CA1321368C - Coin sorting apparatus and rotating disc - Google Patents
Coin sorting apparatus and rotating discInfo
- Publication number
- CA1321368C CA1321368C CA000559944A CA559944A CA1321368C CA 1321368 C CA1321368 C CA 1321368C CA 000559944 A CA000559944 A CA 000559944A CA 559944 A CA559944 A CA 559944A CA 1321368 C CA1321368 C CA 1321368C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coins
- coin
- denomination
- disc
- guide plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
- G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
- G07D3/12—Sorting coins by means of stepped deflectors
- G07D3/128—Rotary devices
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including means for locating the innermost edges of said coins at a first preselected radial position where the radially outer portions of said coins extend outwardly beyond the outer periphery of said guide plate while the radially inner portions of said coins are pressed into said resilient surface to hold the coins between said guide plate and said rotatable disc, means for engaging said radially outer portions of at least one selected denomination of said coins and radially re-locating coins of said selected denomination with their innermost edges at a second preselected radial position so that the innermost edges of coins of different denominations are located at different radial positions, and means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said guide plate, said circumferential locations being determined by the radial locations of the innermost edges of the coins.
A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including means for locating the innermost edges of said coins at a first preselected radial position where the radially outer portions of said coins extend outwardly beyond the outer periphery of said guide plate while the radially inner portions of said coins are pressed into said resilient surface to hold the coins between said guide plate and said rotatable disc, means for engaging said radially outer portions of at least one selected denomination of said coins and radially re-locating coins of said selected denomination with their innermost edges at a second preselected radial position so that the innermost edges of coins of different denominations are located at different radial positions, and means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said guide plate, said circumferential locations being determined by the radial locations of the innermost edges of the coins.
Description
`"` ~32~3~8 Fiold of the I~vontion This invention relates generally to coin handling equipment and particularly to coin sorting machines of the type that have a rotating disc with a resilient surface cooperating with a stationary sorting head or guide plate.
8ummary of the InY ntion It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved coin sorting machine which is capable of sorting coins of any desirad denomination(s) fxom a batch of coins containing any combination of denominations.
It is another important object of this invention to provide an improved coin sorting machine of the foregoing type which can be readily adjusted to change the desired coin denomination (5) to be sorted.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved coin sorting machine which is smaller than most other coin sorting machines.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coin sorting apparatus comprising a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for recei~ing mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins; a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc, the stationary guide plate including means for guiding the coins on the disc into a single file of coins, and means for guiding tha inn~rmo~t edges of the coins in the single file along a first prescribed path; means for displacing coins of at least one selected denomination so that the innermost edges of the coins are mo~ed from the first prescribed path to a sécond prescribed path, while ., -. , ., ~; ., : . ; ~ . . :, , - . . , ,: . , ` 132~3~8 pressing the coins into said resilient surface so thak the colns are rotated by the disc with the innermost edges on the second prescribed path; and means for discharging coins of the selected denomination at a prescxibed exit location on the second prescribed path at the outer periphery of the guide plate.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coin-displacing means engages the radially outer portions of at least one selected denomination of the coins and radially re-locates coins of that selected denomination with their innermost edge at a second preselected radial position so that the innermost edges of coins of different denominations are located at differen~ radial positions.
The coin-discharging means preferably comprises a plurality of exit recesses in the guide plate, each exit recess having its inner edge at one of the different radial positions of the innermost edgee of the coins of different denominations for intercepting coins of a selected denomination, and extending outwardly to the periphery of the guide plate for guiding the intercepted coins out from between the rotatabl2 disc and the guide plate.
Brief ~scription Of The Drawin~Y
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with portions broken away to reveal the internal s~ructure, and with the associated electrical control system illustrated in the form of a block diagram;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the rotatable disc and the stationary sorting head or guide plate in the machine o~ FIG. 1, with the configuration of the underside of the guide plate superimposed on the top surface of the rotatable disc;
8ummary of the InY ntion It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved coin sorting machine which is capable of sorting coins of any desirad denomination(s) fxom a batch of coins containing any combination of denominations.
It is another important object of this invention to provide an improved coin sorting machine of the foregoing type which can be readily adjusted to change the desired coin denomination (5) to be sorted.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved coin sorting machine which is smaller than most other coin sorting machines.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coin sorting apparatus comprising a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for recei~ing mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins; a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc, the stationary guide plate including means for guiding the coins on the disc into a single file of coins, and means for guiding tha inn~rmo~t edges of the coins in the single file along a first prescribed path; means for displacing coins of at least one selected denomination so that the innermost edges of the coins are mo~ed from the first prescribed path to a sécond prescribed path, while ., -. , ., ~; ., : . ; ~ . . :, , - . . , ,: . , ` 132~3~8 pressing the coins into said resilient surface so thak the colns are rotated by the disc with the innermost edges on the second prescribed path; and means for discharging coins of the selected denomination at a prescxibed exit location on the second prescribed path at the outer periphery of the guide plate.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coin-displacing means engages the radially outer portions of at least one selected denomination of the coins and radially re-locates coins of that selected denomination with their innermost edge at a second preselected radial position so that the innermost edges of coins of different denominations are located at differen~ radial positions.
The coin-discharging means preferably comprises a plurality of exit recesses in the guide plate, each exit recess having its inner edge at one of the different radial positions of the innermost edgee of the coins of different denominations for intercepting coins of a selected denomination, and extending outwardly to the periphery of the guide plate for guiding the intercepted coins out from between the rotatabl2 disc and the guide plate.
Brief ~scription Of The Drawin~Y
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with portions broken away to reveal the internal s~ructure, and with the associated electrical control system illustrated in the form of a block diagram;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the rotatable disc and the stationary sorting head or guide plate in the machine o~ FIG. 1, with the configuration of the underside of the guide plate superimposed on the top surface of the rotatable disc;
-2- :
- . : , . :.. :: .; , ... . .: .. :- .
132~3~8 FIG. 3 is a further enlarged plan view of the sorting head or guide plate in the machine of FIGo 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the right-hand portion of the sorting head as viewed in FIG.3, illustrating the effect of the mechanism on coins of a first denomination having a relatively small diameter;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view o~ the same ~echanism illustrated in FIG. 4, but ~howing the e~fect of the mechanism on coins of a second dienomination having a relatively large diameter;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top of the same portion of the sor~ing head shiown in FIGS. 4 and 5;
FIG. 7 is a section taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
FI~o ~ is a section tak~n generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 3;
FI~. 9 is a section taken generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged section taXen generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged section taken generally along line ll-ll in FIG. 3;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 12-12 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 3;
FI~. 14 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 14-14 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 15-15 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 16 is an enlargedi section taken generally along line 16-15 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 17~17 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 18-18 in FIG. 3.
~3--"` 1~21368 Description Of The Preferred Enbodiment While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and altern~tive forms, speci~ic embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is no~ intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modi~ications, equivalents, and alternative~ falling with the sc~pe of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring initially to FIG. l, there i~ shown a coin sorter lO having a resilient disc in the form of pad 12 o~
an elastomer construction rotated on and by a turntable 14 driven ~y a motor 16 via belt 17. A hopper 18 (partially broken away) is positioned about a central opening 20 in a stationary guide plate 22, and coins to be sorted are inserted through this hopper. The guide plate 22 is supported, by means ~ot shown, at a selected spacing with respect to the pad 12, typically 0.005 to 0.010 inch. A
centrally positioned hub 24 extends upwardly through an opening (not shown) in the pad ~2 and is conventionally secured as by a:threaded connection to the turntable 14.
The hub 24 has a tapered surface which functions to direct coins in an off-center direction so that there will always be some centrifugal force tending to cause coins to move outwardly toward the inn~r periphery of the guide plate 22.
