of gravity. The delivery disk section automatically meters the coins provided to the ramp section by providing a rotatable disk that sinks into a coin-input buffer, based upon the weight of coins placed thereupon. Accordingly, instead of all coins being fed to the ramp section at once, a more limited number of coins are provided to the ramp section. In addition, a controller circuit is provided to stop rotation of the rotatable disk and, hence, delivery of further coins, upon sensing various conditions including, for example, a coin jam.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: The coin sorting apparatus includes a coin carrying vessel and a coin sorting plate. The coin carrying vessel has a plurality of coin carrying slots, and the coin sorting plate has a plurality of coin sorting slots. Each of the coin carrying slots consists of a large arc and a small arc, and therefore, a large coin is settled into the large arc, while a small coin is settled in the small arc. Accordingly, when a coin carrying vessel with the coin carrying slots formed therein revolves, a large coin drops into a large coin sorting slot, while a small coin drops into a small coin sorting slot. Thus the sorted and dropped coins are guided by a plurality of guides respectively, thereby making it possible to sort coins according to their sizes.

Abstract: A horizontal disk-type coin hopper is provided that reduces the propensity for coins to be standing on the rotating disk and improves coin pickup. The hopper prevents coin bridging and the coin interlocking phenomenon in a hopper tank. The coin hopper includes the tank with a pot shape for storing a plurality of coins and the disk (52) which is positioned substantially horizontally at the inner bottom of the tank. The disk rotates freely. A hole is opened in the disk and provides a passage for coins positioned in a horizontal state. The hopper has a mechanism for releasing coins with a stirring body (10) which is on the top surface of the disk and is arranged on the turn center position of the disk.

Abstract: A coin dispensing assembly with an improved coin transport surface facilitates a sliding movement of coins within a hopper through the use of a low friction wall surface for contacting the coins as they move towards a coin feed mechanism. The wall surface can have protrusions of a substantially smaller size than the coin which are arrayed to provide minimal contact with the coin surface. Alternatively, a plastic liner can be fastened to the wall of the hopper assembly and can include graphite particles on its surface for contacting the coins. The graphite particles will have a substantially higher hardness than that of the coin, thereby preventing scratching and the formation of metal particles within the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.

Abstract: A coin discrimination apparatus and method is provided. Coins, preferably after cleaning, e.g. using a trommel, are singulated by a coin pickup assembly configured to reduce jamming. A coin rail assists in providing separation between coins as they travel past a sensor. The sensor provides an oscillating electromagnetic field generated on a single core. The oscillating electromagnetic field is composed of one or more frequency components. The electromagnetic field interacts with a coin, and these interactions are monitored and used to classify the coin according to its physical properties. All frequency components of the magnetic field are phase-locked to a common reference frequency. The phase relationships between the various frequencies are fixed, and the interaction of each frequency component with the coin can be accurately determined without the need for complicated electrical filters.

Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus can sequentially dispense coins through a passageway to a discharge location. A coin sensor unit can be operatively mounted to monitor the movement of coins along the coin passageway to provide an output signal representative of movement of the coins through the passageway. A comparator circuit can compare the output signal with a predetermined threshold value and when the alarm signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can activate a control circuit for activating an alarm signal indicating an abnormal condition in the coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus having a coin hopper for storing bulk coins in a rotating disk coin selector mounted at a lower portion of coin hopper is provided. An overload prevention support member can extend above and across the rotating coin selector unit, and can be vertically movable, while being supported by the vertical walls of the coin hopper. A plurality of support members can be mounted within the coin hopper. An agitator member can be mounted to extend upward from the rotating disk coin selector to agitate the stored coins, and, in one embodiment, to contact the overload prevention support members and drive them upward to assist in removing a bearing weight from the rotating disk coin selector.

Abstract: A device is provided in which the coin size can be simply changed, even if the paid out coin type is changed. The dispensing efficiency of the coins is maintained at a good level, even if the device is operated at high speed. The coin dispensing device includes a tank for storing coins in loose condition and a freely rotatable disk is provided at the bottom in the tank and has an open hole for receiving coins. An adjustment device is arranged on the underside of this disk means for forming the open hole into an adjustment coin size hole. A guide element is arranged on the upper surface of the disk for guiding several coins in the open hole.

