Token cleaning apparatus and method

Abstract

A token cleaning apparatus 1000 comprising: a washing module 100; a drying module 200; a liquid circulation assembly (500, fig. 1b); an electronics module; and a supporting structure. The washing modu

Description

Field of the invention The present invention relates to an improved token cleaning apparatus and method. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved token cleaning apparatus and method with integrated liquid extraction from a drying module. Background Tokens, such as those used in casinos, amusement parks, and other entertainment venues, are handled by numerous individuals and are often exposed to various contaminants, including dirt, oils, and other residues. Over time, these contaminants can accumulate on the tokens, leading to hygiene concerns and potentially affecting the functionality of token-operated machines. Traditional methods of cleaning tokens involve manual washing, which is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and inconsistent in terms of cleanliness. Automated cleaning systems have been developed to address these issues, but they often come with their own set of problems. Many existing token cleaning apparatuses are expensive, have complex and fragile moving parts, and may even damage the tokens during the cleaning process. Additionally, some of these systems do not handle the required token capacity for a working casino, making them impractical for high-volume environments. There is a need for a cost-effective, robust, and efficient token cleaning apparatus that can handle the high capacity required in a working casino without damaging the tokens. Such an apparatus should be simple to operate, maintain, and transport, ensuring that tokens are thoroughly cleaned and dried with minimal manual intervention. The present invention addresses these needs by providing a token cleaning apparatus that is designed to be durable, easy to use, and capable of handling large volumes of tokens efficiently. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a token cleaning apparatus comprising: a washing module; a drying module; a liquid circulation assembly; an electronics module; a supporting structure, supporting the washing module, the drying module, liquid circulation assembly, and electronics module; and a passageway between the washing module and the drying module for delivering washed tokens to the drying module; wherein the washing module comprises: at least two longitudinally extending conveyors, the at least two longitudinally extending conveyors offset from each other in the lateral direction; at least one liquid conduit arranged laterally adjacent to each of the at least two conveyors for transferring cleaning liquid onto the tokens; at least one first token brush for agitating a first surface of the tokens as they move along a first of the at least two conveyors; at least one second token brush for agitating a second surface of the tokens as they move along a second of the at least two conveyors; wherein the drying module comprises: at least one drying roller assembly comprising: a pair of absorbent rollers, the pair of absorbent rollers abutting in the axial direction; a first driving roller configured to drive a first roller of the absorbent roller pair in a first rotational direction; a second driving roller configured to drive a second roller of the absorbent roller pair in a counter-rotational direction to the first absorbent roller; a supporting frame, supporting the at least one drying roller assembly; wherein each of the pair of absorbent rollers comprises: a rigid core; and a compressible sleeve. The at least one drying roller assembly may comprise two drying roller assemblies, the two drying roller assemblies separated laterally and longitudinally, wherein an inclined surface connects an exit of a first of the two drying roller assemblies with an inlet of the second of the two drying roller assemblies. The first driving roller may be axially disposed against its corresponding absorbent roller to compress an abutting portion of the compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller; and the second driving roller may be axially disposed against its corresponding absorbent roller to compress an abutting portion of the compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller. The liquid circulation assembly may comprise: a liquid storage tank comprising: a heater configured to keep the liquid at a temperature of around 35°C to 55°C, when the apparatus is in use. The compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller may be composed of 60% to 80% viscose or wool; and 40% to 20% polyester. The absorbent rollers may further comprise traction elements which increase a frictional force between the absorbent rollers and the driving rollers to facilitate driving of the absorbent rollers by the driving rollers. The supporting frame and the driving rollers may be composed of plastic. The at least two longitudinally extending conveyors may be manufactured according to the following steps: providing a sheet of metal; cutting the sheet of metal to a predetermined size; punching holes in the sheet at predetermined locations; bending the sheet into a predetermined form; reinforcing the form with strengthening bars inserted on an inside of said form; providing two or more holds for connecting the form to a corresponding apparatus; inserting a motor axle; adding a plastic conveyor belt and plastic conveyor drive sprockets. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for cleaning tokens comprising: transporting the tokens along a first conveyor; during transportation along the first conveyor, spraying a first surface of the tokens with a cleaning liquid; further during transportation along the first conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, agitating the first surface of the tokens with a brush; allowing the tokens to flip as they drop under gravity to a second conveyor; transporting the flipped tokens along the second conveyor; during transportation along the second conveyor, spraying a second surface of the tokens with a cleaning liquid; further during transportation along the second conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, agitating the second surface with a second brush; transporting the washed tokens into a drying assembly; feeding the tokens between a pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers, said rollers having a rigid core and a compressible sleeve; transporting the clean, dried tokens into a receptacle. Feeding the tokens between a pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers may comprise preventing the absorbent rollers from rotating when a plurality stacked tokens abut the