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 2 18, the underside of the guide plate 22 is configured to guide coins rotated by the pad 12 (in the direction of the arrows in FIG. ~) in a cir~ular and then spiral path within an inner recess ~4 which overalI is oval in configuration and forms a guide edge 30. The coins are ~.
moved, as illustrated by coins 26 in FIG. 2, outwardly by centrifugal force in a path governed by the tapered inner facing edge 30 o~ the recess 34. This recess 34 qenerally 1 32~ 368 has a depth on the order of 0.005 to 0.010 inch deeper than the thickest coin to ba sorted. Thus, the coins are free to move radially beneath the top surface of the recess 34. The first part of the coins' travel is generally circular from point 38 to point 40 (FIG~ 3) and within that region most of the coins are formed in a single file. ~
At approximately point 42 (FIG. 3), the edge 30 of the central portion 35 o~ the recess 34 transitions, in a recess portion 44 ~FIG. 3), from being circular to a spiral, and thereafter coins are moved outwardly, along edge 43, by the combination of circular movement of the pad 12 and centrifugal ~orce. The recess region 4~ may be of the same depth or slightly shallower than ~ther portions of the recess 34, the latter being the case where the thickness of the thickest coin to be sorted is greater than the thickness of two of the thinnest coins to be sorted. In all cases, the depth is preferably less than the thickness of the two thinnest coins to be sorted, typically 0.010 to 0.020 inch less in depth. Where it is necessary to provide reduced depth, there is preferably a gradual transition or slight ramp downwardly between central portion 35 of the recess 34 and the xeces~ region 44 and downwardly between the recess region 44 and a region ~7. This dimension in the recess portion 4~ is required in order to separate two thin coins, such as illustrated by coins 50 and 52 in FIG. 2) when they have assumed a position where one coin is on top of the other, as shown.
Separation is effected by a guide 5~ (FIGS. 2 and 3) as follows With the depth of recess region 44 less than the thickness of the two piggyback coins 50 and 52, the bottom coin 52 is frictionally engaged by the pad 12 (FIG.
1) and moved beneath the guide 54 in a generally circular path as depicted by the dashed line positions of this coin in FIG 2. Thereafter, the coin moves back into the recess 3213~
34. Finally, the coin is free of compression in recess 34, enabling it to be simply recirculated around on the pad 12. Meanwhile, the upper coin 50 is restrained by an upper flat portion 63 (FIG. 8) of the leading edge 58 of the ~uide 54, and this coin passes outboard o~ the guide 54. The guide 54 ~ully tapers at the point 40 from the recess region 44 to the lowermost surface of the guide 5 so that a coin stxiking this point simply rides over the guide 54 and is recirculated.
The recess region 44 also forms a restricted passageway for a ingle file of small coins, for example pennies and dimes of U.S. coinage. This passageway is formed between an outward proje~tion ~2 of the guide 54 and the outer edge 64 of the recess region 44. The edge 30 and its extension 64 are both tapered as shown in FIG.
8, this taper effecting a wedging action of coin~ to prevent bounce.
Larger coins (e.g., a nickel, quarter, Susan B.
Anthony dollar, or half dollar of U.S. coinage)~ such as illustrated by the coin 66 in FIGS. 2 and 3, actually cartwheel outwardly into a recessed area 68 and thereby move around the projection 62 until they are moved circularly beyond the recess règion of recess 34 where they are free to move outwardly by centrifugal force. The recessed area 6B is of less depth thàn the recess region 44. As a result, the larger coins are actually capturad by the pad 12 and rotated by it. The outer edge region 69 of the guide 54 lies genexally in a fixed radial configuration in order to enabl~ a suf~iciently large area of the recess region 44 to accommodate free movement of coins by centrifugal force. As a result, the larger coins, and,: of course, the smaller ones also, move along the spiraling edge 42 to a generally circular edge 72, as illustrated by the coin 71.
In the event that a coin is, for some reason, on top of another coin within the ar~a 67 of the recess 34, an . ' ` ' ' ' '- ~: ' : ' ' ' ' ! ' ' ` .
,: '~ ' ' ''" ; "': i ''' ' ' '`" "" ' ;:' " : ': ' " ~ ' " : ' "" ' : :
~" 132~3~
adge 78 of the guide 54, having an upper straight edge region 73 and a lower tapered edge 77 (FIG. 10), will effect a separation of the coins, causing the lower of the coins to be moved over ~he guide 54 as described ~or the separation and movement of ~oins 50 and 52. The edge 78 thus breaks up any jams that may form between coins, as by doubling, and captures any coins moved against edge 78 and causes them to be recirculated back into the recess 34 for reforming in a single file.
Freely moving coins ~inally form in a single file and are rotated ~y pad 12 to a position where they engage a downwardly extending ramp 76, as illustrated by the coin 71 in FIGS. 3 and ll. The ramp 76 efects a depression of the coins into the pad 1~, so that the coins are captured at their then radial position. The dashed line 80 in FIG.
- . : , . :.. :: .; , ... . .: .. :- .
132~3~8 FIG. 3 is a further enlarged plan view of the sorting head or guide plate in the machine of FIGo 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the right-hand portion of the sorting head as viewed in FIG.3, illustrating the effect of the mechanism on coins of a first denomination having a relatively small diameter;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view o~ the same ~echanism illustrated in FIG. 4, but ~howing the e~fect of the mechanism on coins of a second dienomination having a relatively large diameter;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top of the same portion of the sor~ing head shiown in FIGS. 4 and 5;
FIG. 7 is a section taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
FI~o ~ is a section tak~n generally along line 8-8 in FIG. 3;
FI~. 9 is a section taken generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged section taXen generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged section taken generally along line ll-ll in FIG. 3;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 12-12 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 3;
FI~. 14 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 14-14 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 15-15 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 16 is an enlargedi section taken generally along line 16-15 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 17~17 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged section taken generally along line 18-18 in FIG. 3.
~3--"` 1~21368 Description Of The Preferred Enbodiment While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and altern~tive forms, speci~ic embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is no~ intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modi~ications, equivalents, and alternative~ falling with the sc~pe of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring initially to FIG. l, there i~ shown a coin sorter lO having a resilient disc in the form of pad 12 o~
an elastomer construction rotated on and by a turntable 14 driven ~y a motor 16 via belt 17. A hopper 18 (partially broken away) is positioned about a central opening 20 in a stationary guide plate 22, and coins to be sorted are inserted through this hopper. The guide plate 22 is supported, by means ~ot shown, at a selected spacing with respect to the pad 12, typically 0.005 to 0.010 inch. A
centrally positioned hub 24 extends upwardly through an opening (not shown) in the pad ~2 and is conventionally secured as by a:threaded connection to the turntable 14.
The hub 24 has a tapered surface which functions to direct coins in an off-center direction so that there will always be some centrifugal force tending to cause coins to move outwardly toward the inn~r periphery of the guide plate 22.
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 2 18, the underside of the guide plate 22 is configured to guide coins rotated by the pad 12 (in the direction of the arrows in FIG. ~) in a cir~ular and then spiral path within an inner recess ~4 which overalI is oval in configuration and forms a guide edge 30. The coins are ~.
moved, as illustrated by coins 26 in FIG. 2, outwardly by centrifugal force in a path governed by the tapered inner facing edge 30 o~ the recess 34. This recess 34 qenerally 1 32~ 368 has a depth on the order of 0.005 to 0.010 inch deeper than the thickest coin to ba sorted. Thus, the coins are free to move radially beneath the top surface of the recess 34. The first part of the coins' travel is generally circular from point 38 to point 40 (FIG~ 3) and within that region most of the coins are formed in a single file. ~
At approximately point 42 (FIG. 3), the edge 30 of the central portion 35 o~ the recess 34 transitions, in a recess portion 44 ~FIG. 3), from being circular to a spiral, and thereafter coins are moved outwardly, along edge 43, by the combination of circular movement of the pad 12 and centrifugal ~orce. The recess region 4~ may be of the same depth or slightly shallower than ~ther portions of the recess 34, the latter being the case where the thickness of the thickest coin to be sorted is greater than the thickness of two of the thinnest coins to be sorted. In all cases, the depth is preferably less than the thickness of the two thinnest coins to be sorted, typically 0.010 to 0.020 inch less in depth. Where it is necessary to provide reduced depth, there is preferably a gradual transition or slight ramp downwardly between central portion 35 of the recess 34 and the xeces~ region 44 and downwardly between the recess region 44 and a region ~7. This dimension in the recess portion 4~ is required in order to separate two thin coins, such as illustrated by coins 50 and 52 in FIG. 2) when they have assumed a position where one coin is on top of the other, as shown.