Abstract: The size of a coin hopper on the whole is reduced, particularly providing fewer coin holes for discharging and accepting a coin. A container or coin hopper head generally of a cylindrical form stores a plurality of coins in a bulk condition. A disk is freely rotatably arranged within the bottom of this head, for releasing said coins. The disk has a one coin passage opening for accepting and releasing said coins.

Abstract: A coin-sending device. The device includes a rotary disc (C3) that is set in a posture extending forwards and downwards with a first-side reservoir (C1) facing a coins-lump insertion part. An outlet of a second-side passage (C2) is open at a part extending backwards and upwards. Coins inserted from the coins-lump insertion part are finely received into the first-side reservoir (C1) facing the lump insertion part and then sequentially sent by the rotary disc (C3) extending forwards and downwards to be taken out through the outlet (C202) of the second-side passage (C2) opening on a part extending backwards and upwards. The outlet of coins can be set at a high position, thereby eliminating the necessity of holding a large drop between an inlet side and an outlet side of the coin-sending device.

Abstract: A coin dispenser arrangement for a gaming machine has a bucket portion for accommodating a plurality of coins and discharging the coins one-by-one, and a passage for guiding the discharged coins to a predetermined position, wherein the passage has a coin orientation adjustment arrangement for changing the orientation of the discharged coin to an optional orientation. Because the orientation of coin discharged from the bucket portion can be changed optionally by the coin orientation adjustment arrangement, the passage does not need to have a gently sloped curve for changing the orientation of coin. The inside space of the housing of gaming machine can be reduced due to the shortening of the passage as a result of the elimination of the curve. The time required for paying out coins can be shortened. Also, when the curve is eliminated, coin jamming rarely occurs and the coins can be paid out smoothly.

Abstract: A coin feeder mechanism for transporting coins from a coin hopper is disclosed. The coin feeder mechanism includes a shelfwheel having a peripheral edge, a pinwheel having a front face and a peripheral edge, and a plurality of pins extending from the front face of the pinwheel between the peripheral edge of the pinwheel and the peripheral edge of the shelfwheel. The pinwheel is rotatably mounted with respect to the shelfwheel and positioned adjacent thereto. The shelfwheel has a coin pick-up area and a coin delivery area. The peripheral edge of the shelfwheel is farther away from pins associated with the pinwheel at the coin pick-up area than at the coin delivery area. In one embodiment, the arrangement of the shelfwheel and pinwheel is accomplished by mounting the shelfwheel so that a center thereof is offset vertically upwardly from a center of the pinwheel.

Abstract: A shoebox coin changer has a coin inlet (8) to receive coins a coin acceptor (3) to discriminate between coins from the inlet and a coin sorter (4) to sort coins from the coin acceptor according to denomination. A plurality of coin hoppers (5) receive coins of respective different denominations from the coin sorter, to be paid out selectively by devices (6). The coins are stacked with a random disposition within the hoppers.

Abstract: The large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus of the present invention is directed to increasing the coin storage capacity of a hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus using a rotary disc to dispense coins one at a time. The coin storage capacity of the hopper-type coin dispensing apparatus is limited by the storage capacity of a hopper used to supply coins to the rotary disc. To increase coin storage capacity, the present invention uses a first tank to supply coins to the rotary disc and a second tank to hold a large supply of coins. As the coins in the first tank are depleted, coins are transported from the second tank to the first tank using a conveyor. The addition of the second tank increases coin storage capacity and reduces the frequency at which coins have to be loaded into the large-capacity coin dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A shoebox coin changer has a coin inlet (8) to receive coins a coin acceptor (3) to discriminate between coins from the inlet and a coin sorter (4) to sort coins from the coin acceptor according to denomination. A plurality of coin hoppers (5) receive coins of respective different denominations from the coin sorter, to be paid out selectively by devices (6). The coins are stacked with a random disposition within the hoppers.

Abstract: A vending or merchandising machine is provided which includes a bulk-loaded coin hopper for providing change to a user of the machine. The vending machine may be operable in a change mode, wherein change is dispensed from the bulk loaded hopper in an amount equivalent to the amount of credit input into the machine by user, or a vending mode, where a user may select an item to be purchased, and receive the item and change in an amount equal to the input amount less the purchase price of the item. Preferably, the vending machine automatically switches to the change mode in response to an input threshold amount being inserted into the vending machine. Preferably, the vending machine further may be selectively switched to the change mode in response to a user input on a keypad or the like on the merchandising machine.

Abstract: A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.

Abstract: Coin dispensing apparatus is provided including a reservoir for coins and a rotor located to receive coins from the reservoir, the rotor having a lower storage portion shaped to receive a stack of coins, and an upper feed portion shaped to receive coins from the reservoir and direct them to the lower storage portion. Because the rotor receives and feeds the coins, to provide a stack of coins within the lower storage portion, ready for dispensing, the associated reservoir can be of a size to receive any type of coin. If it is necessary to adapt the apparatus to accept a different type of coin, it is only necessary to replace the rotor.

Abstract: A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.

Abstract: A coin dispensing mechanism including a rotatable plate, coin handling device being arranged on one side of the plate, and plate drive device being arranged on the other side of the plate, such that the plate provides a physical barrier separating the drive function from the coin handling function.

Abstract: A coin output hopper capable of handling coins of different diameters and thicknesses is provided. A backplate is supported by a spring suspension to maintain the backplate substantially parallel to a rotating holeywheel/pinwheel despite misalignments, warping or other misshaping of the pinwheel. A coin guide is provided with a geometry to engage with different diameter coins so as to position the coins in the desired position within a coin pocket. A deflector is provided with a geometry which engages different diameter coins to accelerate coins along a knife edge exit path. The coins are forced along a path toward and along the knife edge by pins positioned such that excessive forces are avoided for any of a range of coin diameters.

Abstract: Coin dispensing apparatus is provided comprising a bed (13), a coin holder (14) movable relative to the bed (13) and spaced from the bed by a gap, the coin holder having at least one coin reservoir (15) capable of holding a stack of at least two coins with the lowermost coin in contact with the bed, means (18) to eject the lowermost coin from the apparatus through the gap between the bed and the coin holder, and support means (21) to prevent or restrict tilting of the coin above the lowermost coin as the lowermost coin is ejected. The provision of a support means has the advantage that dispensing apparatus can be arranged such that the lowermost coin lies within the said gap to a much greater extent than with prior art devices. This provides greater control over the coin and therefore makes it less critical for the size of the gap to be very closely matched to the thickness of the coin to be handled.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the delivery, holding, storage, and dispensing of coins, and the like, from coin-operated gaming machines, such as “slot” machines, or the like, into which coins are deposited and, when an award is indicated, coins are dispensed as part of, or all, of the award or prize, is disclosed. After depositing coins in the coin slot of the gaming machine, the coins are typically passed through a coin-counting and delivery mechanism then deposited into one or more coin hoppers located in the front or the rear, or the top or bottom, or to the left or right of the coin counting and moving mechanism in the slot machine.

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.

Abstract: A simplified coin hopper structure which facilitates coin size changes. The coin hopper equipment is easily applied to various coin sizes by simple adjustments. The device includes a tank for storing coins in a loose loading condition and a disk arranged rotatably at the inside bottom of the tank. One or more hole, for passage of coins, is provided through the disk. An adjustment element is provided on this disk to open and close the hole and to form an adjustable opening for different coin sizes. A base for the disk is arranged below the disk. A rotating element turns the disk. A gear train is provided at the base connecting a drive to the rotating element.

Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifuigal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.

Abstract: A coin singulator for outputting coins in single file in a known orientation for effecting payout from a gaming terminal is provided. A rotatable disk is positioned spaced-apart from a backplate to define a substantially cylindrical region therebetween in conjunction with a rim region. Vanes on the front surface of the rotating disk convey coins picked up from a randomly-oriented mass of coins to a central opening of the disk for conveyance through the central opening into the space between the disk and the backplate. The distance between the disk and the backplate is such that only a single layer or thickness of coins is accommodated. Preferably the backplate is inclined such that the coins are positioned in face-to-face contact with the backplate. A plurality of vanes on the back surface of the disk moves the coin along the rim to an exit opening in the rim with the back surface vanes preferably shaped to output no more than a single coin as each rim passes the opening.

Abstract: A coin discrimination device which provides for positive transport of coins past a sensor is provided. In one embodiment, a rotating disk, slightly inclined to the vertical, includes a plurality of pockets for receiving coins from a hopper bowl. The disk and bowl are configured to efficiently load the pockets with no more than one coin per pocket. As the disk rotates, the coins, which are thus registered in a desired location in the pockets, are transported by the rotating disk past a sensor. When, based on the sensor data, the item in a pocket is recognized as an acceptable coin, a controllable ramp is lowered to divert the coin out of the pocket and into a path to place the coin in an acceptance bin or bag.

Abstract: A coin storage and dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing coins from a gaming machine includes a frame member for mounting in the gaming machine and for positioning a respective first container device and a second container device at a diagonal angle to support a surface. The first and second container devices store loose bulk coins with a coin transporting device rotably mounted in the second container device to pick up coins and to drop them in the first container device. A transitional groove structure is provided for aligning coins with the coin transporting device. A pivotable support plate is directly mounted to the first container device to support its weight and a sensor can monitor the presence of coins in the first container device and activate the coin transporting device when a predetermined presence of coins is sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing disc bodies such as coins or tokens is set forth which includes a fixed substrate and a dispensing disc spaced from said substrate a distance related to the thickness of said disc bodies. The dispensing disc includes a plurality of openings having a diameter adapted to receive a disc body for dispensing thereof. The dispensing disc is attached to a shaft which is axially moveable to adjust the space between the dispensing disc and substrate. The shaft is connected to a motor through an axially aligned planetary gear apparatus. Rotation of the dispensing disc receives coins or tokens in the openings and space whereupon the coins are moved for dispensing. An elevation body engages the dispensing disc and includes a plurality of annular teeth. An adjustment body has teeth to engage the elevation body teeth. Rotation of the adjustment body axially adjusts the elevation body and dispensing disc to adjust the space to accept different thicknesses of coins.

Abstract: A coin lifting mechanism employs a pair of rollers to lift coins reliably to an elevated position. The pair of rollers have spaced rotating surfaces that are resiliently urged toward one another and against opposing faces of the coin to hold the coin therebetween. The rotating surfaces rotate in opposite directions to produce a driving force in a direction to drive the coins one-by-one past the rollers. A coin lifting rail extends from a coin receiving end disposed adjacent the pair of rollers upward to a coin discharging end. The coin lifting rail has a coin passage which receives the coins from the rollers and guides the movement of the coins. The coins in the coin passage are stacked edge-to-edge and slidably move along the passage under the driving force generated by the rollers toward the coin discharging end.

Abstract: The front face (20) of a disc (21) has a plurality of coin capturing pegs (22) spaced apart around its periphery. When the disc is rotated in a hopper, the pegs (22) capture coins and raise them to a dispensing point. The disc (21) cooperates with a wiping arm (25) having a pair of protrusions (26 and 27) arranged to locate the grooves (23 and 24) to provide a barrier which prevents coins from getting between the disc (21) and the arm (25).

Abstract: A system and method are taught for receiving a plurality of different sized coins substantially simultaneously and outputting the received coins serially. The output of coins according to the preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined rate in order to accommodate systems downstream, such as a coin validator. The disclosed coin singulator system is substantially free of obstructions likely to cause jamming or miss-feeding of coins as well as to provide open access to an operator to remove coins prior to their singulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing coins or similar disk-like objects having a coin hopper, a coin tray that transfers the coins individually to a counting and/or sorting section and an inclined conveyor disposed between the hopper and the tray in order to feed coins to the coin tray. The tilt of the conveyor causes larger foreign objects to slide down the conveyor in a direction opposite to the feed direction, and the conveyor may include a coin singularizing stripper near its delivery end. A chute extends between the delivery end of the conveyor and the coin tray and the chute is perforated in order to separate coins from smaller foreign objects.

Abstract: A disc ejector including a hopper for storing a multiplicity of deposited metal discs; a rotary disc for trapping these discs one by one and transporting them towards an exit; structure for forcing the discs out of the rotary disc one by one at the exit;a rotary sweeper for removing the discs from the rotary disc;structure for receiving the removed discs and guiding them to a predetermined reference point;a check device provided near the reference point for determining if the disc is genuine; anda gate for selecting true discs from false disks, wherein true and false discs are accordingly ejected from separate outlets.

Abstract: A coin-sending device wherein coins can be lined up and discriminated at the same place, limitation of inner spaces of game machines or the like in which the coin-sending device is incorporated can be mitigated, and enlargement and complexity of their structures can be prevented, the coin-sending device comprising a coin-selection part 4 on a forcible-transfer passage 20 where a transfer force of a rotary disc 3 acts on coins sent from the rotary disc, coins are sent sequentially one by one to a second-side passage 2 following drive of the rotary disc 3, false coins IM at the coin-selection part 4 are removed through a removal opening 40 and only true coins are picked up at the coin-selection part 4, whereby coins are lined up and discriminated at the same place where the rotary disc 3 is provided, so that difference of height between an inlet of lump-insertion for coins and an outlet 202 of coins after discriminated can be made smaller, limitation of inner spaces of game machines or the like for mounting the

Abstract: A money receiving-paying machine of an integral structure includes a thin compact circulation type bill receiving-paying process portion and a thin compact circulation type coin receiving-paying process portion aligned side by side. The circulation type bill receiving-paying process portion includes a circulation type bill housing portion for sequentially housing bills regardless of their denominations, and a returning-bill transferring path for returning a bill to the circulation type bill housing portion by a first changeover gate when a bill has been identified as not necessary even if the bill is discharged in circulation. The bills are transferred in a bill short-side direction. The circulation type bill receiving-paying process portion includes rotation type coin receiving cylinders according to denominations positioned in an inclined bill or substantially horizontal state, so that upright coins can be housed therein in an orderly stacked state.

Abstract: A coin discrimination apparatus and method is provided. Coins, preferably after cleaning, e.g. using a trommel, are singulated by a coin pickup assembly configured to reduce jamming. A coin rail assists in providing separation between coins as they travel past a sensor. The sensor provides an oscillating electromagnetic field generated on a single sensing core. The oscillating electromagnetic field is composed of one or more frequency components. The electromagnetic field interacts with a coin, and these interactions are monitored and used to classify the coin according to its physical properties. All frequency components of the magnetic field are phase-locked to a common reference frequency. The phase relationships between the various frequencies are fixed, and the interaction of each frequency component with the coin can be accurately determined without the need for complicated electrical filters.

Abstract: A coin storage and dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing coins from a gaming machine includes a frame member for mounting in the gaming machine and for positioning a respective first container device and a second container device at a diagonal angle to support a surface. The first and second container devices store loose bulk coins with a coin transporting device rotably mounted in the second container device to pick up coins and to drop them in the first container device. A pivotable support plate is directly mounted to the first container device to support its weight and a sensor can monitor the presence of coins in the first container device and activate the coin transporting device when a predetermined presence of coins is sensed.

Abstract: A motorized coin bank for sorting and storing coins of varying diameters comprising a coin receiver hopper for receiving unsorted coins; a plurality of coin storage containers for storing sorted coins; a straight ramped coin path located between the coin storage containers and the coin receiver, a drum-shaped separator, located in a plane which is perpendicular to the horizontal base of the coin bank and adjacent to the coin receiver hopper, for sorting individual coins one at a time from the receiver and depositing each coin in the straight ramped coin path such that each coin rolls edgewise along the ramped coin path; a plurality of coin apertures of varying size, each being sized to permit passage of only coins having a size less than or equal to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A coin bank which sorts coins and deposits them in containers is disclosed. A coin or a group of coins is dropped into a coin receiver. Each coin is removed one at a time from the coin receiver and dropped into a helical coin path by a motorized separator mechanism. The coins roll on edge along the coin path where they encounter apertures of varying sizes. When a coin encounters an aperture larger than its diameter, it falls out of the path to a container. A mechanical coin sensor mechanism is provided to start the separator when a coin is sensed in the coin receiver. The sensor mechanism also delays the shut-off of the motor when coins are no longer sensed in the coin receiver. The housing and most parts of the bank are transparent to permit viewing of the sensor mechanism and the coin path.