absorbent rollers. The method may further comprise continually compressing an aligned portion of the absorbent rollers using a corresponding driving roller as the absorbent rollers rotate. The method of the second aspect may use the apparatus of the first aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram of a side view of a token cleaning apparatus according to an example of the invention; Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a token cleaning apparatus according to an example of the invention; Fig. 1C is a schematic diagram of a side view of a token cleaning apparatus according to an example of the invention; Fig. 1D is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of a token cleaning apparatus according to an example of the invention; Fig. 1E is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a token cleaning apparatus according to an example of the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a part of a conveyor used in the invention; Fig. 3A is a side view of a drying module according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a drying module according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3C is a top-down view of a drying module according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3D is a bottom-up view of a drying module according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3E is an enlarged view of a section of a drying module according to an example of the invention; Fig. 3F is an enlarged cross-sectional sketch of the arrangement between absorbent roller and its associated driving roller; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a conveyor for use in the token cleaning apparatus of the invention; and Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for cleaning tokens according to the invention. Detailed Description Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and / or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Figures 1A to 1D show a cleaning token device 1000 from several orientations. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a side view of the token cleaning apparatus 1000 according to an example of the invention. Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the token cleaning apparatus 1000. Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the token cleaning apparatus 1000. Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of a top-down view of a token cleaning apparatus 1000. The token cleaning apparatus 1000 has a washing module 100, a drying module 200, a liquid circulation assembly 500, and an electronics module (not shown). A passageway 400 connects the washing module 100 and the drying module 200 so that washed tokens are delivered to the drying module 200. In the in-use configuration, the washing module 100 is positioned vertically above the drying module 200 so that, after washing, the tokens can fall under gravity to the drying module 200. Preferably, the cleaning token apparatus 1000 has an external housing (not shown) to protect the internal components and to improve the apparatus’s aesthetic. The token cleaning apparatus 1000 may be operated by four sets of motors, a water tank heater, and liquid circulation assembly pumps. The token cleaning apparatus 1000 having the washing module and the drying module vertically stacked minimizes required floor space taken up by the apparatus. The token cleaning apparatus may be suitable for use at standing height of an average person. The washing module 100 has a first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a and a second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b. In the in-use configuration, the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a is positioned vertically above the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b. In Figure 1A, the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a partially overlaps the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b in the longitudinal direction. When a token reaches the end of the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a it turns over on itself, as the conveyor turns back on itself, and drops onto the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b. Adjacent, and above in the in-use orientation, to the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a is a first array of liquid conduits 104a arranged to transfer cleaning liquid onto a first surface of the tokens as they move along the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a. The cleaning liquid may be a mild soap solution, such as dish soap mixed with water. The cleaning liquid should be gentle enough to avoid damaging the tokens while still removing dirt and grime. Further adjacent, and above in the in-use orientation, to the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a is a first token brush 106a for agitating the first surface of the tokens as they move along the first longitudinally extending conveyor 102a. Adjacent, and above in the in-use orientation, to the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b is a second array of liquid conduits 104b arranged to transfer cleaning liquid onto a second surface of the tokens as they move along the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b. Further adjacent, and above in the in-use orientation, to the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b is a second token brush 106b for agitating the second surface of the tokens as they move along the second longitudinally extending conveyor 102b. The first and second brushes 106a, 106b are positioned behind at least some of the liquid conduits 104a, 104b of the array of liquid conduits, in the direction of travel of the tokens, so that tokens are wetted prior to agitation of their surfaces. Preferably the token brushes extend perpendicularly across the entire conveyor so that tokens which may be lying across the entire conveyor will be brushed. The at least one brush may comprise several perpendicularly extending brushes in an array. The passageway 400 which connects the washing module 100 and the drying module 200 is positioned at a translational end of the second conveyor 102b. Tokens fall under gravity into, down and out of the passageway 400, and into the drying module 200. The drying module 200 has a first drying roller assembly 202a and a second drying roller assembly 202b arranged in a supporting frame 220. In the in-use orientation, the second drying roller assembly 202a is laterally lower than the first drying roller assembly so that tokens exiting the first drying roller assembly 202a slide along an inclined plate 205a and into the second drying roller assembly 202b. In this way, at least some of the residual liquid on the tokens that exit the first drying roller 202a