Separation is effected by a guide 5~ (FIGS. 2 and 3) as follows With the depth of recess region 44 less than the thickness of the two piggyback coins 50 and 52, the bottom coin 52 is frictionally engaged by the pad 12 (FIG.
1) and moved beneath the guide 54 in a generally circular path as depicted by the dashed line positions of this coin in FIG 2. Thereafter, the coin moves back into the recess 3213~
34. Finally, the coin is free of compression in recess 34, enabling it to be simply recirculated around on the pad 12. Meanwhile, the upper coin 50 is restrained by an upper flat portion 63 (FIG. 8) of the leading edge 58 of the ~uide 54, and this coin passes outboard o~ the guide 54. The guide 54 ~ully tapers at the point 40 from the recess region 44 to the lowermost surface of the guide 5 so that a coin stxiking this point simply rides over the guide 54 and is recirculated.
The recess region 44 also forms a restricted passageway for a ingle file of small coins, for example pennies and dimes of U.S. coinage. This passageway is formed between an outward proje~tion ~2 of the guide 54 and the outer edge 64 of the recess region 44. The edge 30 and its extension 64 are both tapered as shown in FIG.
8, this taper effecting a wedging action of coin~ to prevent bounce.
Larger coins (e.g., a nickel, quarter, Susan B.
Anthony dollar, or half dollar of U.S. coinage)~ such as illustrated by the coin 66 in FIGS. 2 and 3, actually cartwheel outwardly into a recessed area 68 and thereby move around the projection 62 until they are moved circularly beyond the recess règion of recess 34 where they are free to move outwardly by centrifugal force. The recessed area 6B is of less depth thàn the recess region 44. As a result, the larger coins are actually capturad by the pad 12 and rotated by it. The outer edge region 69 of the guide 54 lies genexally in a fixed radial configuration in order to enabl~ a suf~iciently large area of the recess region 44 to accommodate free movement of coins by centrifugal force. As a result, the larger coins, and,: of course, the smaller ones also, move along the spiraling edge 42 to a generally circular edge 72, as illustrated by the coin 71.
In the event that a coin is, for some reason, on top of another coin within the ar~a 67 of the recess 34, an . ' ` ' ' ' '- ~: ' : ' ' ' ' ! ' ' ` .
,: '~ ' ' ''" ; "': i ''' ' ' '`" "" ' ;:' " : ': ' " ~ ' " : ' "" ' : :
~" 132~3~
adge 78 of the guide 54, having an upper straight edge region 73 and a lower tapered edge 77 (FIG. 10), will effect a separation of the coins, causing the lower of the coins to be moved over ~he guide 54 as described ~or the separation and movement of ~oins 50 and 52. The edge 78 thus breaks up any jams that may form between coins, as by doubling, and captures any coins moved against edge 78 and causes them to be recirculated back into the recess 34 for reforming in a single file.
Freely moving coins ~inally form in a single file and are rotated ~y pad 12 to a position where they engage a downwardly extending ramp 76, as illustrated by the coin 71 in FIGS. 3 and ll. The ramp 76 efects a depression of the coins into the pad 1~, so that the coins are captured at their then radial position. The dashed line 80 in FIG.
3 indicates a maximum diameter circular path along which the captured coins may progress, as shown by coin 82.
This path may be inward somewhat depending upon where the coins are captured by ramp 76.
Coins are next rotated into a tapered recess 90, the contour of which is illustrated in FIG. 12. Most significantly, the recess 90 is tapered upwardly and inwardly and includes an outwardly curving coin positioning edge 92. A coin 94 is shown in FI&. 3 as b~ing within the recess 90 along the circular path o~ the dashed line 80 until ~his coin is rotated to a position where its inner edge engages the edge 92 of the recess 90 When this occurs, the coin is urged outwardly alon~ the edge 92 to a point 101 where the edge 92 merges into ramp 103, as illustrated by coin 100 in FIG. 3. The ramp 103 is configured like the ramp 76 shown in FIG. 11 and functions to urge a coin ~ownwardly, as would be the case for a coin 104. Therea~ter, coins are rotated with their inner edges radially referenced to this point. The dashed line 106 in FIG. 3 illustrates this path of ro~ation, and coin 104 illustrates a coin following it. Significantly, ' ' , " ~
" 132~368 this means that the outer edges of the coins traverse circular paths which are uniquely determined by their diameters. It follows that a circular path o~ the outer edge of a half dollar is at a larger radius of rotation than ~maller diameter coins.
While operation of the illustrative device has generally been described above, it will be reviewed.
First, coins of different diameters to be sorted are placed in the hopper 18, and thus deposited on the pad 12.
When the motor 16 is started, the pad 12 rotates in the direction o~ the arrows in FIG. 2, and the coins are moved by centrifugal ~orce outwardly and into the recess 34 where they ~orm in a single file against the guide edge 30. They are then moved outwardly where any doubled small coins, e.g., dimes, are separated by capturing the lower one and moving it undPr the guide ~4. Smaller denomination coins, such as dimes and pennies, pass outwardly of the guide 54 within recess region 44 between the guide 54 and the guide edge 64. Larger coins are enabled to pass by a reduced depth recessed area 68 within which the larger coins (a.g., coin 66) effectively cartwheel outwardly and are then rotated back into the full depth recess 67. Coins in the recess 67 freely move outwardly by cen~rifugal ~orce as in the case of coin 71.
In case there eXist in this recess doubled coins, one coin on top of the other, the coins are separated by the edye 78, enabling the lower of the coins to pass under the edge 78.
A coin normally passing outwardly within the recess 67 is stopped by the ed~e 72 and rotate~ under the ramp 76 which effectæ a capturing o~ the coin, as in the case of coins 71 and 82. Coins so captured are rotated under a recessed area 90. This area 90 is of less depth than the recessed area 34, and thus coins continue to be captured but are readily susceptible to radial movement when engaged-by the inner edge 92 of the recess 90. The edge ... .. . .
'` ~3~ 36~
92 moves the coins outwardly until the inner edges of the coins reach the reference radius designated by the dashed line 106. At this point, the coins are depressed further downward by the ramp 103 and fully captured by the lower surface of the guide plate 22, as in the case of coin 104.
As the coins are rotated along the ramp 103, thev approach a coin selector assembly 107 which includes a radially adjustabls, generally rectangular ramp member 108 and a rigidly mounted base 110. The base 110 is ~astened to the guide plate 22 by screws 112 and has two oppose~
and elongated key slots 114 and ~16 slot 114 is formed in the upper surface 118 of the base 110, and slot ll~ i5 formed in the lower surface 120 of the base 110. An elongated opening 122 is centrally positioned and extends lengthwise in the slots 114 and 116.
The top o~ the ramp member 108 forms a key 126 which is dimensioned to slidably engage the bottom slot 116 in the base 110. Centrally located and extending perpendicular to the surface 128 of the key 126 is a threaded shaft 130 which extends throuyh ~he opening 122 in the base llO. A referencing key 132 having an opening 134 and a referencing edge 136 is dimensioned to slidably engage the upper slot 114 in the base 110 and is mounted in the slot 114 with the threaded shaft 130 extending through the opening 134 in the key 132. ~ clamping handle 138 having a threaded opening 140 is threaded onto the shaft 130 so that the keys 126 and 136 may be tightly clamped within the slots 114 and 116, thus clamping the ramp member lOB in a selected position. Rigidly mounted on the top surface 144 of the guide plate 22 is an L~
shaped referencing member 142 which, in conjunction with the indexiny edge 136 of the key 132, allows for th~
precise positioning of the ramp 108 to selectively separate a single denomination of coin from a mix of coins, as will be described in more detail below~
:, : . ~ , .~:, : :', . : .- :
1~2~368 As can be seen in FIGS. 3-5, the inboard edge of the ramp member 108 forms two indexing surfaces 144 and 146 which are slightly offset from each other in the radial direction. Located between the two indexing surfaces 144 and 146 is a coin sorter probe 150 which i9 electrically insulated from the ramp 108 and thus the guide plate ~2 by an insulating sleeve 152. The probe 150 is clamped into a slot 154 in the ramp member 10~ by a clamp block 156 ~nd screw 158 (FIG. 17). The inner end 148 of the probe 150 ~FIGS. 3 and 14) is connected to a coin detecting and counting circuit, which will ba ~urther described below.
