704results about "Coin dispensers" patented technology

An automated banking apparatus is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes an item accepting depository for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The apparatus further includes an input device that is operative to interrogate an RFID tag to obtain merchant deposit information therefrom. The information can include data representative of the deposit, such as an account number and the deposit amount. The RFID tag may be located on an item being deposited.

An automated merchant banking apparatus (10) is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes a user interface (18) which includes a plurality of input and output devices. The apparatus further includes a rolled coin dispenser (40) for dispensing various denominations of rolled coin. The rolled coin dispenser includes a coin roll presenter and retraction unit (42) which is operative to retract coin rolls which have been dispensed into holding areas (177) into a storage area (176) in the machine.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

An automated merchant banking apparatus (10) which is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes a user interface (18) which includes a plurality of input and output devices. The apparatus further includes an item accepting depository (54) for accepting deposit items containing currency, instruments or other items of value. The apparatus includes cameras (58,326) for capturing images of a user and deposit items input by the user. The user and item inputs are stored in associated relation in a storage device. The images of the user and the deposit item are also output to the user simultaneously through a display (424) to assure the user that a record of the deposit transaction has been made.

A self-service apparatus for exchanging value for coins including a coin input region configured to receive a batch of coins from a user, a coin processing device configured to determine a total value for the batch of coins, a value card storage device operatively coupled to a value card dispensing device configured to dispense, to a card receptacle or card slot, a value card from the value card storage device, the dispensed value card being associated with a value relating to the total value and a currency storage device operatively coupled to a currency dispensing device. The user is permitted an option to receive a value relating to the total value in the form of currency, a value card, or a combination of currency and a value card and the self-service apparatus is configured to charge a first transaction fee for dispensing value cards and is configured to charge a second transaction fee for dispensing currency.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value.

A method of exchanging coins that maximizes benefits to a host / operator of an implementing machine (10) and minimizes or eliminates any transaction charges to users of the machine (10) by providing users an establishment-specific or otherwise dedicated cash-substitute or other non-cash option in return for the coins. Possible exchange options include dispensing a disposable first type of cash-substitute device (40a,40b); storing a credit on a re-usable second type of cash-substitute device (44); making a charitable donation; and crediting an account. Because the establishment own or rents and operates the machine (10), exchanged coins can be used to replenish cash drawers; and because the exchange options are primarily establishment-specific, sales increase.

A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value.

A money processing system according to the present invention includes a coin change dispenser, a note change dispenser, and a control terminal, each having a control unit. The control units are generally adapted to carrying out a “change dispensing mode” control for receiving money given by a customer and dispensing change as occasion demands, and is adapted to carrying out a “money exchange mode” control, when a money exchange instruction is given from instruction means. In the money exchange mode, (a) when a single piece of money is received, a normal money exchange process for dispensing a combination of exchanged money each having a denomination smaller than that of the received money is executed such that a sum total of the combination of the exchanged money is equivalent to the received money, and (b) when a plurality of pieces of money are received, a reverse money exchange process for dispensing a combination of (the minimum number of pieces of) exchanged money each having a denomination larger than that of the received money is executed such that a sum total of the combination of the exchanged money is equivalent to the received money.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the denomination of a coin with a disk-type coin processing system comprises moving a coin along a coin path with a rotatable disk, generating an encoder pulse for each incremental movement of the rotatable disk, directing a light beam transverse the coin path, detecting the light beam with a light detector, developing a signal at the light detector indicating the presence of a coin in the coin path, counting a number of encoder pulses occurring while developing the signal at the light detector, and comparing the counted number of encoder pulses to a plurality of stored numbers of encoder pulses corresponding to the particular coin denominations.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the denomination of a coin with a disk-type coin processing system comprises moving a coin along a coin path with a rotatable disk, generating an encoder pulse for each incremental movement of the rotatable disk, directing a light beam transverse the coin path, detecting the light beam with a light detector, developing a signal at the light detector indicating the presence of a coin in the coin path, counting a number of encoder pulses occurring while developing the signal at the light detector, and comparing the counted number of encoder pulses to a plurality of stored numbers of encoder pulses corresponding to the particular coin denominations.

An automated banking apparatus is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes an item accepting depository for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The apparatus further includes an input device that is operative to interrogate an RFID tag to obtain merchant deposit information therefrom. The information can include data representative of the deposit, such as an account number and the deposit amount. The RFID tag may be located on an item being deposited.

A system (10) and method for facilitating or allowing for controlling the dispensation of one or more denominations of coins via an automated coin dispensing machine (24) component of a check-out lane (12) in a retail or wholesale store setting, and for attributing the dispensed coins for accounting or reconciliation purposes. Such attribution broadly involves designating coins within the dispensing machine (24) as part of the store's safe or operating fund prior to dispensation, and as part of a cashier's till responsibility following dispensation. The coin dispensing machine (24) makes use of bulk coin hoppers (30) rather than prior art coin canisters.

An apparatus for use in dispensing coin rolls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receptacle, to hold the coin rolls in a vertically stacked array, a dispensed, to dispense the coin rolls from a bottom of the receptacle, and a controller, to control the dispensing means responsive to instructions from a user. The apparatus may be used to construct a change making machine, and a plurality of change making machines may be used to form a broad cash and coin dispensing system that is centrally controlled.