assembly is removed by the second drying roller assembly 202b. Details of the drying module 200 are described further below with reference to Figures 3A to 3E. A second inclined plate 205b is arranged to transport tokens exiting the second drying roller assembly 202b into a collection receptacle 306. As best shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the token cleaning apparatus 1000 further has a support structure 300 for supporting the elements of the token cleaning apparatus. The support structure 300 has a first shelf 303 for facilitating support of the washing module 100 and a second shelf 305 for facilitating support of the drying module 200. The support structure 300 may further have wheels 302 at its base and a handle 304 to facilitate transporting the apparatus 1000 around a casino to where it may be required. A chute 310 for receiving tokens into the apparatus is arranged above the washing module 100 to direct tokens to a first end of the first conveyor 102a of the washing module 100. The collection receptacle 306 may further comprise an additional mechanical drying element. In an example, the additional mechanical drying element is an air blower 308. Air expelled from the air blower 308 may be heated. As best shown in Figure 1D, the token cleaning apparatus 1000 has a wet side WS and a dry side DS. The dry side includes a liquid storage tank 502, wherein the liquid is the cleaning liquid applied to the tokens by the washing module 100. The liquid storage tank may have a heater configured to keep the liquid at a temperature of around 35° to 55°, when the apparatus is in use. A temperature sensor 504 may be included to control the heater. A liquid sensor may also be included to detect when an amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank 502 drops below a predetermined level. Upon detection that the amount of liquid has dropped below a predetermined level, the sensor may send a signal to turn off the water heater and / or the apparatus 1000. The cleaning apparatus 1000 may have a power switch and a run switch for control by a user. A first liquid conduit connects the liquid storage tank 502 to the washing module 100 to supply the cleaning liquid to the first and second array of liquid conduits 104a, 104b. A second liquid conduit connects a collector tray, which captures removed liquid from the drying module, to the liquid storage tank 502, so that the liquid in the apparatus can be recirculated. A filter may be disposed between the collector tray and the liquid storage tank 502 to remove particulates from the returned liquid. Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view through the dry side DS of the token cleaning apparatus 1000. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of a conveyor used in the invention. The part shown in Figure 2 is an internal structure of the conveyor. It is made of aluminium of steel and is lightweight. The internal structure is fitted with a plastic belt to produce a conveyor for use in the washing module 100. The internal structure of the conveyor in Figure 2 is made by the method steps 602 to 610 of method 600. The apparatus may only be in use a few hours each week rather than continuously, the components of the apparatus, therefore, do not need to be as heavy-duty as in some other industries, for example in the food industry, where the machines are run almost continuously, carry heavy loads and have a long-desired lifetime. The apparatus handles light tokens and, thus, require relatively little force to run, for example in the region of 1 Newton to run the conveyors. Consequently, the reduced operational demands allow for the use of lighter, less expensive materials in its construction, for example plastic parts, making the apparatus more cost-effective to produce. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, the drying module 200 has a first drying roller assembly 202a and a second drying roller assembly 202b supported in a supporting frame 220. The first drying roller assembly 202a has a pair of absorbent rollers 204a, a first driving roller 208a, and a second driving roller 210a. The position of the elements of the first drying roller assembly 202a from top to bottom, in the in-use orientation, is the first driving roller 208a, axially abutting a first 204a of the absorbent rollers, a second 206a of the absorbent rollers axially abutting the first 204a of the absorbent rollers, and the second driving roller 210a axially abutting the second of the absorbent rollers. In this way, the first driving roller 208a is configured to drive the first of the absorbent roller pair in a first rotational direction, and the second driving roller 210a is configured to drive a second 206a of the absorbent roller pair in a counter-rotational direction to the first absorbent roller. With particular reference to Figure 3E, directional arrow 213 shows a rotational direction of the first driving roller 208a in the clockwise direction, resulting in an anticlockwise rotation of the first 204a of the absorbent rollers, as shown by directional arrow 215. Directional arrow 217 shows a rotational direction of the second driving roller 210a in the anticlockwise direction, resulting in a clockwise rotation of the second 206a of the absorbent rollers, as shown by directional arrow 219. The resulting counter-rotation of the absorbent roller pair results in a translational force pulling tokens into, through, and out of the absorbent roller pair, from left to right in the orientation of Figure 3E. As further shown in Figure 3E, the driving rollers 208b, 210b of the second drying roller assembly 202b are rotationally connected to the driving rollers 208a, 210a by a notched belt 218. In this way, only one motor is required to turn two driving rollers. Each of the pair of absorbent rollers 204, 206 has a rigid core 212 and a compressible sleeve 214. In an example, the compressible sleeve 214 is composed of 60% to 80% viscose or wool and 40% to 20% polyester. In an example, the compressible sleeve 214 has an absorption capacity in the range of 30% to 50% of its weight. As further shown in Figure 3E, the absorbent rollers 204, 206 have traction elements 216. In the example of Figure 3E, the traction elements 216 are in the form of a plurality of rings of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the compressible sleeve 214. The traction elements 216 ensure a frictional force between the absorbent roller and the driving roller so that the absorbent roller is driven by the driving roller. Preferably, the traction elements 216 are made of rubber. Preferably, the surface area of traction elements 216, in contact with the driving roller, is determined to result in a force which is sufficient to draw singlestacked