As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion 160 o~ the lower surface of the ramp member 108 is inclined while another portion 162 is relatively flat.
In the area adjacent the ramp member 108, the yuide plate 22 is contoured (see FIG. 16) to work in conjunction with the ramp member 108 to effect the separation of a chosen denomination of coins. More specifically, the downwardly extending ramp 103 terminates in a capture area 164 which has a radially inwardly extending inner edge 166 including an override notch 16~ within the edge 166. The capture area 16~ leads to an upwardly extending ramp 170 which leads to an exit recess 17~ ~orming an inboard guide wall 174. The guide wall 17~ extends outwardly to the edge 176 of the guide plate 22 and functions to guide coins of undesired denominations out from under the guide plate 22 to a chute 177 (FIG. 1) leading to a bag or other coin receptacle. ~onversely, the override notch 168 allows coins of the desired denomination to override the edge 166, become captured by the pad 12, and be rotated at a fixed radial position against the lowermost surface 178 of the guide plate 22 toward a second exit recess 180.
The exit recess ~80 has an inlet ramp 1~2 and an inboard guide wall la4 which extends outwardly to the outer periphery 176 o~ the guide plate 22 and functions to guide coins out from under the plate 22 ~o a chute 1~3. To stop , ' : ~ `"', ,' " ' ' , ` ; :
1 32i3G8 the flow of coin~ along the exit recess 180, as when a predetermined number of coins have been discharged, an opening 186 (FIG. 18) is provided in recess 180 and contains a solenoid-operated stop shoe 188. The shoe 188 is normally retracted, as shown in FIG. 18, allowin~ coins to traverse the guide edge 184~
The coin selector assembly 107 is set to sort a particular denomination of coin, as shown in FIGS. 6, 13 and 14, by placing a coin 190 o~ the desired denomination between the referencing member 142 and the re~erencing edge 136 of the key 132. The ramp member 108 is then pushed to the left ~as viewed in PIG. 6) so that the coin 190 is firmly clamped between the member 142 and the referencing edge 136 o~ the key 132, and the handle 138 is rotated to clamp the ramp memher 10~ in that position.
This causes the probe end 148 and the indexing edge 146 of the ramp 108 to be positioned at a distance opposite the notch 168 which is slightly less ~han thè diameter of the referenced coin. Consequently, coins of the selected diameter (denomination) strike the probe end 14~ and are moved inwardly into the notch 168,- thereby causing those coins to be captured by pressing their inboard edges into the pad 12, inboard of the guide edge 174 of the first exik recess 172. Thus, coins of the selected denomination are reindexed along their outboard adges by the probe tip' 148 and the edge 146 of the ramp 108. Coins of other denominations do not touch the probe end 148 or edge 146, as will be explained below.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a control circuit is shown which allows a selected number of coins of a selected denomination to be ~jected from the sorter 10 and guided by the chute 183 into an appropria~e receptacle. This is accomplished by a motor control 194 and a delayed stop solenoid 196 for the stop shoe 188, both of which are activated by a signal from a coin detector and counter 1~8. A display 200 provides a visual readout from the . . . ~ ; .
- , :. . : .~ ................ .. ,. : . .
: , . . . -: . , 1 321~8 counter 198. During operation, coins of the selected denomination are detected and counted as they strike the probe 148 until a prescribed count is reached, whereupon an activating signal is sent to the motor control 194 and a time delay circuit 202. The motor control 194 in turn applies a braking current to motor 16/ rapidly braking the motor 16 and thus the turntable 14 and the pad 12 to a stop. As motor 16 cannot be stopped instantaneously, a time delay circuit 202 provides a delay of 0.1 to 0.2 seconds before energizing an electronic switch 204 and the relay 195. This delay allows the last counted coin to clear the sorter 10 before the solenoid 196 is energized to advance the stop shoe 188 and thereby recycle coins.
FI~. 4 shows the sequential positions oP a coin 206 which is smaller than the selected coin engaged by the probe tip 148. As stated earlier, all coins are initially captured by the pad 12 and held with their inboard edges at the radius oP point 100. Then, as the coin 206 rid s under the ramp 102, it is pressed further into the pad 12 and captured even more firmly as it rides under the capture area 164 between the ramp member 108 and the notch 1~8. Without interacting with either the notch 158 or the ramp mamber 108, the coin 206 continues under the ramp 170 and into the exit recess 172 where the pressure on the coin 206 i5 partially released so that the coin may be more easily moved radially outwardly and ejected by the guide edge 174.
FIG. 5 shows the sequential positions of a coin 208 which is larger than the selected coin size. As the coin 208 rides under ramp 102, it is fully captured by pad 12, but because its diameter is larger than the selected coin size, the outboard portion o~ the coin 208 rides under the inclined portion 160 of the ramp member 108. This tips the coin 208 upward along its inboard edge into the groove 165. The coin i5 s~ill captured by the pad 12, which rotates the coin in a radially ~ixed position toward the ~321~
exit recess 172. The groove 166 accommodates the inboard edge of the coin 208 as it is tipped and helps guide the coin into the exit recess 172~ As in the case of the smaller c~ins 206, the coin 20~ rides under the releasing ramp 170 and into the éxit recess 172 where the coin is moved outwardly and ejected by the guide edge.
Referring now to FI~. 3, a coin 104 having the same diameter as the referenced c~in 190 is shown in sequential position~. As described above, the coin 104 is rotated under the ramp 102 and fully captured under the capture area 164 where the outboard edge of the coin 104 strikes and is reindexed by the probe tip 148. This moves the coin 104 slightly inboard so that the inboard edge of the coin 104 is urged in~o the notch 168, which in turn allows the pad 12 to capture the coin 104. The coin 104 is then rotated by the pad 12 past the ejection guide edge 174 along the lowermost surface of the guide plate 22 and toward the second exit recess 180. As long as a full count of coins has not been reached and the stop solenoid 196 is not energized, the coin 104 travels under the releasing ramp 1~2 into the exit recess 180 where the coin is moved outwardly and ejected by the guide edge 184.
When a full count of coins is reached, the stop shoe 18~ is lowered to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 18, so that the coin 104 t is not allowed to enter the exit recess 180. Instead, the coin 104' is rotated over the stop shoe 188, the guide edge 18~, and toward a recycling recess 210. A beveled guide edge 212 in the recycling recess 210 guides coins inwardly toward the single file of coins forming against the edge 30 where they are merged to form a single file of coins moving toward the ramp 76. A strike plate 214 is mounted as shown to assist larger coins in their inward movement to prevent any stray coins from being inadvertently ejected from under the guide plate 22.
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This path may be inward somewhat depending upon where the coins are captured by ramp 76.
Coins are next rotated into a tapered recess 90, the contour of which is illustrated in FIG. 12. Most significantly, the recess 90 is tapered upwardly and inwardly and includes an outwardly curving coin positioning edge 92. A coin 94 is shown in FI&. 3 as b~ing within the recess 90 along the circular path o~ the dashed line 80 until ~his coin is rotated to a position where its inner edge engages the edge 92 of the recess 90 When this occurs, the coin is urged outwardly alon~ the edge 92 to a point 101 where the edge 92 merges into ramp 103, as illustrated by coin 100 in FIG. 3. The ramp 103 is configured like the ramp 76 shown in FIG. 11 and functions to urge a coin ~ownwardly, as would be the case for a coin 104. Therea~ter, coins are rotated with their inner edges radially referenced to this point. The dashed line 106 in FIG. 3 illustrates this path of ro~ation, and coin 104 illustrates a coin following it. Significantly, ' ' , " ~
" 132~368 this means that the outer edges of the coins traverse circular paths which are uniquely determined by their diameters. It follows that a circular path o~ the outer edge of a half dollar is at a larger radius of rotation than ~maller diameter coins.
While operation of the illustrative device has generally been described above, it will be reviewed.