PCT No. PCT / SE96 / 01030 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 8, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 8, 1998 PCT Filed Aug. 21, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97 / 07485 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 27, 1997A coin counting and sorting machine has a coin lifting device with an open bowl for receiving and forwarding an unsorted mass of coins, a sorting device for sorting coins being supplied thereto, and a coin transferring device for transferring the coins from the coin lifting device to the coin sorting device while establishing an order among the coins suitable for sorting and counting. The coin transferring device is provided with a first and a second element between which a transportation channel for the coins is disposed, wherein the first element is movable with respect to the second element so as to effect the transferring of the coins, and with a resilient device arranged with the transportation channel for pressing the coins against the first, movable element with a locally increased coin transferring speed as a result.

A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value.

A compact coin delivery device includes a rotary disk with indented concave portions for receiving a coin from a hopper or a coin storage bowl. A movable member in the concave portion can have controlled movement for ejecting the coin at a desired location. An endless conveyer member with pins can receive the coin and transport it in an L-shaped path. The coins can be released to individual chutes for separating coins of different dimensions and denominations, both on a path away from the coin delivery device and on a return path to the coin delivery device. Solenoid activated members can assist in displacing certain coins from the conveyor path, including into a separate retention or storage box.

Methods and apparatus for managing cash items are disclosed. For example, a predetermined or calculated amount / composition of rolled coins may be dispensed based on a count of loose coins, or a mixture of rolled and / or loose coins may be dispensed based on a command from a cash management software program or module. Coins from an end of day deposit may be utilized to calculate a dispense requirement for start-of-day till preparation. A self-service device such as a kiosk, self-checkout lane, or payment island may be configured to also perform cash management tasks and / or to transmit an output to a back office and / or bank to receive provisional credit. Change orders, bank deposits, and / or other cash service tasks may be automated in various aspects including, for instance, scheduling, preparation of cash items (e.g., with predetermined or optimized amount / composition), central management of business rules, and reconciliation of fulfillment with invoices or SLAs.

Disclosed are a rotor for generating vortex water flow that creates shear intensity for removing solid material adhered to the separation membranes during the processing of water containing pollutant material, and a filtering apparatus employing the same. The rotor consists of a first rotor having first blades and a second rotor having second blades. The first and the second blades are extended in a radial direction from a rotational axis thereof, and are disposed at positions different from each other in the rotational axis direction. The first blades and the second blades have widths different from each other in a circumferential direction around the rotational axis, or disposed at positions different from each other in a circumferential direction. Protrusions can be attached on outer surfaces of the first blades and / or second blades. The pollutant material adhered to the separation membrane can be removed effectively since various types of vortex water flow are generated over wide range, and the energy loss of the filtering apparatus is reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coin processing system includes a coin input area that receives coins from a user, a coin processing module that counts the received coins, and a foreign object detection system that detects a foreign object within the coin processing module subsequent to counting substantially all the received coins.

A coin dispensing apparatus (100) has a cabinet (102) serving as an apparatus housing for said apparatus (100). The apparatus further has a controller and at least one dispenser for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from said at least one dispenser (142) to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space (148) is arranged within said cabinet (100), and closeable dispense space (148) has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of said specific composition of coins from said at least one dispenser (142) into the portable coin receptacle while shielding said closeable dispense space (148) from external access during the dispensing.

An improved apparatus and method for the delivery, holding, storage, and dispensing of coins, and the like, from coin-operated gaming machines, such as "slot" machines, or the like, into which coins are deposited and, when an award is indicated, coins are dispensed as part of, or all, of the award or prize, is disclosed. After depositing coins in the coin slot of the gaming machine, the coins are typically passed through a coin-counting and delivery mechanism then deposited into one or more coin hoppers located in the front or the rear, or the top or bottom, or to the left or right of the coin counting and moving mechanism in the slot machine. Once deposited into the coin hoppers, the coins can then be dispensed as awards to the gaming machine customer, or, alternatively, further deposited into a coin drop consisting of one or more containers, such as coin bags, mounted beneath the coin hoppers on a motorized carousel thereby improving security and minimizing customer play interruption on payout and coin service intervals.

A coin packaging device has a table, to which a mass of coins of identical denomination may be supplied, and a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being arranged to receive coins one by one through an open end, thereby stacking a predetermined number of coins thus received into a pile of coins. Furthermore, the device has means for distributing the coins across the table. The table is provided with a plurality of openings large enough for allowing the coins to pass therethrough. The open end of each respective cylinder is arranged to receive coins from a respective one of the openings in the table.

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

A cash recycling system is presented which has a cash receiving unit, the cash receiving unit has a cash input module, a cash processor, a cash output module, and a cash dispensing unit. The cash dispensing unit has a cash input module, a cash processor, and a cash output module. The cash input module of the cash receiving unit and the cash output module of the cash dispensing unit are accessible to a first type of user. The cash dispensing unit and the cash receiving unit are physically separate from and operative independently of each other. The cash output module of the cash receiving unit is adapted to supply cash, as processed by the cash processor, in a form which is sorted in denomination and therefore directly suitable for loading into the cash input module of the cash dispensing unit.

In a money handling machine (10), at least a recycling money storing and feeding unit (27, 34) is managed under first management authority and a money storing unit (40) is managed under second management authority different from the first management authority. When a command for performing a collecting process for allowing the money to be collected from the money storing unit (40) is inputted to a control unit (15), the control unit (15) controls money recycling units (20, 30) and the money storing unit (40), so as to perform a delivery process for delivering the money stored in the recycling money storing and feeding unit (27, 34) to the money storing unit (40), and then perform the collecting process.