Stacker Patents (Class 453/61)
  • Patent number: 10255741
    Abstract: Chip sorting devices may include at least one chip collection tube having at least one adjustable wall that at least partially defines an inner diameter of the at least one chip collection tube. The at least one adjustable wall may be at least partially rotatable to define different inner diameters. Chip sorting devices may include a chip hopper having a relief mechanism for clearing chips that become jammed between a chip chamber and a base plate of the chip hopper. Methods of sorting chips may include actuating the relief mechanism to increase a space between a top plate of the relief mechanism and the chip chamber. Methods of setting up a chip sorting device may include adjusting an inner lateral dimension of the at least one chip collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Peter Krenn
  • Patent number: 9990792
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Peter Wolfgang DeRaedt, Ludo DeMeutter
  • 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: 8827777
    Abstract: A method for operating a coin dispensing device, the coin dispensing device having a plurality of coin dispensing modules, wherein at least one coin tube for holding coins of a predetermined nominal value is assigned to each dispensing module, each dispensing module being adapted to dispense a coin held in the coin tube assigned to the dispensing module in a dispensing cycle and in response to a control signal, wherein at least two coin tubes assigned to different dispensing modules contain coins of the same nominal value and in one dispensing cycle, a plurality of coin dispensing modules are being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: National Rejectors, Inc. GmbH
    Inventors: Stig Göpel, Thorsten Schneider
  • Patent number: 8597090
    Abstract: A coin apparatus (100) includes a central housing (102) with a coin holding interior (104). An upper funnel/distributor section (114) facilitates removal of excess coins when said interior is being filled with a predetermined number of coins. The coin apparatus (100) also includes coinage selectors (121), each having an allocation slot (122). Extending inwardly towards the center of the allocation slot (122) is a resilient arm (124) having a button (126) at the end thereof. Each button (126) has an inner edge (127) which is capable of securely abutting edges (128) of one or more of the coins (126) when forces are exerted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8523641
    Abstract: An automated coin tray refilling system includes a plurality of coin reservoirs and a plurality of coin dispensers for regulating the dispensing of coins from an associated one of the plurality of coin reservoirs. A collector point distribution member is adapted to receive coins from each of the plurality of coin dispensers at one portion thereof and to output the coins at another portion thereof. An interface module having an input end is disposed substantially adjacent the collector point distribution member output and includes an output end for dispensing coins. A coin interface tray is adapted to receive at least one coin tray and at least one processor is provided. The interface module and/or coin interface tray includes a drive system configured to move interface module and/or coin interface tray relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Julie L. Kuykendall, Jeffrey G. Knoll, Arthur J. Long, John R. Blake
  • Patent number: 8393942
    Abstract: Apparatuses for stacking chips include a container for receiving unstacked chips, a carrier comprising a channel for carrying a chip stack, a transport system for transporting chips from the container toward the carrier, and at least one ejector system for ejecting or moving chips from the transport system into the channel of the carrier. Chip stack cutter devices may include an elongated displacement member, which may extend from an actuating lever member movably coupled to a base member configured to slide along a channel of a chip stack carrier. In additional embodiments, the cutter device may include an energy-responsive device configured to selectively move an elongated displacement member for displacing a number of chips in a chip stack carried in a channel of a chip stack carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Ernst Blaha, Peter Krenn
  • Patent number: 8298052
    Abstract: A device for sorting disks or disk-like members of different identities (e.g., roulette chips) that ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells, such as multi-chip storage compartments. Ejection of an article from the numerous wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the rotating wheel, into a receiving space. The disks in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly arriving disks, which force the previously positioned disks upward into a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Peter Wolfgang DeRaedt, Ludo DeMeutter
  • Patent number: 8127914
    Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20110207390
    Abstract: Apparatuses for stacking chips include a container for receiving unstacked chips, a carrier comprising a channel for carrying a chip stack, a transport system for transporting chips from the container towards the carrier, and at least one ejector system for ejecting or moving chips from the transport system into the channel of the carrier. Chip stack cutter devices may include an elongated displacement member, which may extend from an actuating lever member movably coupled to a base member configured to slide along a channel of a chip stack carrier. In additional embodiments, the cutter device may include an energy-responsive device configured to selectively move an elongated displacement member for displacing a number of chips in a chip stack carried in a channel of a chip stack carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Ernst Blaha, Peter Krenn
  • Patent number: 7934980