First, coins of different diameters to be sorted are placed in the hopper 18, and thus deposited on the pad 12.
When the motor 16 is started, the pad 12 rotates in the direction o~ the arrows in FIG. 2, and the coins are moved by centrifugal ~orce outwardly and into the recess 34 where they ~orm in a single file against the guide edge 30. They are then moved outwardly where any doubled small coins, e.g., dimes, are separated by capturing the lower one and moving it undPr the guide ~4. Smaller denomination coins, such as dimes and pennies, pass outwardly of the guide 54 within recess region 44 between the guide 54 and the guide edge 64. Larger coins are enabled to pass by a reduced depth recessed area 68 within which the larger coins (a.g., coin 66) effectively cartwheel outwardly and are then rotated back into the full depth recess 67. Coins in the recess 67 freely move outwardly by cen~rifugal ~orce as in the case of coin 71.
In case there eXist in this recess doubled coins, one coin on top of the other, the coins are separated by the edye 78, enabling the lower of the coins to pass under the edge 78.
A coin normally passing outwardly within the recess 67 is stopped by the ed~e 72 and rotate~ under the ramp 76 which effectæ a capturing o~ the coin, as in the case of coins 71 and 82. Coins so captured are rotated under a recessed area 90. This area 90 is of less depth than the recessed area 34, and thus coins continue to be captured but are readily susceptible to radial movement when engaged-by the inner edge 92 of the recess 90. The edge ... .. . .
'` ~3~ 36~
92 moves the coins outwardly until the inner edges of the coins reach the reference radius designated by the dashed line 106. At this point, the coins are depressed further downward by the ramp 103 and fully captured by the lower surface of the guide plate 22, as in the case of coin 104.
As the coins are rotated along the ramp 103, thev approach a coin selector assembly 107 which includes a radially adjustabls, generally rectangular ramp member 108 and a rigidly mounted base 110. The base 110 is ~astened to the guide plate 22 by screws 112 and has two oppose~
and elongated key slots 114 and ~16 slot 114 is formed in the upper surface 118 of the base 110, and slot ll~ i5 formed in the lower surface 120 of the base 110. An elongated opening 122 is centrally positioned and extends lengthwise in the slots 114 and 116.
The top o~ the ramp member 108 forms a key 126 which is dimensioned to slidably engage the bottom slot 116 in the base 110. Centrally located and extending perpendicular to the surface 128 of the key 126 is a threaded shaft 130 which extends throuyh ~he opening 122 in the base llO. A referencing key 132 having an opening 134 and a referencing edge 136 is dimensioned to slidably engage the upper slot 114 in the base 110 and is mounted in the slot 114 with the threaded shaft 130 extending through the opening 134 in the key 132. ~ clamping handle 138 having a threaded opening 140 is threaded onto the shaft 130 so that the keys 126 and 136 may be tightly clamped within the slots 114 and 116, thus clamping the ramp member lOB in a selected position. Rigidly mounted on the top surface 144 of the guide plate 22 is an L~
shaped referencing member 142 which, in conjunction with the indexiny edge 136 of the key 132, allows for th~
precise positioning of the ramp 108 to selectively separate a single denomination of coin from a mix of coins, as will be described in more detail below~
:, : . ~ , .~:, : :', . : .- :
1~2~368 As can be seen in FIGS. 3-5, the inboard edge of the ramp member 108 forms two indexing surfaces 144 and 146 which are slightly offset from each other in the radial direction. Located between the two indexing surfaces 144 and 146 is a coin sorter probe 150 which i9 electrically insulated from the ramp 108 and thus the guide plate ~2 by an insulating sleeve 152. The probe 150 is clamped into a slot 154 in the ramp member 10~ by a clamp block 156 ~nd screw 158 (FIG. 17). The inner end 148 of the probe 150 ~FIGS. 3 and 14) is connected to a coin detecting and counting circuit, which will ba ~urther described below.
As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion 160 o~ the lower surface of the ramp member 108 is inclined while another portion 162 is relatively flat.
In the area adjacent the ramp member 108, the yuide plate 22 is contoured (see FIG. 16) to work in conjunction with the ramp member 108 to effect the separation of a chosen denomination of coins. More specifically, the downwardly extending ramp 103 terminates in a capture area 164 which has a radially inwardly extending inner edge 166 including an override notch 16~ within the edge 166. The capture area 16~ leads to an upwardly extending ramp 170 which leads to an exit recess 17~ ~orming an inboard guide wall 174. The guide wall 17~ extends outwardly to the edge 176 of the guide plate 22 and functions to guide coins of undesired denominations out from under the guide plate 22 to a chute 177 (FIG. 1) leading to a bag or other coin receptacle. ~onversely, the override notch 168 allows coins of the desired denomination to override the edge 166, become captured by the pad 12, and be rotated at a fixed radial position against the lowermost surface 178 of the guide plate 22 toward a second exit recess 180.
The exit recess ~80 has an inlet ramp 1~2 and an inboard guide wall la4 which extends outwardly to the outer periphery 176 o~ the guide plate 22 and functions to guide coins out from under the plate 22 ~o a chute 1~3. To stop , ' : ~ `"', ,' " ' ' , ` ; :
1 32i3G8 the flow of coin~ along the exit recess 180, as when a predetermined number of coins have been discharged, an opening 186 (FIG. 18) is provided in recess 180 and contains a solenoid-operated stop shoe 188. The shoe 188 is normally retracted, as shown in FIG. 18, allowin~ coins to traverse the guide edge 184~
The coin selector assembly 107 is set to sort a particular denomination of coin, as shown in FIGS. 6, 13 and 14, by placing a coin 190 o~ the desired denomination between the referencing member 142 and the re~erencing edge 136 of the key 132. The ramp member 108 is then pushed to the left ~as viewed in PIG. 6) so that the coin 190 is firmly clamped between the member 142 and the referencing edge 136 o~ the key 132, and the handle 138 is rotated to clamp the ramp memher 10~ in that position.
This causes the probe end 148 and the indexing edge 146 of the ramp 108 to be positioned at a distance opposite the notch 168 which is slightly less ~han thè diameter of the referenced coin. Consequently, coins of the selected diameter (denomination) strike the probe end 14~ and are moved inwardly into the notch 168,- thereby causing those coins to be captured by pressing their inboard edges into the pad 12, inboard of the guide edge 174 of the first exik recess 172. Thus, coins of the selected denomination are reindexed along their outboard adges by the probe tip' 148 and the edge 146 of the ramp 108. Coins of other denominations do not touch the probe end 148 or edge 146, as will be explained below.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a control circuit is shown which allows a selected number of coins of a selected denomination to be ~jected from the sorter 10 and guided by the chute 183 into an appropria~e receptacle. This is accomplished by a motor control 194 and a delayed stop solenoid 196 for the stop shoe 188, both of which are activated by a signal from a coin detector and counter 1~8. A display 200 provides a visual readout from the . . . ~ ; .
- , :. . : .~ ................ .. ,. : . .
: , . . . -: . , 1 321~8 counter 198. During operation, coins of the selected denomination are detected and counted as they strike the probe 148 until a prescribed count is reached, whereupon an activating signal is sent to the motor control 194 and a time delay circuit 202. The motor control 194 in turn applies a braking current to motor 16/ rapidly braking the motor 16 and thus the turntable 14 and the pad 12 to a stop. As motor 16 cannot be stopped instantaneously, a time delay circuit 202 provides a delay of 0.1 to 0.2 seconds before energizing an electronic switch 204 and the relay 195. This delay allows the last counted coin to clear the sorter 10 before the solenoid 196 is energized to advance the stop shoe 188 and thereby recycle coins.
FI~. 4 shows the sequential positions oP a coin 206 which is smaller than the selected coin engaged by the probe tip 148. As stated earlier, all coins are initially captured by the pad 12 and held with their inboard edges at the radius oP point 100. Then, as the coin 206 rid s under the ramp 102, it is pressed further into the pad 12 and captured even more firmly as it rides under the capture area 164 between the ramp member 108 and the notch 1~8. Without interacting with either the notch 158 or the ramp mamber 108, the coin 206 continues under the ramp 170 and into the exit recess 172 where the pressure on the coin 206 i5 partially released so that the coin may be more easily moved radially outwardly and ejected by the guide edge 174.
