Disc-type coin processing device having improved coin discrimination system

(54) DISC-TYPE COIN PROCESSING DEVICE HAVING IMPROVED COIN DISCRIMINATION SYSTEM

(76) Inventors: Joseph J. Geib, Hot Springs Village,
AK (US); John R. Blake, St. Charles,
IL (US); David J. Wendell, Willow
Springs, IL (US); Scott D. Casanova,
Roselle, IL (US); David J.
Mecklenburg, Glendale Heights, IL
(US); Eric J. Strauts, Park Ridge, IL
(US)

Correspondence Address:
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, PC.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600

CHICAGO, IL 60606 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 10/095,164

(22) Filed: Mar. 11, 2002

Publication Classification (51) Int. CI.7 G07D 7 00

(52) U.S. C I 194/302

(57) ABSTRACT

A coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins of mixed denominations comprises a rotatable disc for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, a sensor for differentiating between valid and invalid coins, a stationary sorting head, a diverter and a controller. The stationary sorting head has a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the rotatable disc. The lower surface forms a queuing channel and a plurality of exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of particular denominations. The queuing channel has a first segment for receiving coins and a second segment for moving the coins past the sensor and is configured to move coins at a faster rate along the second segment for increasing the spacing between adjacent coins. The diverter is disposed along the second segment beyond the sensor and is moveable between a first position for permitting coins to proceed to the plurality of exit channels and a second position for diverting coins to a reject region. The controller moves the diverter from the first position to the second position when the sensor detects an invalid coin.