    Abstract: Apparatuses for stacking chips include a container for receiving unstacked chips, a carrier comprising a channel for carrying a chip stack, a transport system for transporting chips from the container towards the carrier, and at least one ejector system for ejecting or moving chips from the transport system into the channel of the carrier. Chip stack cutter devices may include an elongated displacement member, which may extend from an actuating lever member movably coupled to a base member configured to slide along a channel of a chip stack carrier. In additional embodiments, the cutter device may include an energy-responsive device configured to selectively move an elongated displacement member for displacing a number of chips in a chip stack carried in a channel of a chip stack carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Shuffle Master GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Ernst Blaha, Peter Krenn
  • Patent number: 7896149
    Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Tabata, Hiroshi Tone, Yoshiro Oie, Takahiro Washizu, Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Koichi Nishida, Tsutomu Iwata, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7882942
    Abstract: A coin bar storage of the invention includes: a casing; a coin bar tray that is provided in the casing so as to be drawn out from and stored into the casing, and that has a plurality of set sections in which set coin types are respectively pre-set to assign a coin type to each of the set sections; a set coin type presence confirmation section that is provided in all of the set sections of the coin bar tray, that respectively confirms whether or not coin bars of the set coin types is set, and that outputs a confirmation result; and a management section that manages a present amount of coin bars in the coin bar tray based on the confirmation result from the set coin type presence confirmation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Laurel Precision Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Sakai, Eiko Hibari
  • Patent number: 7870942
    Abstract: A coin-roll storage 1 comprises a storage body 1a and a coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) having a plurality of coin-roll storage portions 14 provided therein, each coin-roll storage portion 14 being adapted for storing one coin roll therein. Each coin-roll storage portion 14 of the coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) is adapted for storing therein the coin roll of any denomination. A determination unit 16 is adapted for determining the denomination of each coin roll by detecting an outer diameter, an axial length and material of the coin roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikito Imai, Yumiko Imai, legal representative, Hiroshi Tone, Ryuichi Tabata, Koichi Nishida, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7789212
    Abstract: A change complement and control system according to the present invention comprises a coin-roll storage 1, a money handling machine 3 and a control unit 5. This system is adapted for calculating the number of coin rolls of each denomination newly stored in each coin-roll drawer 11, 12, 13, in a period of time after a first indication is sent and before a second indication is sent by an operator from user indication portions 50a, 50b of the control unit 5. An instruction portion 52 is adapted for providing an instruction, such that money equivalent to the newly stored coin rolls, among the money stored in a money storage portion (i.e., a coin storage portion 106 or banknote storage portion 206), is released from a money releasing portion (i.e., a coin disbursing slot 116 or banknote disbursing slot 216), when the second indication is sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiro Oie, Kazuyuki Shimizu, Hiroshi Tone, Takahiro Washizu, Ryuichi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7775864
    Abstract: A coin processor according to the present invention includes a temporary storage portion that temporarily stores coins, and the temporary storage portion includes: a conveyor belt; a one side conveyor guide that is disposed on one edge side of the conveyor belt in a width direction thereof; an other side conveyor guide that is disposed on an other edge side of the conveyor belt in the width direction with a spacing narrower than a diameter of a coin to be stored between the one side conveyor guide and the other side conveyor guide, and that slopes upward toward outside in the width direction; a drive portion that drives the conveyor belt; and a stacking surface guide that is provided at one end portion of the conveyor belt in a lengthwise direction thereof, and that slopes upward toward outside of the conveyor belt in the lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Laurel Precision Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Miyazaki, Mitsuo Sakamoto, Soichi Ozaku
  • Patent number: 7699689
    Abstract: An electrical discharge produces an acoustic impulse, and a reflection of the impulse from the upper coin in a coin stack is sensed so that the level of the coin stack can be determined from the time taken for the reflection to be received. Alternatively, or additionally, the acoustic impulse can be used to detect coin jams, the presence and/or width of a coin store, the state of a coin routing gate or the quantity of a vendible product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Furneaux, Bernard Joseph Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100062700
    Abstract: A coin depositing and dispensing machine prevents a foreign object mixed together with coins put in a coin receiving port from causing a malfunction, facilitates distinguishing coins of a depositing and transporting system from coins of a dispensing and transporting system, and facilitates removal of a coin jam. Coins received from a coin receiving port are fed separately by a feeding unit to a depositing and transporting unit. A rotary disc rotated at a position tilted at a predetermined angle is used for the feeding unit. By using the rotary disc, only coins are fed to the depositing and transporting unit, and foreign objects are eliminated. The depositing and transporting unit and a dispensing and transporting unit are arranged opposite to each other in a machine body, and the depositing and transporting unit is tilted together with the rotary disc. Coins in each unit are thereby easily distinguished from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Nakazumi, Eisei Nishida, Takushi Ohno, Masashi Ito
  • Patent number: 7641544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin bank. The coin bank includes a housing and a coin sorting mechanism mounted to the housing. At least two rows of coin tubes, for holding associated sorted coins, are selectively positioned in the housing. Each row includes a plurality of coin tubes meant for holding sorted coins of multiple denominations, wherein a plurality of columns of coin tubes, each holding one denomination of associated sorted coins, is defined. The coin tubes in each column is positioned at descending levels. At least two deflector wall sections are mounted to the housing. Each deflector wall section is positioned generally above a respective one of the at least two rows of coin tubes. Each deflector wall section directs a coin into a respective coin tube. A respective exit aperture is defined below a lower edge of each respective deflector wall section and above an upper edge of a respective coin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerzy Perkitny, William J. Knox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7632177
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chute for dispensing coins comprising a lower wall having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end comprises a longitudinally extending bottom layer having a first terminal edge opposite to a second terminal edge. The distal end comprises a longitudinally extending bottom layer having a first tapered terminal edge opposite to a second tapered terminal edge. The first tapered terminal edge is joined to the first terminal edge, and the second tapered terminal edge is joined to the second terminal edge. The chute comprises a first side wall joined to the first terminal edge and to the first tapered terminal edge; a second side wall joined to the second terminal edge and to the second tapered terminal edge; and a back wall joined to the proximal end of the lower wall. Further disclosed herein is a kit comprising the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas O'Malley
  • Patent number: 7591361
    Abstract: A coin dispensing system comprises a drawer including a bottom wall connected to opposite sidewalls, and a plurality of spaced dividers between the opposite sidewalls defining a plurality of columns for supporting vertical tubes of currency. A plurality of dispensers, one for each column, are provided each for withdrawing tubes of currency from an associated column. A plurality of sensors, one for each column, are provided each for sensing quantity of tubes in the associated column. A control system is operatively associated with the sensors for determining quantity of currency in the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. McGunn, James Ivey, III, Eduardo DeCastro Barcellos, Warren Bittencourt Oliveira
  • 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: 7470175
    Abstract: A top end portion of an outer peripheral surface of a coin feeding roller protrudes in a stacking section as a rotating friction surface so as to correspond to an end portion of a coin passage. A plurality of coins are conveyed to the end portion of the coin passage in a row in a direction of a diameter of the coins by operation of a conveying mechanism. The rotating friction surface of the feeding roller rotates while contacting a lower surface of a conveyed coin, to cause the coin to get over the rotating friction surface from an upstream side to a downstream side of the friction surface with respect to a direction of rotation thereof. Thus, the roller displaces a trailing edge of a previously conveyed coin upwards so that a leading edge of a subsequently conveyed coin can enter between the previously conveyed coin and the friction surface. By repeating this operation, conveyed coins are sequentially stacked in a stacking section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Glory Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuma Sugahara, Yusuke Inuki
  • Publication number: 20080070490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin bank. The coin bank includes a housing and a coin sorting mechanism mounted to the housing. At least two rows of coin tubes, for holding associated sorted coins, are selectively positioned in the housing. Each row includes a plurality of coin tubes meant for holding sorted coins of multiple denominations, wherein a plurality of columns of coin tubes, each holding one denomination of associated sorted coins, is defined. The coin tubes in each column is positioned at descending levels. At least two deflector wall sections are mounted to the housing. Each deflector wall section is positioned generally above a respective one of the at least two rows of coin tubes. Each deflector wall section directs a coin into a respective coin tube. A respective exit aperture is defined below a lower edge of each respective deflector wall section and above an upper edge of a respective coin tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jerzy Perkitny, William J. Knox
  • Publication number: 20070232214
    Abstract: A coin storing apparatus with overflow chute apparatus is supplied with coins from a slot-shaped replenishing port to a coin storing portion and stores the coins in piles in the coin storing portion. The coins overflow via a downward overflow chute having a width equal to or larger than a diameter of a coin, when an amount of the coins in the coin storing portion reaches a predetermined amount. A downward slope wider than the diameter of the coin is disposed below the replenishing port. A guide rail is continuous with the downward slope and has a predetermined width narrower than a radius of the coin. A downward overflow chute extends at a predetermined angle to the guide rail and has a width equal to or larger than the diameter of the coin and is provided below the guide rail. The guide rail is disposed on the downward slope adjacent to a downstream side of the overflow chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Toru TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20070224927
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus is provided. The coin sorting apparatus includes a main body, a coin sorting unit, a transport unit, a casing tube, a coin tube, and a pressing unit. The coin sorting unit is disposed in an upper portion of the main body. The transport unit is disposed in a lower portion of the main body. The casing tube is transported by the transport unit. The coin tube is made of transparent plastic and placed within the casing tube. The pressing unit is disposed in a front portion of the main body. The present invention makes it possible to improve a functionality and usability of the coin sorting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: MIRTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong S. Lee
  • 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: 7201268
    Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Streamline Innovations GmbH
    Inventors: Ludo DeMeutter, Peter Wolfgang De Raedt
  • Patent number: 7112130
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coin change which comprises a coin sort section 50 for sorting coins C discharged from an input hopper 21, and a coin storage section 60 for storing the coins C sorted by the coin sort section 50 on a coin type by type basis. The coin storage section 60 includes a plurality of coin storage grooves 63 provided respectively to the plural coin types and disposed parallel to each other. Each of the coin storage grooves has a width dimension slightly greater than the diameter of a corresponding one of the types of coins and extends approximately horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Kazuya Nishimura, Hiroaki Yamauchi, Nobuo Takashima
  • Patent number: 7083512
    Abstract: An improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Marc Auguste, Jr., Marc B. Auguste, Sr., Jacqueline A Johnson-Auguste
  • Patent number: 7018286
    Abstract: A coin stacking device is used to refill a coin cassette of a coin dispenser. The coin stacking device includes a cylindrical structure having an inner diameter approximately the same as a diameter of the coins. The cylindrical structure has one open end and one closed end. The coins enter the open end and form a coin stack within the cylindrical structure. To refill a coin cassette, the open end of the filled coin stacking device is aligned with a coin receptacle in the coin cassette that is in need of coins. The coin stack is then transferred from the coin stacking device to the coin receptacle of the coin cassette. The coin stacking device can easily filled by an automated coin processing machine, such as a coin sorting machine or a coin counting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Timothy L. Esterbrook, Douglas U. Mennie, Frank J. Janezic, Don T. Lambert, John S. Lykowski
  • Patent number: 6966828
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a money tube includes a centrally divided tube body having a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The tube body is composed of a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion includes the first end and defines a first central connector. The second body portion includes a second end and defines a second central connector. The first and second central connectors engage each other at the tube body central portion when connected to each other to hold the first body portion and the second body portion together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fire King International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Smith, Richard Thurman, Richard R. Cornell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040259491
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chute for dispensing coins comprising a lower wall having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end comprises a longitudinally extending bottom layer having a first terminal edge opposite to a second terminal edge. The distal end comprises a longitudinally extending bottom layer having a first tapered terminal edge opposite to a second tapered terminal edge. The first tapered terminal edge is joined to the first terminal edge, and the second tapered terminal edge is joined to the second terminal edge. The chute comprises a first side wall joined to the first terminal edge and to the first tapered terminal edge; a second side wall joined to the second terminal edge and to the second tapered terminal edge; and a back wall joined to the proximal end of the lower wall. Further disclosed herein is a kit comprising the chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas O'Malley
  • Patent number: 6830509
    Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6817938
    Abstract: A coin holder and dispenser holds coins for use with a slot machine and is used to easily and efficiently dispense coins directly into the coin slot of the slot machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jon J. Sorensen, George S. Withrow
  • Publication number: 20040198211
    Abstract: An improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Marc Auguste, Marc B. Auguste, Jacqueline A. Johnson-Auguste
  • Publication number: 20040132397
    Abstract: The top end portion of the outer peripheral surface of a coin feeding roller protrudes in a stacking section as a rotating friction surface so as to correspond to the end portion of a coin passage. A plurality of coins are conveyed to the end portion of the coin passage in a row in a direction of diameter of the coins by means of a conveying mechanism. The rotating friction surface of the feeding roller rotates while contacting the lower surface of the conveyed coin, to cause the coin to get over the rotating friction surface from an upstream side to a downstream side of the friction surface with respect to the direction of rotation thereof. Thus, the roller displaces the trailing edge of the previously conveyed coin upwards so that the leading edge of a subsequently conveyed coin can enter between the previously conveyed coin and the friction surface. By repeating this operation, the conveyed coins are sequentially stacked in the stacking section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuma Sugahara, Yusuke Inuki
  • Patent number: 6709325
    Abstract: A tube for holding coins wrapped in a paper wrapping in a tight close-fitting relationship. The tube is square shaped having a main body portion with an inner chamber for holding the wrapped coins and a removable cap tightly fitting to the main body portion. The chamber extends upwardly from the main body portion terminating in an annular lip which engages an inner annular ridge on the cap. Both the cap and the main body portion having longitudinally extending ribs at the corners, the ribs of the main body portion having depressions at top receiving nubs on the ribs of the cap thereon to prevent the cap from turning with respect to the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Korsen
  • Publication number: 20040045787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin tray (1) having a multitude of coin slots (2) in which coin stacks (4) of individual coins (3) can be stacked up, the cross-sectional geometry of every coin slot (2) being adjusted to a certain coin denomination, wherein every coin slot (2) is provided with means (5) for detecting the number of stacked coins (3), wherein the means (5) for detecting are connected to an evaluation device (6), in which the total value of all stacked coins (3) is determined from the numbers of stacked coins (3) of all coin denominations, and as an option displayed on a display (7) and/or added up in the evaluation device (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20040029518
    Abstract: Coin storage device (2) for storing a plurality of different sized coins of different values or denominations in a range of individual compartments (12) in which the coins of one denomination are all stored in the same compartment. The device includes a base portion (4) and a top portion (20) having a fixed structural member (10) extending therebetween to maintain the top (10) and base (4) portion in spaced apart parallel relationship to each other. The sizes of the individual compartments correspond to the respective sizes of the coins being stored therein and the lengths of the interior of the compartments (12) corresponds to a predetermined value or amount of money of the coin being stored therein such that when each compartment (12) is full of coins the predetermined amount is stored in the device (2) and the device is provided with an indication of when the predetermined amount has been attained so that actual counting of the coins is not required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Petra Helene Tanidis, Arthur Tanidis
  • Patent number: 6638157
    Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6629885
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus for a coin handling machine includes a coin sorting passage extending substantially one-dimensionally and having transporting belt means for conveying coins, and a denomination discriminator provided in the coin sorting passage for discriminating the denominations of coins, wherein the coin sorting passage is bifurcated at a downstream portion thereof into a coin selecting passage for leading coins to be sorted therethrough and a coin collecting passage for leading coins other than those to be sorted therethrough, the coin sorting apparatus further including a gate member provided at the portion where the coin sorting passage is bifurcated into the coin selecting passage and the coin collecting passage for selectively leading coins into the coin selecting passage or the coin collecting passage in accordance with results of discrimination made by the denomination discriminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Tsuruda, Yuji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030162489
    Abstract: A tube for holding coins wrapped in a paper wrapping in a tight close-fitting relationship. The tube is square shaped having a main body portion with an inner chamber for holding the wrapped coins and a removable cap tightly fitting to the main body portion. The chamber extends upwardly from the main body portion terminating in an annular lip which engages an inner annular ridge on the cap. Both the cap and the main body portion having longitudinally extending ribs at the corners, the ribs of the main body portion having depressions at top receiving nubs on the ribs of the cap thereon to prevent the cap from turning with respect to the main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Korsen
  • Patent number: 6554693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin separator which sorts and separates coins according to size, particularly to a withdrawal apparatus of a coin receipt tube for a coin separator, wherein a sloping structure having a rail is built on the rear part of a fallen-coin drawer, a roller at the lower part of a receipt vessel is laid on the rail of the above sloping structure, and the receipt vessel containing a coin receipt tubes is pushed upward by the slanting structure which slides toward the front when the fallen-coin drawer is opened, whereby the above receipt tube is protruded to the outside of the coin separator so that the withdrawal of a coin receipt tube from the receipt vessel is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign, Inc.
    Inventor: Jongsuk Lee
  • Patent number: 6165063
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper (24) having a coin exit aperture (30) and a ramp (32) located adjacent thereto. The ramp (32) includes an upper end (34) and slopes downward to a lower end (36). A plurality of apertures (38a-38d) are formed through the ramp (32). The apertures (38a-38d) are sized and arranged such that coins of differing diameters sliding down the ramp (32) pass through one of the apertures (38a-38d). A coin container assembly (50) located below the ramp (32) includes first and second sets (54,56) of coin containers (52). Each set (54,56) includes a plurality of coin containers (54a-d,56a-d), respectively. The containers (56a-d) of the second set (56) are positioned adjacent the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54). When one of the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54) is filled with coins, additional coins slide into a corresponding container (56a-d) of the second set (56). A coin separator mechanism (90) dispenses coins from the coin hopper (24) onto the ramp (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mag-Nif, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6099401
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus (A) includes a hopper (10) into which a plurality of coins are deposited. A push-button switch (30) is positioned adjacent the hopper (10) and is operable in a one-handed manner by an operator simultaneously with the action of depositing unsorted coins into the hopper. A coin separating mechanism dispenses coins from the hopper onto a ramp (20) upon which the coins roll downward and pass through one of a plurality of apertures (22a-d) formed through the ramp according to their diameter. Coins that pass through each aperture (22a-d) are deposited onto one of a plurality of coin chutes (40a-40d). A plurality of sorted coin wrappers (W) are positioned respectively adjacent lower edges of the chutes (40a-40d), respectively. Coins from each chute (40a-40d) are deposited directly into the appropriate one of the plurality of coin wrappers, without the need for any intermediate or additional sorted coin containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 6099403
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for viewing both sides of a plurality of coins including a three-dimensional enclosure with a top, a bottom and a plurality of sides in combination defining a hollow interior. A lens is secured within an aperture in the top and provides for magnified viewing of an interior location of the enclosure. A coin supply is secured to the enclosure and is adapted to hold a plurality of coins. The coins are advanced in succession from a holding position to an inspection position for viewing through the lens. A pair of planar shaped reflectors are secured within the enclosure interior and arranged in opposing and angularly extending fashion relative to the lens and the selected coin to be inspected and so as to facilitate a clearer viewing of the selected coin. Following inspection, the coin is ejected and a further coin is transferred from the holding position to the inspection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Leonard Batchelder
  • Patent number: 5944601
    Abstract: In a coin processing device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, coin storage means (4) comprises a plurality of coin tubes (10, 11, 12, 13) which are separately formed, and linking means (30) which is formed for each one of the coin tubes (10, 11, 12, 13) and inter-links adjacent coin tubes. In a coin processing device in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, coin storage means (64) comprises integrated type coin tubes (74) where a plurality of coin tubes are integrated into one unit, and adapter tubes (80, 81, 82) which are inserted in each one of the plurality of coin tubes (71, 72, 73) for changing the internal diameters thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Takahiro Hayashi, Yoshikazu Mori, Mitsugu Mikami
  • Patent number: 5902178
    Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper (24) having a coin exit aperture (30) and a ramp (32) located adjacent thereto. The ramp (32) includes an upper end (34) and slopes downward to a lower end (36). A plurality of apertures (38a-38d) are formed through the ramp (32). The apertures (38a-38d) are sized and arranged such that coins of differing diameters sliding down the ramp (32) pass through one of the apertures (38a-38d). A coin container assembly (50) located below the ramp (32) includes first and second sets (54,56) of coin containers (52). Each set (54,56) includes a plurality of coin containers (54a-d,56a-d), respectively. The containers (56a-d) of the second set (56) are positioned adjacent the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54). When one of the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54) is filled with coins, additional coins slide into a corresponding container (56a-d) of the second set (56). A coin separator mechanism (90) dispenses coins from the coin hopper (24) onto the ramp (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Mag-Nif Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerzy Perkitny
  • Patent number: 5830055
    Abstract: A portable canister for holding coin-like objects for ejection from a dispenser has a lid and a substantially box-like base that are either attached pivotally at one or more hinges so that the canister may be opened in a clamshell fashion a full 180 degrees or that come together in a box-like fashion without the use of hinges, the cover being lifted entirely off the base for loading. Inside the canister base is a side-by-side array of columns, each column having sides encircling the column circumference by no more than 180 degrees in order to allow horizontal loading of stacks of coins. The lid operates to trap the coins into the columns of the base. The closed canister has slots in the plane of the lid to permit ejection of coins one at a time from each column. An ejection mechanism mounted in the dispenser chassis employs one solenoid subassembly per column of a removable canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Telequip Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Jones, Paul O. Stump