FIG. 5 shows the sequential positions of a coin 208 which is larger than the selected coin size. As the coin 208 rides under ramp 102, it is fully captured by pad 12, but because its diameter is larger than the selected coin size, the outboard portion o~ the coin 208 rides under the inclined portion 160 of the ramp member 108. This tips the coin 208 upward along its inboard edge into the groove 165. The coin i5 s~ill captured by the pad 12, which rotates the coin in a radially ~ixed position toward the ~321~
exit recess 172. The groove 166 accommodates the inboard edge of the coin 208 as it is tipped and helps guide the coin into the exit recess 172~ As in the case of the smaller c~ins 206, the coin 20~ rides under the releasing ramp 170 and into the éxit recess 172 where the coin is moved outwardly and ejected by the guide edge.
Referring now to FI~. 3, a coin 104 having the same diameter as the referenced c~in 190 is shown in sequential position~. As described above, the coin 104 is rotated under the ramp 102 and fully captured under the capture area 164 where the outboard edge of the coin 104 strikes and is reindexed by the probe tip 148. This moves the coin 104 slightly inboard so that the inboard edge of the coin 104 is urged in~o the notch 168, which in turn allows the pad 12 to capture the coin 104. The coin 104 is then rotated by the pad 12 past the ejection guide edge 174 along the lowermost surface of the guide plate 22 and toward the second exit recess 180. As long as a full count of coins has not been reached and the stop solenoid 196 is not energized, the coin 104 travels under the releasing ramp 1~2 into the exit recess 180 where the coin is moved outwardly and ejected by the guide edge 184.
When a full count of coins is reached, the stop shoe 18~ is lowered to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 18, so that the coin 104 t is not allowed to enter the exit recess 180. Instead, the coin 104' is rotated over the stop shoe 188, the guide edge 18~, and toward a recycling recess 210. A beveled guide edge 212 in the recycling recess 210 guides coins inwardly toward the single file of coins forming against the edge 30 where they are merged to form a single file of coins moving toward the ramp 76. A strike plate 214 is mounted as shown to assist larger coins in their inward movement to prevent any stray coins from being inadvertently ejected from under the guide plate 22.
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Claims (36)
1. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins, means for rotating said disc, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages the edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a first prescribed path where the positions of the coins are determined by the diameters of the respective coins, means for engaging the edges of coins of at least one selected denomination to displace the engaged coins from said first prescribed path to a second prescribed path where the inner edges of the coins of said at least one selected denomination are radially offset from the inner edges of coins of other denominations, means for counting said coins of said at least one denomination as they move between said disc and said guide plate, and means for discharging coins of each of said at least one selected denomination from said second prescribed path at an associated predetermined exit location at the outer periphery of the guide plate, each said exit location being determined by the radial locations of the inner edges of the coins of said at least one selected denomination.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins, means for rotating said disc, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages the edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a first prescribed path where the positions of the coins are determined by the diameters of the respective coins, means for engaging the edges of coins of at least one selected denomination to displace the engaged coins from said first prescribed path to a second prescribed path where the inner edges of the coins of said at least one selected denomination are radially offset from the inner edges of coins of other denominations, means for counting said coins of said at least one denomination as they move between said disc and said guide plate, and means for discharging coins of each of said at least one selected denomination from said second prescribed path at an associated predetermined exit location at the outer periphery of the guide plate, each said exit location being determined by the radial locations of the inner edges of the coins of said at least one selected denomination.
2. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guide plate includes means for pressing said coins into said resilient surface while said coins are moved along said first and second prescribed paths.
3. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 1 which includes means for pressing said coins into said resilient surface while said coins are displaced from said first prescribed path to said second prescribed path so that recesses in said guide plate, each exit recess having its inner edge at one of said different radial positions of the innermost edges of the coins of different denominations for intercepting coins of a selected denomination, and extending outwardly to the periphery of said guide plate for guiding the intercepted coins out from between said rotatable disc and said guide plate.
4. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guide plate presses coins of said selected denomination into said resilient surface while said coins are being radially re-located.
5. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including means for guiding the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and means for positioning the innermost edges of the coins in said single file at a first preselected radial position, means for re-positioning coins of at least one selected denomination by moving said coins radially inwardly so that the innermost edges of said coins are moved from said first preselected radial position to a second preselected radial position, while pressing said coins into said resilient surface so that said coins are rotated by said disc with said innermost edges at said second preselected radial position; and means for discharging coins of said selected denomination by guiding said coins from said second preselected radial position to a prescribed circumferential exit location on the outer periphery at said guide plate.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins, a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including means for guiding the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and means for positioning the innermost edges of the coins in said single file at a first preselected radial position, means for re-positioning coins of at least one selected denomination by moving said coins radially inwardly so that the innermost edges of said coins are moved from said first preselected radial position to a second preselected radial position, while pressing said coins into said resilient surface so that said coins are rotated by said disc with said innermost edges at said second preselected radial position; and means for discharging coins of said selected denomination by guiding said coins from said second preselected radial position to a prescribed circumferential exit location on the outer periphery at said guide plate.
6. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said discharging means comprises a plurality of exit recesses in said guide plate, each exit recess having its inner edge at one of said different radial positions of the innermost edges of the coins of different denominations for intercepting coins of a selected denomination, and extending outwardly to the periphery of said guide plate for guiding the intercepted coins out from between said rotatable disc and said guide plate.
7. A coin sorting apparatus for out-sorting coins of a desired denomination from a batch of coins containing any mixture of denominations, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving the mixed-denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding the mixed-denomination coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of the coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a known radial position, coin selection means for guiding coins of a selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a known radial position that is offset from the radial position of said first prescribed path, bypass means allowing coins of denominations that are smaller or larger in size than said selected denomination to bypass said coin selection means so that said smaller and larger coins continue along a path that is radially offset from the path of the coins of said selected denomination, and discharge means aligned with the path followed by the coins of said selected denomination for removing those coins from between said rotatable and stationary discs.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving the mixed-denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding the mixed-denomination coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of the coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a known radial position, coin selection means for guiding coins of a selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a known radial position that is offset from the radial position of said first prescribed path, bypass means allowing coins of denominations that are smaller or larger in size than said selected denomination to bypass said coin selection means so that said smaller and larger coins continue along a path that is radially offset from the path of the coins of said selected denomination, and discharge means aligned with the path followed by the coins of said selected denomination for removing those coins from between said rotatable and stationary discs.
8. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said coin selection means is spaced a preselected radial distance away from said first prescribed path, said preselected radial distance determining the selected denomination of coin to be guided onto said second prescribed path.
9. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein the radial position of said second prescribed path is offset inwardly in a radial direction from the radial position of said first prescribed path.
10. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said bypass means includes a recess formed by said contoured surface of said stationary disc for allowing coins of denominations that are smaller in size than said selected denomination to bypass said coin selection means.
11. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said bypass means includes cam means for tilting coins of denominations that are larger in size than said selected denomination to allow said larger coins to bypass said coin selection means.
12. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said coin selection means displaces coins of said selected denomination radially inwardly on said rotatable disc.
13. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 which includes first discharge means at the same radial position as said first prescribed path for removing coins of said larger and smaller sizes from between said rotatable and stationary discs, and second discharge means at the same radial position as said second prescribed path for removing coins of said selected denomination from between said rotatable and stationary discs.
14. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said coin selection means comprises a probe for engaging the outer edge of coins of said selected denomination and moving the engaged coins radially inwardly.
15. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 14 which includes means for adjusting the radial position of said probe for engaging coins of different selected denominations, said adjusting means including gauging means for receiving a single coin of the denomination to be selected and limiting adjusting movement of said probe in accordance with the diameter of said single coin.