tokens through the pair of absorbent rollers 204,206 but for the absorbent rollers to slip with respect to the driving roller if a predetermined number of tokens enter the absorbent rollers in a stack. This is to prevent damage to the tokens and / or the apparatus. For example, if the frictional force is too strong such that the absorbent rollers continue to turn in the presence of triple stacked tokens, the tokens may break or crack. Figure 3F is an enlarged cross-sectional sketch of the arrangement principle between an absorbent roller and its associated driving roller. The sketch is not to scale and some of the relative distances are exaggerated to demonstrate the effect. The absorbent roller has a radius ta and the driving roller has a radius m. The driving roller and the corresponding absorbent roller are connected to the supporting frame 220 so that an external surface sd of the driving roller is a distance rA-d from an axial centre ca of the absorbent roller, wherein 0<d<rA. In this way, the absorbent roller axially compresses to rA-d as it rotates past the driving roller. As the absorbent roller compresses, liquid is squeezed out. This liquid is collected in a tray for recirculation in the liquid circulation assembly. In an illustrative example, the distance d is approximately 1 mm. This allows for sufficient friction between the driving roller and the absorbent roller to run the absorbent roller, and sufficiently compresses the compressible sleeve in order to remove water from the compressible sleeve. Preferably, the supporting frame 220 and the driving rollers 208, 210 are composed of plastic. Using this material avoids the use of bearings and simplifies construction and assembly since, the fewer parts that are required, the faster the assembly process. The total operational lifetime of the apparatus may be in the region of 5,000 to 10,000 hours. Plastic components are, thus, designed to survive this lifespan. Additionally, the supporting frame, the driving rollers, the absorbent roller assembly, and / or the entire drying module 200 is modular and easily replaceable. If one of the rollers, or the support frame fails, it can be replaced at a very low cost. In some examples, the compressible sleeve of the absorbent rollers may need more frequent replacement than other components of the apparatus. In the drying module 200, the absorbent rollers can be removed from the supporting frame 220 and the compressible sleeves 214 can be replaced. The modularity of the drying module ensures that only item which must be changed periodically are disposed of. In an example, a top of the supporting frame 220 is removed and the sides strengthened, to allow even easier access, and replacement, to the compressible sleeves. Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method 600 of manufacturing a conveyor for use in the token cleaning apparatus of the invention. At 602, a sheet of metal is provided. At 604, the sheet of metal is cut to a predetermined size. At 606, holes are punched in the sheet at predetermined locations. At 608, the sheet is bent into a predetermined form. At 610, the form is reinforced with strengthening bars inserted on an inside of said form. Upon completion of step 610, an internal structure of the conveyor is complete and resembles the structure shown in Figure 2. At 612, two or more holds are provided to connect the conveyor into the token cleaning apparatus. At 614, a motor axle is inserted. At 616, a plastic conveyor belt and plastic conveyor drive sprockets are added. Method 600 enables lightweight, cost-effective conveyors to be manufactured quickly and are particularly suitable for use as the conveyors of the washing module 100 of the token cleaning apparatus 1000. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method 700 for cleaning tokens. At 702, tokens are transported along a first conveyor. During transportation along the first conveyor, at 704, a first surface of the tokens is sprayed with a cleaning liquid. Further during transportation along the first conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, at 706, the first surface of the tokens is agitated with a brush. At 708, the tokens flip as they drop under gravity to a second conveyor. At 710, the flipped tokens are transported along the second conveyor. During transportation along the second conveyor, at 712, a second surface of the tokens is sprayed with a cleaning liquid. Further during transportation along the second conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, at 714, the second surface is agitated with a second brush. In an example of the invention, method steps 702 to 714 are carried out by the washing module 100 of the cleaning apparatus 1000. At 716, the washed tokens are transported into a drying assembly. At 718, the tokens are fed between a pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers, said rollers having a rigid core and a compressible sleeve. Preferably, the tokens are fed single-stacked between the pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers. As the tokens pass through the absorbent rollers, liquid from the token surface is removed by absorption from the compressible sleeve of the absorbent rollers. Preferably, the compressible sleeve has an absorption capacity in the range of 30% to 50% of its weight. In an example of the invention, whilst the absorbent rollers rotate, a compressible sleeve of the absorbent rollers is compressed by a second roller which drives its rotation. Liquid absorbed from the tokens is thus squeezed out of the compressible sleeve of the absorbent rollers continuously throughout the process. Preferably, the tokens are transported to a second pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers for absorbing at least some of the residual liquid on the tokens. At 722, the tokens are transported into a receptacle. In a first example, processing of the tokens is complete. Any residual liquid is allowed to naturally evaporate, for example, as they are collected from the receptacle. In a second example, the tokens are then mechanically dried by an air blower arranged to blow air into the receptacle. Due to exposure to heated cleaning liquid, the tokens have an ambient temperature of around 20 to 30 degrees as they exit the drying module. This temperature can be adequate that any further moisture on the token evaporates upon removing the tokens from the device for storage. Having described preferred examples of the invention it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating the invention may be used. These and other examples of the invention illustrated above are intended by way 5 of example only and the actual scope of the invention is to be determined from the appended claims.

Claims

1. A token cleaning apparatus comprising:a washing module;a drying module;a liquid circulation assembly;an electronics module;a supporting structure, supporting the washing module, the drying module, liquid circulation assembly, and electronics module; anda passageway between the washing module and the drying module for delivering washed tokens to the drying module;wherein the washing module comprises:at least two longitudinally extending conveyors, the at least two longitudinally extending conveyors offset from each other in the lateral direction;at least one liquid conduit arranged laterally adjacent to each of the at least two conveyors for transferring cleaning liquid onto the tokens;at least one first token brush for agitating a first surface of the tokens as they move along a first of the at least two conveyors;at least one second token brush for agitating a second surface of the tokens as they move along a second of the at least two conveyors;wherein the drying module comprises:at least one drying roller assembly comprising:a pair of absorbent rollers, the pair of absorbent rollers abutting in the axial direction;a first driving roller configured to drive a first roller of the absorbent roller pair in a first rotational direction;a second driving roller configured to drive a second roller of the absorbent roller pair in a counter-rotational direction to the first absorbent roller;a supporting frame, supporting the at least one drying roller assembly;wherein each of the pair of absorbent rollers comprises:a rigid core; and a compressible sleeve.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one drying roller assembly comprises two drying roller assemblies, the two drying roller assemblies separated laterally and longitudinally, wherein an inclined surface connects an exit of a first of the two drying roller assemblies with an inlet of the second of the two drying roller assemblies.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:the first driving roller is axially disposed against its corresponding absorbent roller to compress an abutting portion of the compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller; andthe second driving roller is axially disposed against its corresponding absorbent roller to compress an abutting portion of the compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid circulation assembly comprises:a liquid storage tank comprising:a heater configured to keep the liquid at a temperature of around 35°C to 55°C, when the apparatus is in use.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the compressible sleeve of the absorbent roller is composed of:60% to 80% viscose or wool; and40% to 20% polyester.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent rollers further comprise traction elements which increase a frictional force between the absorbent rollers and the driving rollers to facilitate driving of the absorbent rollers by the driving rollers.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the supporting frame and the driving rollers are composed of plastic.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least two longitudinally extending conveyors are manufactured according to the following steps:providing a sheet of metal;cutting the sheet of metal to a predetermined size;punching holes in the sheet at predetermined locations;bending the sheet into a predetermined form;reinforcing the form with strengthening bars inserted on an inside of said form;providing two or more holds for connecting the form to a corresponding apparatus;inserting a motor axle;adding a plastic conveyor belt and plastic conveyor drive sprockets.

9. A method for cleaning tokens comprising: transporting the tokens along a first conveyor;during transportation along the first conveyor, spraying a first surface of the tokens with a cleaning liquid;further during transportation along the first conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, agitating the first surface of the tokens with a brush;allowing the tokens to flip as they drop under gravity to a second conveyor; transporting the flipped tokens along the second conveyor;during transportation along the second conveyor, spraying a second surface of the tokens with a cleaning liquid;further during transportation along the second conveyor and during or after spraying with the cleaning liquid, agitating the second surface with a second brush;transporting the washed tokens into a drying assembly;feeding the tokens between a pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers, said rollers having a rigid core and a compressible sleeve;transporting the clean, dried tokens into a receptacle.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein feeding the tokens between a pair of counter-rotating absorbent rollers comprises preventing the absorbent rollers from rotating when a plurality of stacked tokens abut the absorbent rollers.

11. The method of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising continually compressing an aligned portion of the absorbent rollers using a corresponding driving roller as the absorbent rollers rotate.

12. The method of any of claims 9 to 11 using the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8.