16. A coin sorting apparatus for out-sorting coins of a desired denomination from a batch of coins containing any mixture of denominations, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving the mixed-denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding the coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, means for referencing the innermost edges of the coins in said single file at a first preselected radial position, coin selection means for re-referencing coins of a selected denomination by moving said coins radially inwardly from said first preselected radial position to a second preselected radial position while pressing such coins into said resilient surface so that said coins are rotated by said rotatable disc at said second preselected radial position, means for discharging coins of denominations which are smaller in size that said selected denomination, and therefore, are not engaged by said coin selection means, and means for discharging coins of denomination which are larger in size than said preselected denomination, by shunting said larger coins around said coin selection means.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving the mixed-denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins, a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding the coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, means for referencing the innermost edges of the coins in said single file at a first preselected radial position, coin selection means for re-referencing coins of a selected denomination by moving said coins radially inwardly from said first preselected radial position to a second preselected radial position while pressing such coins into said resilient surface so that said coins are rotated by said rotatable disc at said second preselected radial position, means for discharging coins of denominations which are smaller in size that said selected denomination, and therefore, are not engaged by said coin selection means, and means for discharging coins of denomination which are larger in size than said preselected denomination, by shunting said larger coins around said coin selection means.
17. A coin sorting apparatus for sorting mixed coins by denomination, comprising:
a rotatably mounted coin-carry disc having a resilient top surface onto which coins may be fed;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a central opening and a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc, and wherein said lower surface includes an inner recess within which the coins are free to move radially, and said inner recess extends outwardly from said central opening;
a control circuit, responsive to movement of the coins between the guide plate and the disc, which counts coins;
said guide plate forming a referencing region for receiving the coins from said inner recess, said referencing region including a surface for pressing the coins therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc and means including at least one rigid probe-like element, at least a part of which is separate from the guide plate for interacting with the control circuit, for impacting the edges of the coins of at least one denomination and moving said coins radially while the coins are pressed against said resilient surface and as the coins are advanced circumferentially so that the coins of each of said at least one denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations; and sorting means disposed around the outer periphery of said guide plate for sorting coins of different denominations according to said different radial locations, said sorting means ejecting coins of a unique radial location at a common circumferential location on the periphery of said guide plate.
a rotatably mounted coin-carry disc having a resilient top surface onto which coins may be fed;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a central opening and a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc, and wherein said lower surface includes an inner recess within which the coins are free to move radially, and said inner recess extends outwardly from said central opening;
a control circuit, responsive to movement of the coins between the guide plate and the disc, which counts coins;
said guide plate forming a referencing region for receiving the coins from said inner recess, said referencing region including a surface for pressing the coins therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc and means including at least one rigid probe-like element, at least a part of which is separate from the guide plate for interacting with the control circuit, for impacting the edges of the coins of at least one denomination and moving said coins radially while the coins are pressed against said resilient surface and as the coins are advanced circumferentially so that the coins of each of said at least one denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations; and sorting means disposed around the outer periphery of said guide plate for sorting coins of different denominations according to said different radial locations, said sorting means ejecting coins of a unique radial location at a common circumferential location on the periphery of said guide plate.
18. A coin sorting apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said rigid probe-like element responds to said control circuit by retracting.
19. A coin sorting apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said rigid probe-like element includes a sensor for sensing coins that impact the rigid probe-like element and wherein the control circuit responds to the sensor.
20. A coin sorting apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said rigid probe-like element responds to said control circuit by retracting, and wherein said rigid probe-like element includes a sensor for sensing coins that impact the rigid probe-like element and wherein the control circuit responds to the sensor..
21. A coin sorting apparatus for sorting mixed coins by denomination, comprising:
a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc, wherein the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, along a curvilinear path; and at least one rigid probe-like element, having a surface which is substantially parallel to the edges of the coins and having a rounded convex area for engaging the coins, for forcing the edges of the coins of at least one selected denomination from the curvilinear path into a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations;
wherefrom said coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are moved to an area at the outer periphery of said guide plate where they are discharged according to the associated unique radial location.
a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc, wherein the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, along a curvilinear path; and at least one rigid probe-like element, having a surface which is substantially parallel to the edges of the coins and having a rounded convex area for engaging the coins, for forcing the edges of the coins of at least one selected denomination from the curvilinear path into a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations;
wherefrom said coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are moved to an area at the outer periphery of said guide plate where they are discharged according to the associated unique radial location.
22. A coin sorting apparatus for sorting mixed coins by denomination, comprising:
a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc;
wherein the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, to a first compression region, being defined by an area having a first distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc, which lines up the coins of all denominations in single file;
a rigid element for forcing at least an edge of the coins of at least one selected denomination from the first compression region into a second compression region wherein the coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations, the second compression region being defined by a second distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc which is less than said first distance;
wherein the second compression region provides sufficient friction for the coin-carrying disc to grip the coin edge that is forced into the second compression region so that the coins are moved to an area at the outer periphery of said guide plate where they are discharged according to the associated unique radial location.
a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
means for rotating said disc;
a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc;
wherein the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, to a first compression region, being defined by an area having a first distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc, which lines up the coins of all denominations in single file;
a rigid element for forcing at least an edge of the coins of at least one selected denomination from the first compression region into a second compression region wherein the coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations, the second compression region being defined by a second distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc which is less than said first distance;
wherein the second compression region provides sufficient friction for the coin-carrying disc to grip the coin edge that is forced into the second compression region so that the coins are moved to an area at the outer periphery of said guide plate where they are discharged according to the associated unique radial location.
23. A coin sorting process for sorting mixed coins by denomination, comprising the steps of:
providing a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
providing a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be moved and pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc;
providing a rigid element between the guide plate and the disc at a selected location so that coins of at least one selected denomination moving therebetween strike the rigid element;
rotating the disc;
introducing coins between the guide plate and the disc so that the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, to a first compression region where the coins of all denominations are lined up in single file, the first compression region being defined by a first distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc;
forcing at least an edge of the coins of said at least one selected denomination from the first compression region into a second compression region wherein the coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations, the second compression region being defined by a second distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc which is less than said first distance; and using the compression provided by the second compression region, gripping the edges of the coins in the second compression region with the rotating disc to move the coins to an area at the outer periphery of the guide plate so that they discharge according to the associated unique radial location.
providing a rotatably mounted coin-carrying disc having a resilient top surface;
providing a guide plate having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent said disc and having means for introducing coins therebetween so that the coins may be moved and pressed therein against the resilient top surface of said coin-carrying disc;
providing a rigid element between the guide plate and the disc at a selected location so that coins of at least one selected denomination moving therebetween strike the rigid element;
rotating the disc;
introducing coins between the guide plate and the disc so that the coins are moved, by the rotational movement of said disc pressing the coins against the guide plate, to a first compression region where the coins of all denominations are lined up in single file, the first compression region being defined by a first distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc;
forcing at least an edge of the coins of said at least one selected denomination from the first compression region into a second compression region wherein the coins of each of said at least one selected denomination are positioned at a radial location that is unique with respect to coins of other denominations, the second compression region being defined by a second distance between said guide plate and said coin-carrying disc which is less than said first distance; and using the compression provided by the second compression region, gripping the edges of the coins in the second compression region with the rotating disc to move the coins to an area at the outer periphery of the guide plate so that they discharge according to the associated unique radial location.
24. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving, counting and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a prescribed path;
counting means, including a sensor, for counting said coins of a selected denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
means for discharging coins of different denominations at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate; and means, responsive to said counting means and being circumferentially spaced from said counting means in the direction of the coin movement, for interrupting the discharge of said coins after said coins are counted.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary guide plate including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a prescribed path;
counting means, including a sensor, for counting said coins of a selected denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
means for discharging coins of different denominations at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate; and means, responsive to said counting means and being circumferentially spaced from said counting means in the direction of the coin movement, for interrupting the discharge of said coins after said coins are counted.
25. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 24, wherein said means for interrupting includes a rigid element in at least one of the different discharge locations.
26. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 25, wherein said rigid element is retractable.
27. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 24, wherein said means for interrupting includes a retractable stop shoe which is lowered to prevent the discharging of the coins.
28. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving, counting and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins;
means for rotating said disc;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages selected edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a prescribed path;
counting means for counting said coins of at least one prescribed denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
sorting means including discrimination means for discriminating among coins of different denominations so that coins of said different denominations are set apart from said prescribed path, and selection means for selecting coins of different denominations for discharge from said rotating disc at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate;
first and second coin paths spaced from said discrimination means in the direction of coin movement, at least one of said first and second paths defining a path of discharge for said selected coins of different denominations;
and controllably actuatable routing means, associated with at least one of said different locations and responsive to said counting means, for re-routing the coins from said one to the other of said first and second paths.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins;
means for rotating said disc;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages selected edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a prescribed path;
counting means for counting said coins of at least one prescribed denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
sorting means including discrimination means for discriminating among coins of different denominations so that coins of said different denominations are set apart from said prescribed path, and selection means for selecting coins of different denominations for discharge from said rotating disc at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate;
first and second coin paths spaced from said discrimination means in the direction of coin movement, at least one of said first and second paths defining a path of discharge for said selected coins of different denominations;
and controllably actuatable routing means, associated with at least one of said different locations and responsive to said counting means, for re-routing the coins from said one to the other of said first and second paths.
29. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 28, wherein said other of said first and second paths includes a recycling path.
30. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving, counting and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins;
means for rotating said disc;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages selected edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a prescribed path;
counting means for counting said coins of at least one prescribed denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
sorting means including discrimination means for discriminating among coins of different denominations so that coins of said different denominations are set apart from said prescribed path, and selection means for selecting coins of different denominations for discharge from said rotating disc at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate;
first and second coins paths, circumferentially spaced from said counting means in the direction of coin movement, along which selected ones of the coins move; and controllably actuatable routing means, associated with at least one of said different locations and responsive to said counting means, for re-routing the coins from one of the coin paths to the other of said first and second paths.
a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving said mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to said mixed denomination coins;
means for rotating said disc;
a stationary guide plate having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said guide plate including means for queuing the coins on said disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages selected edges of the coins in said single file and guides said coins along a prescribed path;
counting means for counting said coins of at least one prescribed denomination as they are moved along said prescribed path;
sorting means including discrimination means for discriminating among coins of different denominations so that coins of said different denominations are set apart from said prescribed path, and selection means for selecting coins of different denominations for discharge from said rotating disc at different locations around the periphery of said stationary guide plate;
first and second coins paths, circumferentially spaced from said counting means in the direction of coin movement, along which selected ones of the coins move; and controllably actuatable routing means, associated with at least one of said different locations and responsive to said counting means, for re-routing the coins from one of the coin paths to the other of said first and second paths.
31. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 30, wherein one of said first and second coins paths includes a coin guiding edge for guiding the selected ones of the coins.
32. A coin sorting apparatus, according to claim 30, wherein said controllably actuatable routing means includes means for re-routing the coins over the coin guiding edge.
33. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc have a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a known radial position;
means for simultaneously guiding coins of at least one selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a known radial position that is offset from the radial position of said first prescribed path, and counting said coins of said selected denomination in response to guiding said coins of said selected denomination from said first prescribed path onto said second prescribed path; and means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said stationary disc, said circumferential locations being determined by said prescribed paths.
a rotatable disc have a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a known radial position;
means for simultaneously guiding coins of at least one selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a known radial position that is offset from the radial position of said first prescribed path, and counting said coins of said selected denomination in response to guiding said coins of said selected denomination from said first prescribed path onto said second prescribed path; and means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said stationary disc, said circumferential locations being determined by said prescribed paths.
34. A coin sorting apparatus for receiving and sorting mixed coins by denomination, said apparatus comprising:
a rotatable disc have a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a first compression region between the resilient surface and the stationery disc for compressing the coins along said first path;
means for simultaneously directing coins of at least one selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a second compression region which compresses the coins more than the first compression region so as to pinch the directed coins from said first prescribed path and thereby offset said pinched coins from coins of other denominations, and counting said coins of said selected denomination in response to directing said coins of said selected denomination from said first prescribed path onto said second prescribed path;
means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said stationary disc, said circumferential locations being determined by said prescribed paths; and means, responsive to a preselected number of coins being counted, for interrupting discharge of, and recycling, coins of at least said selected denomination.
a rotatable disc have a resilient surface for receiving said coins and imparting rotational movement to said coins;
a stationary disc having a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to said resilient surface of said rotatable disc, said stationary disc including a recess for guiding said coins on said rotatable disc into a single file of coins, and referencing means for guiding one edge of said coins in said single file along a first prescribed path having a first compression region between the resilient surface and the stationery disc for compressing the coins along said first path;
means for simultaneously directing coins of at least one selected denomination onto a second prescribed path having a second compression region which compresses the coins more than the first compression region so as to pinch the directed coins from said first prescribed path and thereby offset said pinched coins from coins of other denominations, and counting said coins of said selected denomination in response to directing said coins of said selected denomination from said first prescribed path onto said second prescribed path;
means for discharging coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of said stationary disc, said circumferential locations being determined by said prescribed paths; and means, responsive to a preselected number of coins being counted, for interrupting discharge of, and recycling, coins of at least said selected denomination.
35. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 17 wherein said means for simultaneously directing and counting said coins of said selected denomination comprises:
a probe for engaging an edge of said coins of said selected denomination, and moving said coins from said first prescribed path to said second prescribed path.
a probe for engaging an edge of said coins of said selected denomination, and moving said coins from said first prescribed path to said second prescribed path.
36. The coin sorting apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means for simultaneously directing and counting said coins of said selected denomination further comprises:
a counting circuit operably connected to said probe and adapted to count each of said coins engaged by said probe in response to said engagement.
a counting circuit operably connected to said probe and adapted to count each of said coins engaged by said probe in response to said engagement.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/079,683 US4966570A (en) | 1987-07-30 | 1987-07-30 | Coin sorting apparatus for sorting coins of selected denominations |
| US079,683 | 1987-07-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1321368C true CA1321368C (en) | 1993-08-17 |
Family
ID=22152135
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000559944A Expired - Fee Related CA1321368C (en) | 1987-07-30 | 1988-02-26 | Coin sorting apparatus and rotating disc |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US4966570A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0301683A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2731536B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8803238A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1321368C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX164963B (en) |
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| US4570655A (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1986-02-18 | Raterman Donald E | Apparatus and method for terminating coin sorting |
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| US4775354A (en) * | 1987-06-29 | 1988-10-04 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin sorting apparatus with rotating disc stationary guide plate for sorting coins by their different diameters |
| US4966570A (en) * | 1987-07-30 | 1990-10-30 | Ristvedt Victor G | Coin sorting apparatus for sorting coins of selected denominations |
| US4921463A (en) * | 1987-10-27 | 1990-05-01 | Cummins-Allison Corporation | Coin sorter with counter and brake mechanism |
| US5009627A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1991-04-23 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin sorting mechanism |
| US5026320A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1991-06-25 | Cummins-Allison Corporation | Disc-type coin sorter with retractable guide surfaces |
| US5011455A (en) * | 1990-02-12 | 1991-04-30 | Cummins-Allison Corporation | Coin sorter with automatic bag-switching |
-
1987
- 1987-07-30 US US07/079,683 patent/US4966570A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1988
- 1988-02-26 CA CA000559944A patent/CA1321368C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-05-02 MX MX11335A patent/MX164963B/en unknown
- 1988-05-06 EP EP88304119A patent/EP0301683A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-06-29 JP JP63162388A patent/JP2731536B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-06-30 BR BR8803238A patent/BR8803238A/en unknown
-
1992
- 1992-11-10 US US07/976,144 patent/US5297986A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-02-09 US US08/193,733 patent/US5538468A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0301683A2 (en) | 1989-02-01 |
| EP0301683A3 (en) | 1990-03-14 |
| US5538468A (en) | 1996-07-23 |
| JP2731536B2 (en) | 1998-03-25 |
| US4966570A (en) | 1990-10-30 |
| MX164963B (en) | 1992-10-09 |
| BR8803238A (en) | 1989-02-08 |
| US5297986A (en) | 1994-03-29 |
| JPS6434477A (en) | 1989-02-03 |
| AU1504688A (en) | 1989-02-02 |
| AU610872B2 (en) | 1991-05-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |