CA1301890C - Coin sorter - Google Patents
Coin sorterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1301890C CA1301890C CA000540270A CA540270A CA1301890C CA 1301890 C CA1301890 C CA 1301890C CA 000540270 A CA000540270 A CA 000540270A CA 540270 A CA540270 A CA 540270A CA 1301890 C CA1301890 C CA 1301890C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coins
- coin
- edge
- disc
- sorter
- 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
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 OF THE DISCLOSURE
A coin sorter in which a sorting head is positioned over a rotating pliable disc and wherein coins are sorted by the combination of an outwardly extending tapered edge and a series of pins generally positioned in an outwardly extending line spaced from the tapered edge. The spacing between the line of pins and tapered edge increases with outward dimension, whereby coins of different diameter are urged over the tapered edge by different pins at different positions.
The coins are then captured between the head and pliable disc and rotated to exit positions which are unique for each coin about the outside of the sorting head.
A coin sorter in which a sorting head is positioned over a rotating pliable disc and wherein coins are sorted by the combination of an outwardly extending tapered edge and a series of pins generally positioned in an outwardly extending line spaced from the tapered edge. The spacing between the line of pins and tapered edge increases with outward dimension, whereby coins of different diameter are urged over the tapered edge by different pins at different positions.
The coins are then captured between the head and pliable disc and rotated to exit positions which are unique for each coin about the outside of the sorting head.
Description
130~890 United States Patents 4,086,928 granted May 2, 1978 and 4,444,212 granted April 24, 1984 illustrate coin sorters which employ annular sorting heads positioned over and adjacent to a rotating resilient disc, and coins are introduced through a central opening in a sorting head. The undersides of the sorting heads of these patents are configured to ef~ect a single layer-single file of coins utilizing a ramp. United States Patent 4,086,928 utilizing the ramp for capturing coins so aligned for sorting and freeing others and directing them inward for recycling. United States Patent 4,444,212 employs, in addition, a secondary recess to assure that coins not in a single layer and single file are separated. Following the ramp and return recess, or recesses, a single file-single layer of coins are rotated at a discrete and constant radial position, and coin~ of different diameter are then sorted as a function of the unique position of their inner edge. In United States Patent 4,086,928, sorting and dispensing are accomplished by pressing the inner edge of a particular coin into the resilient surface at a discrete peripheral location by a plow device and for enabling the outer edge to freely rise and be hurled over a peripheral barrier. In United States Patent 4,096,280, the coins are held with their outer edge indexed at a fixed radial position by pressing them into a rotating resilient surface and ejecting different size coins by slots. the slots being positioned about the periphery of the device and are varied as to their radial location. In both instances, a constant outer radial position is used as a reference position for coins, and sorting and dispensing occur as a united function at a discrete position around a circular periphery.
'l' 130~890 Pertinently, U. S. Patent 4,607,649 di~close~ another device having an annular head positioned over a resilient ~,~
~:301890 rotating disc. It, too, employs a ramp and return recess for basically creating a single layer-single file of coins. In addition, it employs a secondary means of picking off double layered coins, this being in the form of a secondary recess which is somewhat similar to the approach employed in United States Patent 4,444,212. Significantly, United States Patent 4,607,649 employs an opposite edge referencing system wherein the inner edges of coins are referenced. This is accomplished by an outwardly spiralling, outwardly facing shoulder against which captured coins are urged by the rotating disc to move outwardly to a peripheral region. men, sorting occurs along an outwardly facing shoulder which has only a slight spiral and extends substantially around the periphery of the sorter.
Sor~ing is effected by plow devices somewhat akin to those employed in the device of United States Patent 4,086,928, the difference being that, in United States Patent 4,086,928 the inner edges of coins are pressed downward, and in United States Patent 4,607,649, the outer edges are pressed downward.
Sorting and dispensing are effected in the device of the latter patent by the inner edge of coins being pivoted upward into a dispensing slot, somewhat like employed in United States Patent 4,444,212, which guides an effected coin outward. This system requires that sets of the combination of a plow and a dispensing slot be positioned around the periphery, that it be a circular or spiral periphery and of a substantial size in order to accommodate a significant number of different diameter coins. In this respect, it is like the system of United States Patents 4,086,928 and 4,444,212.
As to the general technique of positioning captured coins against an outer facing edge, the common applicant in this '~.
.~
13018gO
case, and in the first two references cited, first employed this technique in coin exit chutes ~or a sorter -3a-~3(~8~0 generally of the type lllustrated in Patent 4,444,21~ and which was offered for sale at least as early as ls79 and used this technique as a preprocessing arrangement in a coin handling device which functioned to select only one size co~n, and thus was not a sorter, în early 1982 and which was offered for sale no later than O~tober of 1582.
One problem with the sorters of the prior art is that their sorting surfaces Gonsist of quite complex lands and recesses, which result in quite high machining costs.
Further, insofar as is known by ~he applicants, none of the prior devices provide precise accuracy in supplying a desired number of coins oP a given denomination into a denominational cont~iner without some overrun into that ~ontainer. Still further, and as noted above, the prior sorters integrate the sorting and dispensing funGtion~ around the periphery of a clrcular device, and this requires substantial space.
Accordingly, it i5 the object of this invention to provide a coin sorter haviny a sorting head which is greatly simplifled and one whereln precise control ls effected over delivery of a selected number of coins of a given denomination. Further, it is the object of this lnvention to provide a sorter which does not int~grate the sorting and dispenfiing function for a given denomination, but instead separate~ these ~unctions, enabling a significant decrease in the size of a sorter.
In accordance with this invention, in~tead of guiding coins outward to a peripheral position around a generally circular sorting head or plate as in all of the cited art, wherein either the inner or outer edges of coins are referenced with respect to a circular or ~piral reference, the applicants' device is non-Gircular and effects sorting 130189~
prior to coins reaching the outer boundary of the sorting head. The coins are initially rotated on a resilient disc in a region under the head where a single layer of coins is free to rotate with the disc. Sorting is effected by intercepting them as they are caused to travel in a path outward along a tapered guide edge. Interceptions of different diameters of coin are effected by a plurality of discretely positioned obtrusions in this coin path. m ese obtrusions are the sorting elements or members, and they are spaced ~rom the tapered guide edge a distance wherein the largest coin to be sorted is engaged between the first of the obtrusions and guide edge and is thereby urged across the guide edge. In descending order, smaller diameter coins are similarly engaged and forced across the guide edge as they travel outward along it. In this manner, each coin passes across the guide edge at a different radial position. The coins are then captured and are rotated at discrete radial positions until they are rotated free of the outer edge of the sorting head. By varying the configuration of the outer edge of the sorting head in terms of its being intercepted by coins, both the position and direction of exiting coins can be adjusted.
As a further feature of this invention, the sorting elements are pivotally mounted and are abruptly raised as a group upon the detection of a selected number of coins being dispensed. Thereafter, coins approaching and reaching the guide edge will simply follow it to a discrete exit which is separate from exits for sorted coins.
As still a further feature of this invention, the 130~890 sorting members would ~e discretely insulated and used ~s coin count deteotors.
As still a further fe~ure of this invention, means are provided to s~op the sorting proçess on the dispensing of a selected number of coins of a selected denomination, and any coins which are dispensed after this are guided back into a hopper, through which coins are generally intrQduced to the sorter. Coins which have not yet proceeded out of a region where they are free to rotate with the di~c are blocked from progressing by the ramp. It is noted that Patent 4,664,036 disclose~ a system where the sorting function is halted upon the ~en$ing of a selected count of di~pensed coins. In it, however, coins are permitted to proceed ~eyond the region of free movement and to a return slot which normally is made inoperative by a ridge guide, enabling coin~ to simply normally pas~ over it. Then, when a selected count is detected, this ridge guide is withdrawn and coins reaching this return reGess drop into it and are returned to the free well area of the corter, Fig. 1 iB a pictorial view illustrating ln general the configuration of the eoin sorter of this invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the sorting head of the sorter and support.
Fig. 4 is a planar view of the underside of the sorting head of the sorter and illustrating operation of the sorter.
Fig. 5 is a detail of con~truction in the form of a pictorial view, this view being of a portion of a sorting pin assem~ly.
~ 30~890 Fig. 6 is a view, partially ~eçtional and partially schematic, illustrating the construction of the sorting pin assembly and its eleçtrical conneGtion to a ~oin counting system.
Fig. 7 is an eleGtrical block dia~ram illustrating a coin counting system as contempla~ed by the invention.
Fig. 8 is a par~ial sectional v1ew as seen alon~
line 8-8 of Fig. ~ and addi~ionally showing a solenoid connected to mechanical structure.
Fig. ~ is ~ sectional view a~ seen along line g-~ of Fig. 4, Referr~ng to the drawings, and initially ~o Fig. 1, a circular pedestal 10 supported by a base 12 houses a coin sorting apparatus 14. A table top 16 is supported at the top 18 of pedestal 10, and it provides a work surface upon which coins may be placed an~ inspected prlor to being supplied ~orting apparatus 14. Funnel-shaped hopper 20 extends from the periphery of opening 22 in t~ble 16 through which coins from table 16 are actually supplied sorting apparatus 14.
, Sorting apparatus 14 (Figs. 2-4J includes a hase plate 24 which rests on pins 26 extending through wall 2~ of pedesta~ 10. A motor 30 is attached to the bottom of base plate 24 (by means not shown). A drive wheel 32 on motor shaft 34 frlctionally enga~es the edge 36 of turntable 38 to drive it. Turntable 3~ is supported by bearings 40 and is mounted on a shaft 42 which in turn is supported by bushings 4~ and 46 affixed in shaft recesses 48 and 50. Turntable 3~
is driven at a selected speed, for example, apprQximately 500 rpm, which typically provides a sorting speed in excess of 3,000 mixed coins per minute. Turntable 38 has a generally flat upper surface 52 upon which is affixed a flexible ~30189(~
resilient pad S4.
Coin sor~ing head 56 is construc~ed having a hardened steel lower surface and having a central opening 5B
ahout which is included a groove 60 (Fig. 2) in~o which is clo~ely fit the bottom of hopper 20. Head 56 is supported on one side hy a groove 62 in mount ~4 (Flg. 3), in turn supported on hase plate 2~ hy means not shown. A second mount 66 i8 po~itioned on an opposite ~ide of sorting head 56. It, too, i~ attached to base plate 24 (by means not shown), sorting head S6 being attached to molmt 6~ by a bolt 68 which has a tapered end 70 which enables sorting head 56 to be precisely horizontally mounted normal to the perpendicular axis of shaft 42 (Fig. 2). The spacing between ~orting head S6 and re~ilient pad 54 i9 ad~ustable by the insertion of selected wa~hers as shims 72 (Fig. 2) on the top of bearing 40 where turntahle 52 rests, typically being adJusted to Ju~t avoid rubbing.
Fig. 4 illustrates the under~ide of sorting head 56 which is configured with lands and recesses which control the sorting proce~s. A ba~lc or reference land L, while varying in edge coni'iguration, is flat and is positioned with a ~light clearance, 0.001" to 0.005", above rotating pad 54 (Fig. 2) to avoid rubbing as stated a~ove. It extends sub~tantially around opening 58 of sorting head 56 (Fig. 4), and as one ~unction it provides a radial limit for coins tshown in dotted line positions) in their outward movement on rotating pad 54.
A fir~t recess or reces~ed land 78 is generally formed in the underside of land L of head 56, it extending from hopper 20 outward to a generally arcuate, partially tapered edge 76 (Fig. 9) of otherwise vertical edge 77 of land L. Recessed land 78 is al~o marked L-.088 (lndicative that it is reGessed 0.088" upward from the level of land L), Just greater ~han the thiGkness of the thickest coin to be sorted.
ReGessed land 7fl extends around opening 58 and forms a cavity within which all coins are free to be moved radiallr outward by centrifugal force. This enables coins to follow in an arcuate path along edge 76 in the rotational direction of rotation of pad 54 as indicated by the arrow to a radially outermost position under land 78, a~ illustrated ~y coin 80.
Edge 76 is constructed as shown in Fig. ~ having a tapered upper portion 6~ tas it appears in operation, with head 5Ç
inverted from the orientation shown in Figs. 4 and 9~, which decreases bounce, and vertical portion 71, which prevents coins from moving outward under edge 76. Recessed land 78 is generally bounded on its outer periphery from point 82 to point 95, from point 87 to poin~ 8~, and from point ~4 to point 86 by land L. From point 8~ to point ~4, the outer edge of land 78 is bounded by ramp 104 and land 106 (also designated as L-.030 as it is recessed 0.030" upward from land L). From point 84 to poin~ 86 it is bounded by land L, and from point 86 to point 82 i9 hounded by recessed land 92, 0.030" above land L but 0.052" below recessed land 78.
Rece~ed land 92 generally functions to trap any co1ns which are bent or otherwise not properly processed, as will be described. After being trapped, they are guided baGk into center region 58 hy edge ~3 of land ~2.
Edge 76 of land L extend~ counterclockwice (as shown in Fig. 4) to downwardly tas when head 56 faces downward in operation) extending ramp 94. Ramp 94 terminates at point ~
into a land region ~8 of land L. Land region ~8 of land L
for~s a transition region wherein coins are captured at their radially outer~ost position established by edge 76, capture _ ~ _ ~eing between land region 9~ and pad 64. A recessed land 150, which i~ 0.048" above land ~ and is thus al~o designa~ed (L-.048, i~ pnsitioned inward from ramp ~4, and a portion of land L, to an edge ~1 with land 78. Edges 81 presents a vertical shoulder which as~ists in the recircula~ion of ~oins not passing under ramp ~4.
Coins are rotated under ramp ~4 toward elongated recessed land ~9 by rotating pad 54, which impo~e~ a greater frictional effeGt on coins than the relatively slick steel ~urface of head 56. Reces~ed land ~9, al~o designated L-.025, i8 reGessed 0.025" above land L. Coins i.nitially encounter, normal to their travel, a vertical edge 101, which edge generally extends radially, and coins are rotated acro6s it with their outer ed~e generally following dashed line 121. As will ~e noted, da~hed line 121 intersects with a vertical outer wall 123 of recessed land 99. Thi~ wall functions a~ a ~uide for the ~maller of coins to be sorted ~for example, dimes, pennies, nickels, and quarters of U.S. coinage) and i~
cur~ed to form an inwardly facin~, inwardly extending ~piral.
The opposite or inner wall 113 of ro~es~ 99 i~ vertical and spaced from wall 123 ~uch as to facilitate a relatively low angle for smaller coins as they pivot on the edge of wall 113 when their outer edge rise~ into recess 99. The outer edge of ~mall coins rise suffiGiently as to be engaged by wall 12~ and are gulded inward along it. The far side of recess 99 i8 bounded ~y wall 107 and is tapered downward with a ramp 109 which, ln term~ of direction of rotation or coins, extends backward from the out~ide to in~ide, to inter~ect with a far end of inner wall 113. A region 115 of land L extend~ around recessed land 99, and from the far edge of ramp 10~ to a transition edge of ramp 104. Ramp 104 extend~ higher by - lQ -~30il~90 0.0~5" to reGessed land 106, which is also laheled L-.035. It effect~ lessened pre~sure on coins which will enable them to be more readily moved outward from a normal Gircular path as required ~y the next manipulation of coins.
To examine coin movement by the structure thu~ far described, coins, such as coins 100 and 108, initially proceed clockwise and ra~ially outward to edge 76 and then proceed along it, to the right in Fig. 4, to ramp 94. Ramp ~4 effects a downward transition from recessed land 78 to a region 98 of land L, the coin~ being captured between relatively slick head 56 and relatively frictional pad $4 and are forced to move circularly as they make such a transition. As a result, the colnfi are lnitially moved circularly with their outer edge along dashed line 121. The spacing between vertical edge 123 and opposite vertical edge 113 is ~uch that the ~maller coins referred to above are tilted and at their outboard edge tilted upward lnto recessed land 9~ by pad 54 and, as illustrated by coin 11~ (representative of a dime), the outer edge engages the inside of vertlcal edge 123, causing movement of thefie coins to be guided by edge 123 in a spiral path r~dially inward a~ they ar~ rotated.
Next, the inward and forward region of the smaller coins pass downward under ramp 109 of edge 107 with rotation and are then flattened and fully captured hy region 115 of land L which follows recess ~9. This occurs at ~lightly different radial positions for different diameter smaller coins as they are further captured, the coin~ now ~eing rotated at discrete fixed radial positions under re~ion 115 of land L. As stated, this occurs for smaller coins (dimes, pennies, nickle~/ and quarters of IJ.S. coinage).
Larger coins (Susan B. Anthony dollars and half ~30~890 dollars of U.S. coinage) are simply captured under ramp 94 and rotated at a fixed radial po~ition under reces~ed land ~9, the larger coin~ po~ses~ing a diameter which enables them to be pressed flat between land L and pad 54 and their outer part to pass over recessed land 9g. Thus, the larger coins are unaffected ~y recess ~9 ~nd are rotated under ramp 10~ of land L ~t a fixed radial position toward ramp 104, while smaller coins are tilted into land 9~ at their outboard ed~e~ and moved radially inward by edge 123 as they are rotated toward ramp 104.
The object of the inward movement of smaller coins is to limit the radial excursion of their inner edge (by limitlng the outer travel of their outer edge), which inner ed~e would inherently, without special treatment, move farther outward than would the inner edge of larger coins since the outer edges of coins are initially referenced by their outer edge to edge ~6. The purpose of the limitation is to gen~rally bring together the paths of the forward edges of coins of different diameter to facilitate presortlng manipulation, as wlll be further de~cribed.
The presorting manipulation referred to is effected af~er the coin~ pass upward under ramp 104 ~nd to a position under land 106 which, as stated, is, for example, 0.035" above land L. The coins thus remain captured (all coins are assumed to have a thickne~ of greater than 0.035") and as captured are circularly rotated by pad 54. They are rotated until they ~trike vertical edge lll of wall 110 of land I" this wall extending linearly as shown to the edge 127 of head 56. ~dge lll i~ po~itioned to intercept the forward edge of all size ~0 coins and, being vertical, it functions to block them from passing under it and force~ the coins to travel outward along :13~)~890 it and wall 110~ In order to make the head compact, it wasdiscovered necessary to limit the length of vertical edge 111 of wall 110, and to do this, small size coins were moved inward as described so that they, as well as larger coins, would strike edge 111 within as short as possible a length of edge 111.
Next, mixed diameter coins, captured between recessed land 106 and rotating resilient pad 54, are thereby forced outward along wall 110 of land L and particularly along the outer tapered edge 112 of the wall generally passing through varying radial dimensions. Edge 112 is tapered approximately 25 from vertical from point 112a to point 112b and 30 from point 112b to point 183 (this difference in slope will be discussed below). If a coin proceeding along this edge is further urged against it, the coin will tend to ride diagonally downward and under the wall and be captured between land L and pad 54. The 30 tapered portion of edge 112 a6~ists smaller coins in passing under this edge. Urging of coins under tapered edge 112 is effected by discrete pins of pins 114a-114f when the pins are in a lowered position and a coin is engaged between tapered edge 112 and a pin. As will be noted, each pin is at a different distance from edge 112;
and as shown in Fig. 4, the distance between a pin and edge 112 decreases with outward distance of location oE a pin. By this configuration, each pin urges or forces a different diameter of coin under edge 112, and thereby the function of sorting in terms of diameter is achieved. Since most coinage sys~ems employ different diameter of coins for dif-ferent denominations, denominational sorting is thus achieved.
Figs. 3 and 5-8 illustrate the construction of sorting ~.5 ~;~01890 pin assembly 118 and stop pin assembly 119. Pin assembly 118 includes an insulative plate 120 having a -13a-. 0~
130~ 0 plurality of opening~ 122a-122f. Pins 114a-114f are mounted in discrete metal blocks 128a-128f, wh~ch in turn are mounted over opening~ 122a-122f, with pins 114a-114f extending through openings 122a-122f. Bolts 126a-126f, in con~llnction with shoulder insulatin~ blocks 124a-124f, hold blocks 12~a-128f and thus pins 114a~tl4f in place as æhown in Fig. 6. Pins 114a-114f normally extend through openings 131a-131f in head 56 below the lower surface o~ land lOÇ and approach the surface of pad 54, being normally spaGed (during sorting) approximately 0.001" from pad 54. Plate 120, on which the pin assemblie~ are mounted, is attached by bolts to spring steel member 180, which in turn is attached by attachment bolts 132 and plate 1~4 to head 56. By this arrangement, plate 120 and thus pins 114a-114f may be raised and lowered ~y the hinge action of spring steel member 1~0. Normally, spring steel member 130 biases plate 120, and thus pins 114a-114f, to a lowered po~ition as described for sorting operation. Plate 120 and pins 114~-114f ar~ selectively rai~ed ~y solenoid 136, which i~ mounted on a mounting bracket 138 by nut 141, and bracket 1~8 is attached by bolt 140 to head 56. Solenoid 136 includes a plunger 142 which i5 coupled by link 144 to plate 120. When power iY applied to ~olenoid 136, plunger 142 is retracted, pulling plate 120 and thus pins 114a-114f upward to a rai~ed po~ition above pad 54. When they are raised, coins reaching the region below the pins exit along the straight edge of wall 110 and the line of arrow 146 and as illustrated by coln 148 in Fig. 4. Alternately, the solenoid may ~e mounted to the top surface of sorting head 56, with the plunger connected ~o a rocker arm (not shown) which is vertically coupled to plate 120. In this ca~e, the solenoid, when energized, would pull the rocker arm horizontally, 1;~0~890 lifting plate 120 and pins 114a-114f ver~ically as described.
A~ an optional feature, mean~ are provided for blocking the pa~sage of Goin~ over and beyond ramp 94, and thus sorting of coin~ after a ~elected number of çoins of a particular denomination has been delivered. This eliminates the neGeC~ity of Gompletely emptying the ~orter after a run to obtain a selected nu~ber of coins of one denomina~ion. To accomplish thi~, a stop pin a~embly 11~ (Figs. 3 and 8) is employed h~ving a pin 151 which extends through an opening 147 in head 56. When lowered, pin 151 is ~paced to approximately 0.001" of pad 54 and is positioned a& shown in Fig. 4 just ~d~acent ramp 94. A collar 15~ extends around a central reglon of pin 151 and limits the downward travel of pln 151 by it~ engagement with an upper surface of head 56. Pin 151 is operated by ~olenoid 165, ~eing coupled to the armature of the solenoid by pin 151a through means which are not shown. Pin 151 i~ coupled to pin 151a A8 diagrammatically shown in ~ig.
8. Normally, when solenoid 1~5 is unpowered, pin 151a, and thus pin 151, i5 maintained in a raised position; and when power ls applled, pin 151 i~ lowered to the position ~hown in Fig. 8. Pin 151 is lowered simultaneous with the raising of pins 114a-114f, and pin 151 provide~ a barrier whiçh prevents coins from riding under ramp 94, blocking the further outward flow of coins and halting the sorting process. Vertical wall 71 of edge 76 (Figs. 4 and ~) presents a barrier to coins which would otherwise move around the outside o~ ~op pin 151.
Coins which are in the central region of the sorter and in rece~s 78 remain there. ~oin~ which are moving between pin 151 and point 188 are moved by pad 54 along edge 110 and e~ected from under head 56, as illustrated by coin 148 in Fig.
~:301890 rotating disc. It, too, employs a ramp and return recess for basically creating a single layer-single file of coins. In addition, it employs a secondary means of picking off double layered coins, this being in the form of a secondary recess which is somewhat similar to the approach employed in United States Patent 4,444,212. Significantly, United States Patent 4,607,649 employs an opposite edge referencing system wherein the inner edges of coins are referenced. This is accomplished by an outwardly spiralling, outwardly facing shoulder against which captured coins are urged by the rotating disc to move outwardly to a peripheral region. men, sorting occurs along an outwardly facing shoulder which has only a slight spiral and extends substantially around the periphery of the sorter.
Sor~ing is effected by plow devices somewhat akin to those employed in the device of United States Patent 4,086,928, the difference being that, in United States Patent 4,086,928 the inner edges of coins are pressed downward, and in United States Patent 4,607,649, the outer edges are pressed downward.
Sorting and dispensing are effected in the device of the latter patent by the inner edge of coins being pivoted upward into a dispensing slot, somewhat like employed in United States Patent 4,444,212, which guides an effected coin outward. This system requires that sets of the combination of a plow and a dispensing slot be positioned around the periphery, that it be a circular or spiral periphery and of a substantial size in order to accommodate a significant number of different diameter coins. In this respect, it is like the system of United States Patents 4,086,928 and 4,444,212.
As to the general technique of positioning captured coins against an outer facing edge, the common applicant in this '~.
.~
13018gO
case, and in the first two references cited, first employed this technique in coin exit chutes ~or a sorter -3a-~3(~8~0 generally of the type lllustrated in Patent 4,444,21~ and which was offered for sale at least as early as ls79 and used this technique as a preprocessing arrangement in a coin handling device which functioned to select only one size co~n, and thus was not a sorter, în early 1982 and which was offered for sale no later than O~tober of 1582.
One problem with the sorters of the prior art is that their sorting surfaces Gonsist of quite complex lands and recesses, which result in quite high machining costs.
Further, insofar as is known by ~he applicants, none of the prior devices provide precise accuracy in supplying a desired number of coins oP a given denomination into a denominational cont~iner without some overrun into that ~ontainer. Still further, and as noted above, the prior sorters integrate the sorting and dispensing funGtion~ around the periphery of a clrcular device, and this requires substantial space.
Accordingly, it i5 the object of this invention to provide a coin sorter haviny a sorting head which is greatly simplifled and one whereln precise control ls effected over delivery of a selected number of coins of a given denomination. Further, it is the object of this lnvention to provide a sorter which does not int~grate the sorting and dispenfiing function for a given denomination, but instead separate~ these ~unctions, enabling a significant decrease in the size of a sorter.
In accordance with this invention, in~tead of guiding coins outward to a peripheral position around a generally circular sorting head or plate as in all of the cited art, wherein either the inner or outer edges of coins are referenced with respect to a circular or ~piral reference, the applicants' device is non-Gircular and effects sorting 130189~
prior to coins reaching the outer boundary of the sorting head. The coins are initially rotated on a resilient disc in a region under the head where a single layer of coins is free to rotate with the disc. Sorting is effected by intercepting them as they are caused to travel in a path outward along a tapered guide edge. Interceptions of different diameters of coin are effected by a plurality of discretely positioned obtrusions in this coin path. m ese obtrusions are the sorting elements or members, and they are spaced ~rom the tapered guide edge a distance wherein the largest coin to be sorted is engaged between the first of the obtrusions and guide edge and is thereby urged across the guide edge. In descending order, smaller diameter coins are similarly engaged and forced across the guide edge as they travel outward along it. In this manner, each coin passes across the guide edge at a different radial position. The coins are then captured and are rotated at discrete radial positions until they are rotated free of the outer edge of the sorting head. By varying the configuration of the outer edge of the sorting head in terms of its being intercepted by coins, both the position and direction of exiting coins can be adjusted.
As a further feature of this invention, the sorting elements are pivotally mounted and are abruptly raised as a group upon the detection of a selected number of coins being dispensed. Thereafter, coins approaching and reaching the guide edge will simply follow it to a discrete exit which is separate from exits for sorted coins.
As still a further feature of this invention, the 130~890 sorting members would ~e discretely insulated and used ~s coin count deteotors.
As still a further fe~ure of this invention, means are provided to s~op the sorting proçess on the dispensing of a selected number of coins of a selected denomination, and any coins which are dispensed after this are guided back into a hopper, through which coins are generally intrQduced to the sorter. Coins which have not yet proceeded out of a region where they are free to rotate with the di~c are blocked from progressing by the ramp. It is noted that Patent 4,664,036 disclose~ a system where the sorting function is halted upon the ~en$ing of a selected count of di~pensed coins. In it, however, coins are permitted to proceed ~eyond the region of free movement and to a return slot which normally is made inoperative by a ridge guide, enabling coin~ to simply normally pas~ over it. Then, when a selected count is detected, this ridge guide is withdrawn and coins reaching this return reGess drop into it and are returned to the free well area of the corter, Fig. 1 iB a pictorial view illustrating ln general the configuration of the eoin sorter of this invention.
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the sorting head of the sorter and support.
Fig. 4 is a planar view of the underside of the sorting head of the sorter and illustrating operation of the sorter.
Fig. 5 is a detail of con~truction in the form of a pictorial view, this view being of a portion of a sorting pin assem~ly.
~ 30~890 Fig. 6 is a view, partially ~eçtional and partially schematic, illustrating the construction of the sorting pin assembly and its eleçtrical conneGtion to a ~oin counting system.
Fig. 7 is an eleGtrical block dia~ram illustrating a coin counting system as contempla~ed by the invention.
Fig. 8 is a par~ial sectional v1ew as seen alon~
line 8-8 of Fig. ~ and addi~ionally showing a solenoid connected to mechanical structure.
Fig. ~ is ~ sectional view a~ seen along line g-~ of Fig. 4, Referr~ng to the drawings, and initially ~o Fig. 1, a circular pedestal 10 supported by a base 12 houses a coin sorting apparatus 14. A table top 16 is supported at the top 18 of pedestal 10, and it provides a work surface upon which coins may be placed an~ inspected prlor to being supplied ~orting apparatus 14. Funnel-shaped hopper 20 extends from the periphery of opening 22 in t~ble 16 through which coins from table 16 are actually supplied sorting apparatus 14.
, Sorting apparatus 14 (Figs. 2-4J includes a hase plate 24 which rests on pins 26 extending through wall 2~ of pedesta~ 10. A motor 30 is attached to the bottom of base plate 24 (by means not shown). A drive wheel 32 on motor shaft 34 frlctionally enga~es the edge 36 of turntable 38 to drive it. Turntable 3~ is supported by bearings 40 and is mounted on a shaft 42 which in turn is supported by bushings 4~ and 46 affixed in shaft recesses 48 and 50. Turntable 3~
is driven at a selected speed, for example, apprQximately 500 rpm, which typically provides a sorting speed in excess of 3,000 mixed coins per minute. Turntable 38 has a generally flat upper surface 52 upon which is affixed a flexible ~30189(~
resilient pad S4.
Coin sor~ing head 56 is construc~ed having a hardened steel lower surface and having a central opening 5B
ahout which is included a groove 60 (Fig. 2) in~o which is clo~ely fit the bottom of hopper 20. Head 56 is supported on one side hy a groove 62 in mount ~4 (Flg. 3), in turn supported on hase plate 2~ hy means not shown. A second mount 66 i8 po~itioned on an opposite ~ide of sorting head 56. It, too, i~ attached to base plate 24 (by means not shown), sorting head S6 being attached to molmt 6~ by a bolt 68 which has a tapered end 70 which enables sorting head 56 to be precisely horizontally mounted normal to the perpendicular axis of shaft 42 (Fig. 2). The spacing between ~orting head S6 and re~ilient pad 54 i9 ad~ustable by the insertion of selected wa~hers as shims 72 (Fig. 2) on the top of bearing 40 where turntahle 52 rests, typically being adJusted to Ju~t avoid rubbing.
Fig. 4 illustrates the under~ide of sorting head 56 which is configured with lands and recesses which control the sorting proce~s. A ba~lc or reference land L, while varying in edge coni'iguration, is flat and is positioned with a ~light clearance, 0.001" to 0.005", above rotating pad 54 (Fig. 2) to avoid rubbing as stated a~ove. It extends sub~tantially around opening 58 of sorting head 56 (Fig. 4), and as one ~unction it provides a radial limit for coins tshown in dotted line positions) in their outward movement on rotating pad 54.
A fir~t recess or reces~ed land 78 is generally formed in the underside of land L of head 56, it extending from hopper 20 outward to a generally arcuate, partially tapered edge 76 (Fig. 9) of otherwise vertical edge 77 of land L. Recessed land 78 is al~o marked L-.088 (lndicative that it is reGessed 0.088" upward from the level of land L), Just greater ~han the thiGkness of the thickest coin to be sorted.
ReGessed land 7fl extends around opening 58 and forms a cavity within which all coins are free to be moved radiallr outward by centrifugal force. This enables coins to follow in an arcuate path along edge 76 in the rotational direction of rotation of pad 54 as indicated by the arrow to a radially outermost position under land 78, a~ illustrated ~y coin 80.
Edge 76 is constructed as shown in Fig. ~ having a tapered upper portion 6~ tas it appears in operation, with head 5Ç
inverted from the orientation shown in Figs. 4 and 9~, which decreases bounce, and vertical portion 71, which prevents coins from moving outward under edge 76. Recessed land 78 is generally bounded on its outer periphery from point 82 to point 95, from point 87 to poin~ 8~, and from point ~4 to point 86 by land L. From point 8~ to point ~4, the outer edge of land 78 is bounded by ramp 104 and land 106 (also designated as L-.030 as it is recessed 0.030" upward from land L). From point 84 to poin~ 86 it is bounded by land L, and from point 86 to point 82 i9 hounded by recessed land 92, 0.030" above land L but 0.052" below recessed land 78.
Rece~ed land 92 generally functions to trap any co1ns which are bent or otherwise not properly processed, as will be described. After being trapped, they are guided baGk into center region 58 hy edge ~3 of land ~2.
Edge 76 of land L extend~ counterclockwice (as shown in Fig. 4) to downwardly tas when head 56 faces downward in operation) extending ramp 94. Ramp 94 terminates at point ~
into a land region ~8 of land L. Land region ~8 of land L
for~s a transition region wherein coins are captured at their radially outer~ost position established by edge 76, capture _ ~ _ ~eing between land region 9~ and pad 64. A recessed land 150, which i~ 0.048" above land ~ and is thus al~o designa~ed (L-.048, i~ pnsitioned inward from ramp ~4, and a portion of land L, to an edge ~1 with land 78. Edges 81 presents a vertical shoulder which as~ists in the recircula~ion of ~oins not passing under ramp ~4.
Coins are rotated under ramp ~4 toward elongated recessed land ~9 by rotating pad 54, which impo~e~ a greater frictional effeGt on coins than the relatively slick steel ~urface of head 56. Reces~ed land ~9, al~o designated L-.025, i8 reGessed 0.025" above land L. Coins i.nitially encounter, normal to their travel, a vertical edge 101, which edge generally extends radially, and coins are rotated acro6s it with their outer ed~e generally following dashed line 121. As will ~e noted, da~hed line 121 intersects with a vertical outer wall 123 of recessed land 99. Thi~ wall functions a~ a ~uide for the ~maller of coins to be sorted ~for example, dimes, pennies, nickels, and quarters of U.S. coinage) and i~
cur~ed to form an inwardly facin~, inwardly extending ~piral.
The opposite or inner wall 113 of ro~es~ 99 i~ vertical and spaced from wall 123 ~uch as to facilitate a relatively low angle for smaller coins as they pivot on the edge of wall 113 when their outer edge rise~ into recess 99. The outer edge of ~mall coins rise suffiGiently as to be engaged by wall 12~ and are gulded inward along it. The far side of recess 99 i8 bounded ~y wall 107 and is tapered downward with a ramp 109 which, ln term~ of direction of rotation or coins, extends backward from the out~ide to in~ide, to inter~ect with a far end of inner wall 113. A region 115 of land L extend~ around recessed land 99, and from the far edge of ramp 10~ to a transition edge of ramp 104. Ramp 104 extend~ higher by - lQ -~30il~90 0.0~5" to reGessed land 106, which is also laheled L-.035. It effect~ lessened pre~sure on coins which will enable them to be more readily moved outward from a normal Gircular path as required ~y the next manipulation of coins.
To examine coin movement by the structure thu~ far described, coins, such as coins 100 and 108, initially proceed clockwise and ra~ially outward to edge 76 and then proceed along it, to the right in Fig. 4, to ramp 94. Ramp ~4 effects a downward transition from recessed land 78 to a region 98 of land L, the coin~ being captured between relatively slick head 56 and relatively frictional pad $4 and are forced to move circularly as they make such a transition. As a result, the colnfi are lnitially moved circularly with their outer edge along dashed line 121. The spacing between vertical edge 123 and opposite vertical edge 113 is ~uch that the ~maller coins referred to above are tilted and at their outboard edge tilted upward lnto recessed land 9~ by pad 54 and, as illustrated by coin 11~ (representative of a dime), the outer edge engages the inside of vertlcal edge 123, causing movement of thefie coins to be guided by edge 123 in a spiral path r~dially inward a~ they ar~ rotated.
Next, the inward and forward region of the smaller coins pass downward under ramp 109 of edge 107 with rotation and are then flattened and fully captured hy region 115 of land L which follows recess ~9. This occurs at ~lightly different radial positions for different diameter smaller coins as they are further captured, the coin~ now ~eing rotated at discrete fixed radial positions under re~ion 115 of land L. As stated, this occurs for smaller coins (dimes, pennies, nickle~/ and quarters of IJ.S. coinage).
Larger coins (Susan B. Anthony dollars and half ~30~890 dollars of U.S. coinage) are simply captured under ramp 94 and rotated at a fixed radial po~ition under reces~ed land ~9, the larger coin~ po~ses~ing a diameter which enables them to be pressed flat between land L and pad 54 and their outer part to pass over recessed land 9g. Thus, the larger coins are unaffected ~y recess ~9 ~nd are rotated under ramp 10~ of land L ~t a fixed radial position toward ramp 104, while smaller coins are tilted into land 9~ at their outboard ed~e~ and moved radially inward by edge 123 as they are rotated toward ramp 104.
The object of the inward movement of smaller coins is to limit the radial excursion of their inner edge (by limitlng the outer travel of their outer edge), which inner ed~e would inherently, without special treatment, move farther outward than would the inner edge of larger coins since the outer edges of coins are initially referenced by their outer edge to edge ~6. The purpose of the limitation is to gen~rally bring together the paths of the forward edges of coins of different diameter to facilitate presortlng manipulation, as wlll be further de~cribed.
The presorting manipulation referred to is effected af~er the coin~ pass upward under ramp 104 ~nd to a position under land 106 which, as stated, is, for example, 0.035" above land L. The coins thus remain captured (all coins are assumed to have a thickne~ of greater than 0.035") and as captured are circularly rotated by pad 54. They are rotated until they ~trike vertical edge lll of wall 110 of land I" this wall extending linearly as shown to the edge 127 of head 56. ~dge lll i~ po~itioned to intercept the forward edge of all size ~0 coins and, being vertical, it functions to block them from passing under it and force~ the coins to travel outward along :13~)~890 it and wall 110~ In order to make the head compact, it wasdiscovered necessary to limit the length of vertical edge 111 of wall 110, and to do this, small size coins were moved inward as described so that they, as well as larger coins, would strike edge 111 within as short as possible a length of edge 111.
Next, mixed diameter coins, captured between recessed land 106 and rotating resilient pad 54, are thereby forced outward along wall 110 of land L and particularly along the outer tapered edge 112 of the wall generally passing through varying radial dimensions. Edge 112 is tapered approximately 25 from vertical from point 112a to point 112b and 30 from point 112b to point 183 (this difference in slope will be discussed below). If a coin proceeding along this edge is further urged against it, the coin will tend to ride diagonally downward and under the wall and be captured between land L and pad 54. The 30 tapered portion of edge 112 a6~ists smaller coins in passing under this edge. Urging of coins under tapered edge 112 is effected by discrete pins of pins 114a-114f when the pins are in a lowered position and a coin is engaged between tapered edge 112 and a pin. As will be noted, each pin is at a different distance from edge 112;
and as shown in Fig. 4, the distance between a pin and edge 112 decreases with outward distance of location oE a pin. By this configuration, each pin urges or forces a different diameter of coin under edge 112, and thereby the function of sorting in terms of diameter is achieved. Since most coinage sys~ems employ different diameter of coins for dif-ferent denominations, denominational sorting is thus achieved.
Figs. 3 and 5-8 illustrate the construction of sorting ~.5 ~;~01890 pin assembly 118 and stop pin assembly 119. Pin assembly 118 includes an insulative plate 120 having a -13a-. 0~
130~ 0 plurality of opening~ 122a-122f. Pins 114a-114f are mounted in discrete metal blocks 128a-128f, wh~ch in turn are mounted over opening~ 122a-122f, with pins 114a-114f extending through openings 122a-122f. Bolts 126a-126f, in con~llnction with shoulder insulatin~ blocks 124a-124f, hold blocks 12~a-128f and thus pins 114a~tl4f in place as æhown in Fig. 6. Pins 114a-114f normally extend through openings 131a-131f in head 56 below the lower surface o~ land lOÇ and approach the surface of pad 54, being normally spaGed (during sorting) approximately 0.001" from pad 54. Plate 120, on which the pin assemblie~ are mounted, is attached by bolts to spring steel member 180, which in turn is attached by attachment bolts 132 and plate 1~4 to head 56. By this arrangement, plate 120 and thus pins 114a-114f may be raised and lowered ~y the hinge action of spring steel member 1~0. Normally, spring steel member 130 biases plate 120, and thus pins 114a-114f, to a lowered po~ition as described for sorting operation. Plate 120 and pins 114~-114f ar~ selectively rai~ed ~y solenoid 136, which i~ mounted on a mounting bracket 138 by nut 141, and bracket 1~8 is attached by bolt 140 to head 56. Solenoid 136 includes a plunger 142 which i5 coupled by link 144 to plate 120. When power iY applied to ~olenoid 136, plunger 142 is retracted, pulling plate 120 and thus pins 114a-114f upward to a rai~ed po~ition above pad 54. When they are raised, coins reaching the region below the pins exit along the straight edge of wall 110 and the line of arrow 146 and as illustrated by coln 148 in Fig. 4. Alternately, the solenoid may ~e mounted to the top surface of sorting head 56, with the plunger connected ~o a rocker arm (not shown) which is vertically coupled to plate 120. In this ca~e, the solenoid, when energized, would pull the rocker arm horizontally, 1;~0~890 lifting plate 120 and pins 114a-114f ver~ically as described.
A~ an optional feature, mean~ are provided for blocking the pa~sage of Goin~ over and beyond ramp 94, and thus sorting of coin~ after a ~elected number of çoins of a particular denomination has been delivered. This eliminates the neGeC~ity of Gompletely emptying the ~orter after a run to obtain a selected nu~ber of coins of one denomina~ion. To accomplish thi~, a stop pin a~embly 11~ (Figs. 3 and 8) is employed h~ving a pin 151 which extends through an opening 147 in head 56. When lowered, pin 151 is ~paced to approximately 0.001" of pad 54 and is positioned a& shown in Fig. 4 just ~d~acent ramp 94. A collar 15~ extends around a central reglon of pin 151 and limits the downward travel of pln 151 by it~ engagement with an upper surface of head 56. Pin 151 is operated by ~olenoid 165, ~eing coupled to the armature of the solenoid by pin 151a through means which are not shown. Pin 151 i~ coupled to pin 151a A8 diagrammatically shown in ~ig.
8. Normally, when solenoid 1~5 is unpowered, pin 151a, and thus pin 151, i5 maintained in a raised position; and when power ls applled, pin 151 i~ lowered to the position ~hown in Fig. 8. Pin 151 is lowered simultaneous with the raising of pins 114a-114f, and pin 151 provide~ a barrier whiçh prevents coins from riding under ramp 94, blocking the further outward flow of coins and halting the sorting process. Vertical wall 71 of edge 76 (Figs. 4 and ~) presents a barrier to coins which would otherwise move around the outside o~ ~op pin 151.
Coins which are in the central region of the sorter and in rece~s 78 remain there. ~oin~ which are moving between pin 151 and point 188 are moved by pad 54 along edge 110 and e~ected from under head 56, as illustrated by coin 148 in Fig.
4. The~e coln~, usually two to six, then enter a coin return ~301890 chute 21 (Fig. 1) having an entrance (not shown) positioned to intercept coins ejected along edge 110. Chute 21 i~
configured to return these coin~ to hopper 20 for resorting.
Head 56 is ~onfi~ured such that coins are dispensed with sufficient velocity to effeGt this movement. The operation of pin 151 prevents emptying the sorter of all çoins following the raising of pin~ 114a-114f and the turning off of motor 30.
While motor 30 i5 turned off at the same time as the operation of pins 114a-114f are raised, rotating pad S4 may coast, and a significant number of coin~ may exit along edge 110. Stop pin as~embly 119 significantly reduces this number.
As de~cribed above. ~orting of coins is effected when a particular one of pins 114a-114f forces a coin under edge 112 at a unique point along edge 112 as a function of the spacing of that pin from edge 112. Thus, sorting of coins iæ
achieved by the different combinations of wall pin dimension~
and their location, sorting thus being a~complished at what are actually different radial positions. As they pass under edge 112, the coins are captured at their discrete radial position by the combination of land L and pad 54. They then follow a dis~rete circular path as ~hown in Fig. 4 as a function of their dlameter. To ensure this, the configuration of land L i~ such that some portion of it always presse~ on and retains the capture of a coin at a discrete radial po~ition as the coins are rotated along the paths of lines 180a-180f until they pass under outer edge 11~ of land L ~nd are dispensed. The less steep edge of edge 112, from point 112b to point 183, be:lng 30 rather than 2S as it is from point 112a to point 112b, assists in smaller coins being forced under edge 112 and reduces their dwell time on one of the sorting pins, particularly pins 114e and 114f.
- lÇ -~ 301890 As a particular distinction from the sorter~ of the prior art referred to above, dispensing is in the inverse order along the edge of plate 56 to that of sorting. In other words, while large Goins are ~orted flrst, they are the last to be dispensed. ~ispensing oGcurs in the region between point 183 and point 184, which is configured to spread or space dispen~ing as deffired. A~ shown, edge 116 is turned inward from point 183 and then generally cirGles outward to point 182, where the arc of the edge reverses, then follows a generally circular arc until lt reaches point 184. If desired, notches, such a8 notches 129 and 125, immediately reduce or increa~e the curvature of edge 11~, providing a way to adjust the exit point of a ~elected diameter coin without ad~usting the point of ~orting. With this configuration together with the capture of each different denomination of coin at a different radial position, each coin is released by land L at a different circumferential posltion as illustrated in Fig. 4.
Referring to Fig. 7, operating power for sorting operation is provided through switch 169 and normally closed contacts 173 and leads 165 to motor 30. In order to en~ure that operating speed for motor 30 and thus rotating resilient dlsc 54 is achieved befor~ actual sorting is commenced, there is provided time delay circuit 181. Thi~ circuit includes a rectifier 149 whiGh rectifies the 115 volt A.C. input voltage at swltch 169 and then feeds the rectified voltage to time delay unit ~7. This unit ls conventional and may consist of a resistance-capacitance charging circuit wherein a capacitor is charged, with time, through a resistor, and when the voltage on the capacitor reache~ a selected ~alue, this value, as an output, energizes coll 153 of relay 15~. Relay 159 is a ~30~1!390 double pole, single throw relay having normally closedcontact~ 157. When switch 169 is closed, the normally closed contacts 157 initially supply power through contacts 173 to coil8 179 and 1~7 of solenoids 13~ and 165 and sorting is prevented. After the delay interval of de~ay circuit 181, e.g., approximately two seconds, rotating disc 54 will have reached operating speed, and the output voltage of the delay circuit will have risen to sufficient voltage to operate relay 159 to open contaGtfi 157. This removes power from solenoids 136 and 165 to a sorting mode. Thus, initially, pins 114a-114f are pulled up by solenoid 136 and pin 161 pushed down by solenoid 165. Thereafter, time delay circuit 181 operates to disable relay 159, allowing the pins to reverse their position and ~orting operation to commence.
The control of the sorting process, and particularly the halting of sorting after a selected number of coins of one denomination pa~ through the sor~er, is controlled by the electrical system shown in Figs. ~ and 7. ~ach of in~ulated pins 114a-114f is connected to coin colmter 152. Coin counter 152 is of a conventional type for counting events, and in this case, each instance of the encounter of a given diameter of coin with a discrete pin. When this occurs, a closed electrical or continuity circuit i8 effected between a pin and head 56, which typically would lowGr the voltage applied by count~r 152 to one of leads 154a-154f from ~5 volts to zero.
This effect is achieved in co~n counter 152 via one of leads 154a-154f and a Gommon ground connection between the sorter head and coin counter 152. Thus, with this configuration, coln counter 152 senses an electrical impulse each time that a coin strikes an associated pin, and thus, coin counter 152 is configured to separately count each denomination of coin. It then provides a count for each denomination of coin to coin Gount storage and to~lizer 1S6, whi~h conventionally multiplies each count of each denomin~tion by the denomination~l value of a coin and then makes available at readout 15fl a total dollar amount of a particular coin and the total dollar amount of all coin~ Gounted. Additionally, totalizer 156 includes conventional circuitry for displaying on readout 15R a coin count for eaGh coin. A selection of either a total value or a discrete coin count is typically provided by control ~uttons l~Oa-160f.
There is illustrated as a separate set of electrical output~ of coin counter 152 discrete outputs for each denomination counted which are supplied through seleçtor switche~ 162a-162f to count ~elect 164.
Count select 164 i8 ba~ically a digital comparator wherein one would ~nter a selected number representative of the number of a given denominatlon of coin (or dollar amount) that i~ desired as an output from a sorting function. Thus, if it were desired to ~top the sorting process when there were 1,000 dimes proce~sed through the sorter, 1,000 (or dollar amount) would be entered in count ~elect 164, as by toggling one of de~ade select buttons 166a-166f to enter a number for each decade. This number would then be placed in memory and di~played by readout 167. When the selected count occurs from the operation of the sorter, there would ~e parity or identity between the ~elected count and an output of coin counter 152, and count select 164 would produce an electrical output, e.g., +5 volt~, on lead 170. This output is coupled to coil 171 of relay 172 which, when energized, opens normally closed set of contacts 173, turning off motor 30 and closes normally open set of contaGts 175, which energizes coil 177 of S.~
solenoid 165 and ~oil 179 of solen~id 136. Solenoid 165 then lower~ pin 151 (Fig~. 4 and 8~ to ~top the flow of coins being ~orted while solenoid 136 ~Ause~ plate 120 (Fig~. 3-7~ to be raised upward, raising pins 114a-114f and thu~ enabling the few coins between pin 151 and pins 114a-114f to be recycled via çhute 21 to hopper 20. Additionally, coin select lfi4 may include circuitry for enabling an operator to sequentially select for the dispensing of ~elected numbers of several denomination coins, and a halt ~ignal would be provided as each of the selections was reached during a sorting pro~edure which would be halted and restarted until the last of the selected dispen~ations i9 effected. Where several selection~
are to be made, the appropriate ones of switches 162a-162f would be closed.
Alternately, relay 172 would include a double throw contacts which would provide for a higher voltage to be initially impressed upon solenoid~ 136 and 165 to effeGt quick closing and then a lower voltage to be applied as a holding voltage.
In the event that a coin becomes Jammed between edge 112, and one of pins 114a-114f, as would be the case when a bent or damaged coin, or foreign coin, i~ introduced into sorter 14, circuitry i8 provided to operate the solenoids, which prevents the feed of further coins for sorting and e~ect~ the offending coin. To accomplish this, the count detection signals from pins 114a-114f are fed to a pulse width sensor 163. As noted above, such a signal is a zero voltage pulse dropping from a normal S-volt state. Pulse width sensor 16~ sen~es when suoh a pulse persists for longer than the longest anticipated dwell of a coin on a pin in normal operation. For example, this might be approximately ~ 20 -13~1890 milli~econds. Suoh circuitry, for example, mlght inGlude an inverter in each lead from a pln, and this inverter would then translate a zero vol~age pulse oGcurring when a Goin hits a pin to, for example, a ~-volt pulse for the period of time of dwell of a coin on a pin. Then, each of the outputs of these inverters would be fed ~hrough an i~olating diode to a timing capacitor connected in parallel with a dlscharging resistor.
Thu~, voltage on the capacitor would increase with time that a ~oin bridged between~a pin and head 56 and discharged in between times. In any event, pul3e width ~ensor 1~3 would ~e operated to provide an operating voltage on lead lÇ7 and across relay coil 174 of relay 176 when a Ja~ condition occur~.
Relay 176 i~ arranged in the ~ircuitry a~ a latching relay, there being supplied a holding voltage for coil 174 through normally open contaots 168 and normally clo~ed switch 178. When coil 1~4 of relay 176 is operated by pulse width ~en~or 163, it pulls closed contact~ 168 which then apply a po~itive voltage, for example, +6 volts, through i~olating diode 161 to coil 171 of relay 172. A~ a result, relay 172 i~
operated to open contact~ 17~ and close contact~ 175, halting the outward flow of coins to pins 114a-114f and causing the pinc to be rai~ed and ~top the sorting process. Since, however, rotatin~ di~c 54 will not immediately stop the outward movement of coins, including a jammed coin, the latter would exit to Ghute 21 and hopper 20 after power to motor 30 i~ interrupted.
In order to restart operation, first, swit~h 16~
would bc operated open, and then normally closed switoh 178 would be operated open, removing power from ~oil 171 of relay 172, readying the ystem for continuing the sorting sequenGe being performed. It is to be noted, however, that ~ince the offending coin removed by the proGe~s just desGribed has bçen counted, the procedure followed by the operator ~hould probably be to redo the sorting sequenGe halted by this coin.
Alternately, cirGuitry may be inGluded to GOmpen~ate in the CQunt select circuitry for an overGount.
To examine the overall operation of the sorter, and a.ssuming that it is desired to deposit a selected number of coins of a particular denominatlon in a bag, the switch or switches 162a-162f would he closed, and the number or numbers (of different denomination coins) would be inserted in count ~elect 164 a~ descri~ed and would he indicated by display 167.
Next, switch 169 would be clo~ed, and motor 30 would be turned on. Time delay circuitry 181 would briefly apply power, through relay 159, to solenoids 136 and 165, di~abling sorter 14 until rotating di~c 54 reache~ operating speed as desoribed. After thi~ occurs, time delay 97 removes power from ~olenoid~ 136 and 165, allowing ~orter 14 to commence operatlon. Coins of different denomination, for example, a mix o~ half dollars, Susan B. Anthony dollar~, quarters, nickles, pennie~ and dimes (U.S. denominations), would be emptied into hopper 20 (Fig~. 1 and 2) which would then funnel coins onto the center region of rotating pad 54 as illustrated by coin~ 188 and 190 of Fig. 2. Coins are then urged under recess 78 (Fig. 4) by centrifugal force from rotating pad 54 (e.g., coins 80, 100, and 108) and travel circularly until they are generally aligned in a ~ingle file along edge ~6 of land L. Then they ride under ramp ~4 (coin 91) where coins are pressed down into re~ilient pad 54 and are thu~ captured ~0 and moved circularly toward recessed land 99. Upon encountering reGes~ed land ~9, sma~ler coins are moved inboard ~3Q1890 by edge 123 and thus to ramp 104, while coins having a lar~er diameter pass over land ~ and are moved at a const~nt radi~l pn~ition from ramp 94 to r~mp 104. Nex~, all coin~3 pass under ramp 10~ and thus to land 106 where they ~trike edge 111 of land L and are then moved outward and along edge 112. As shown in FigO 4, coins mc~ve al~ng edge 112 until a coin strikes one of the ~eries o~ pin~3 114a-114f. As will be noted, when this ocGurs, this coin is urged under the slope of eds~e 112 and is then captured by land L and rotated lt) circularly, being discharged at a discrete loGation around edge 116 of head L as de~;cribed.
The 6mallest coin 200, e.g., a dime, following the direGtion of arrow 202, would move through slot 204 (Fig. 1) ~nd then through L-shaped couplin~ 206, tube 208, funnel 210, and into bag 212. In the same manner, the next largest coin, for example, a penny, would be moved outward through slQt 204 downward through a like assembly into a bag 218. In the same manner, the next larger coins, coins 220, 222, 224, and 226 (fnr example, a nickel, guarter, Su~an E~. Anthony dollar, and half dollar3 would move in the direction of arrows 22~, 230, 232, 234, and 236 and then in a llke manner into bags 233, 240, and 242. This procesfi proGeedes until count select 164 sen~3es that a deslred num~er of Goins of the selected denomination have passed into a bag for that denomination.
Upon reaching the selected count, count seleçt 164 sends an electrical output to reJay 172. This cuts off power to motor 30 and ~upplles power to ~olenoids 136 and 1~5, which lowers pin 151 and raises pins 114a-114f which prevents any other coins from moving outward from the hopper and causes sorting to cease. Residual coins outside of the central hopper are passed by return chute 21 into hopper 20 to be resorted in a -- 2~ --~30189~
new cycle. Power ~witch 16~ i~ then opened, returning pins 114a-114f and StQp pin 151 back tQ a sorting mode. When sorting i9 to be r~umed, the operator enters a desired number lif not already entered as de~cribed above) into count select 164, operates switGh 16~ to supp~y power to motor 30, and fills hopper 20 with coins, and operation will again be effected as described.
Bent coins reaching or otherwise riding along edge 111 may be forced by rotating pad 54 under thi~ edge, in which case they are rotated under land L and directly into recessed land 92 where they encounter edge 93 and are returned to central opening 58. With the motor stopped, a bent coin would then be removed. ~ent or foreign coins whiGh becQme jammed between one of pin~ 114a-114f in edge 112 would be ejected a~
described above. This would result in the coin being recycled via chute 21 to hopper 20. The operator would then locate and remove the offending coin from hopper 20.
From the foregoing, it is to be appreciated that the applicant~ have provided a ~ignificantly new and improved coin ~orter. It enables a precise di~pensation of coins, and at the same time enables the position of dispensation of particular coins to be ad~ustable independent of the function of sorting.
configured to return these coin~ to hopper 20 for resorting.
Head 56 is ~onfi~ured such that coins are dispensed with sufficient velocity to effeGt this movement. The operation of pin 151 prevents emptying the sorter of all çoins following the raising of pin~ 114a-114f and the turning off of motor 30.
While motor 30 i5 turned off at the same time as the operation of pins 114a-114f are raised, rotating pad S4 may coast, and a significant number of coin~ may exit along edge 110. Stop pin as~embly 119 significantly reduces this number.
As de~cribed above. ~orting of coins is effected when a particular one of pins 114a-114f forces a coin under edge 112 at a unique point along edge 112 as a function of the spacing of that pin from edge 112. Thus, sorting of coins iæ
achieved by the different combinations of wall pin dimension~
and their location, sorting thus being a~complished at what are actually different radial positions. As they pass under edge 112, the coins are captured at their discrete radial position by the combination of land L and pad 54. They then follow a dis~rete circular path as ~hown in Fig. 4 as a function of their dlameter. To ensure this, the configuration of land L i~ such that some portion of it always presse~ on and retains the capture of a coin at a discrete radial po~ition as the coins are rotated along the paths of lines 180a-180f until they pass under outer edge 11~ of land L ~nd are dispensed. The less steep edge of edge 112, from point 112b to point 183, be:lng 30 rather than 2S as it is from point 112a to point 112b, assists in smaller coins being forced under edge 112 and reduces their dwell time on one of the sorting pins, particularly pins 114e and 114f.
- lÇ -~ 301890 As a particular distinction from the sorter~ of the prior art referred to above, dispensing is in the inverse order along the edge of plate 56 to that of sorting. In other words, while large Goins are ~orted flrst, they are the last to be dispensed. ~ispensing oGcurs in the region between point 183 and point 184, which is configured to spread or space dispen~ing as deffired. A~ shown, edge 116 is turned inward from point 183 and then generally cirGles outward to point 182, where the arc of the edge reverses, then follows a generally circular arc until lt reaches point 184. If desired, notches, such a8 notches 129 and 125, immediately reduce or increa~e the curvature of edge 11~, providing a way to adjust the exit point of a ~elected diameter coin without ad~usting the point of ~orting. With this configuration together with the capture of each different denomination of coin at a different radial position, each coin is released by land L at a different circumferential posltion as illustrated in Fig. 4.
Referring to Fig. 7, operating power for sorting operation is provided through switch 169 and normally closed contacts 173 and leads 165 to motor 30. In order to en~ure that operating speed for motor 30 and thus rotating resilient dlsc 54 is achieved befor~ actual sorting is commenced, there is provided time delay circuit 181. Thi~ circuit includes a rectifier 149 whiGh rectifies the 115 volt A.C. input voltage at swltch 169 and then feeds the rectified voltage to time delay unit ~7. This unit ls conventional and may consist of a resistance-capacitance charging circuit wherein a capacitor is charged, with time, through a resistor, and when the voltage on the capacitor reache~ a selected ~alue, this value, as an output, energizes coll 153 of relay 15~. Relay 159 is a ~30~1!390 double pole, single throw relay having normally closedcontact~ 157. When switch 169 is closed, the normally closed contacts 157 initially supply power through contacts 173 to coil8 179 and 1~7 of solenoids 13~ and 165 and sorting is prevented. After the delay interval of de~ay circuit 181, e.g., approximately two seconds, rotating disc 54 will have reached operating speed, and the output voltage of the delay circuit will have risen to sufficient voltage to operate relay 159 to open contaGtfi 157. This removes power from solenoids 136 and 165 to a sorting mode. Thus, initially, pins 114a-114f are pulled up by solenoid 136 and pin 161 pushed down by solenoid 165. Thereafter, time delay circuit 181 operates to disable relay 159, allowing the pins to reverse their position and ~orting operation to commence.
The control of the sorting process, and particularly the halting of sorting after a selected number of coins of one denomination pa~ through the sor~er, is controlled by the electrical system shown in Figs. ~ and 7. ~ach of in~ulated pins 114a-114f is connected to coin colmter 152. Coin counter 152 is of a conventional type for counting events, and in this case, each instance of the encounter of a given diameter of coin with a discrete pin. When this occurs, a closed electrical or continuity circuit i8 effected between a pin and head 56, which typically would lowGr the voltage applied by count~r 152 to one of leads 154a-154f from ~5 volts to zero.
This effect is achieved in co~n counter 152 via one of leads 154a-154f and a Gommon ground connection between the sorter head and coin counter 152. Thus, with this configuration, coln counter 152 senses an electrical impulse each time that a coin strikes an associated pin, and thus, coin counter 152 is configured to separately count each denomination of coin. It then provides a count for each denomination of coin to coin Gount storage and to~lizer 1S6, whi~h conventionally multiplies each count of each denomin~tion by the denomination~l value of a coin and then makes available at readout 15fl a total dollar amount of a particular coin and the total dollar amount of all coin~ Gounted. Additionally, totalizer 156 includes conventional circuitry for displaying on readout 15R a coin count for eaGh coin. A selection of either a total value or a discrete coin count is typically provided by control ~uttons l~Oa-160f.
There is illustrated as a separate set of electrical output~ of coin counter 152 discrete outputs for each denomination counted which are supplied through seleçtor switche~ 162a-162f to count ~elect 164.
Count select 164 i8 ba~ically a digital comparator wherein one would ~nter a selected number representative of the number of a given denominatlon of coin (or dollar amount) that i~ desired as an output from a sorting function. Thus, if it were desired to ~top the sorting process when there were 1,000 dimes proce~sed through the sorter, 1,000 (or dollar amount) would be entered in count ~elect 164, as by toggling one of de~ade select buttons 166a-166f to enter a number for each decade. This number would then be placed in memory and di~played by readout 167. When the selected count occurs from the operation of the sorter, there would ~e parity or identity between the ~elected count and an output of coin counter 152, and count select 164 would produce an electrical output, e.g., +5 volt~, on lead 170. This output is coupled to coil 171 of relay 172 which, when energized, opens normally closed set of contacts 173, turning off motor 30 and closes normally open set of contaGts 175, which energizes coil 177 of S.~
solenoid 165 and ~oil 179 of solen~id 136. Solenoid 165 then lower~ pin 151 (Fig~. 4 and 8~ to ~top the flow of coins being ~orted while solenoid 136 ~Ause~ plate 120 (Fig~. 3-7~ to be raised upward, raising pins 114a-114f and thu~ enabling the few coins between pin 151 and pins 114a-114f to be recycled via çhute 21 to hopper 20. Additionally, coin select lfi4 may include circuitry for enabling an operator to sequentially select for the dispensing of ~elected numbers of several denomination coins, and a halt ~ignal would be provided as each of the selections was reached during a sorting pro~edure which would be halted and restarted until the last of the selected dispen~ations i9 effected. Where several selection~
are to be made, the appropriate ones of switches 162a-162f would be closed.
Alternately, relay 172 would include a double throw contacts which would provide for a higher voltage to be initially impressed upon solenoid~ 136 and 165 to effeGt quick closing and then a lower voltage to be applied as a holding voltage.
In the event that a coin becomes Jammed between edge 112, and one of pins 114a-114f, as would be the case when a bent or damaged coin, or foreign coin, i~ introduced into sorter 14, circuitry i8 provided to operate the solenoids, which prevents the feed of further coins for sorting and e~ect~ the offending coin. To accomplish this, the count detection signals from pins 114a-114f are fed to a pulse width sensor 163. As noted above, such a signal is a zero voltage pulse dropping from a normal S-volt state. Pulse width sensor 16~ sen~es when suoh a pulse persists for longer than the longest anticipated dwell of a coin on a pin in normal operation. For example, this might be approximately ~ 20 -13~1890 milli~econds. Suoh circuitry, for example, mlght inGlude an inverter in each lead from a pln, and this inverter would then translate a zero vol~age pulse oGcurring when a Goin hits a pin to, for example, a ~-volt pulse for the period of time of dwell of a coin on a pin. Then, each of the outputs of these inverters would be fed ~hrough an i~olating diode to a timing capacitor connected in parallel with a dlscharging resistor.
Thu~, voltage on the capacitor would increase with time that a ~oin bridged between~a pin and head 56 and discharged in between times. In any event, pul3e width ~ensor 1~3 would ~e operated to provide an operating voltage on lead lÇ7 and across relay coil 174 of relay 176 when a Ja~ condition occur~.
Relay 176 i~ arranged in the ~ircuitry a~ a latching relay, there being supplied a holding voltage for coil 174 through normally open contaots 168 and normally clo~ed switch 178. When coil 1~4 of relay 176 is operated by pulse width ~en~or 163, it pulls closed contact~ 168 which then apply a po~itive voltage, for example, +6 volts, through i~olating diode 161 to coil 171 of relay 172. A~ a result, relay 172 i~
operated to open contact~ 17~ and close contact~ 175, halting the outward flow of coins to pins 114a-114f and causing the pinc to be rai~ed and ~top the sorting process. Since, however, rotatin~ di~c 54 will not immediately stop the outward movement of coins, including a jammed coin, the latter would exit to Ghute 21 and hopper 20 after power to motor 30 i~ interrupted.
In order to restart operation, first, swit~h 16~
would bc operated open, and then normally closed switoh 178 would be operated open, removing power from ~oil 171 of relay 172, readying the ystem for continuing the sorting sequenGe being performed. It is to be noted, however, that ~ince the offending coin removed by the proGe~s just desGribed has bçen counted, the procedure followed by the operator ~hould probably be to redo the sorting sequenGe halted by this coin.
Alternately, cirGuitry may be inGluded to GOmpen~ate in the CQunt select circuitry for an overGount.
To examine the overall operation of the sorter, and a.ssuming that it is desired to deposit a selected number of coins of a particular denominatlon in a bag, the switch or switches 162a-162f would he closed, and the number or numbers (of different denomination coins) would be inserted in count ~elect 164 a~ descri~ed and would he indicated by display 167.
Next, switch 169 would be clo~ed, and motor 30 would be turned on. Time delay circuitry 181 would briefly apply power, through relay 159, to solenoids 136 and 165, di~abling sorter 14 until rotating di~c 54 reache~ operating speed as desoribed. After thi~ occurs, time delay 97 removes power from ~olenoid~ 136 and 165, allowing ~orter 14 to commence operatlon. Coins of different denomination, for example, a mix o~ half dollars, Susan B. Anthony dollar~, quarters, nickles, pennie~ and dimes (U.S. denominations), would be emptied into hopper 20 (Fig~. 1 and 2) which would then funnel coins onto the center region of rotating pad 54 as illustrated by coin~ 188 and 190 of Fig. 2. Coins are then urged under recess 78 (Fig. 4) by centrifugal force from rotating pad 54 (e.g., coins 80, 100, and 108) and travel circularly until they are generally aligned in a ~ingle file along edge ~6 of land L. Then they ride under ramp ~4 (coin 91) where coins are pressed down into re~ilient pad 54 and are thu~ captured ~0 and moved circularly toward recessed land 99. Upon encountering reGes~ed land ~9, sma~ler coins are moved inboard ~3Q1890 by edge 123 and thus to ramp 104, while coins having a lar~er diameter pass over land ~ and are moved at a const~nt radi~l pn~ition from ramp 94 to r~mp 104. Nex~, all coin~3 pass under ramp 10~ and thus to land 106 where they ~trike edge 111 of land L and are then moved outward and along edge 112. As shown in FigO 4, coins mc~ve al~ng edge 112 until a coin strikes one of the ~eries o~ pin~3 114a-114f. As will be noted, when this ocGurs, this coin is urged under the slope of eds~e 112 and is then captured by land L and rotated lt) circularly, being discharged at a discrete loGation around edge 116 of head L as de~;cribed.
The 6mallest coin 200, e.g., a dime, following the direGtion of arrow 202, would move through slot 204 (Fig. 1) ~nd then through L-shaped couplin~ 206, tube 208, funnel 210, and into bag 212. In the same manner, the next largest coin, for example, a penny, would be moved outward through slQt 204 downward through a like assembly into a bag 218. In the same manner, the next larger coins, coins 220, 222, 224, and 226 (fnr example, a nickel, guarter, Su~an E~. Anthony dollar, and half dollar3 would move in the direction of arrows 22~, 230, 232, 234, and 236 and then in a llke manner into bags 233, 240, and 242. This procesfi proGeedes until count select 164 sen~3es that a deslred num~er of Goins of the selected denomination have passed into a bag for that denomination.
Upon reaching the selected count, count seleçt 164 sends an electrical output to reJay 172. This cuts off power to motor 30 and ~upplles power to ~olenoids 136 and 1~5, which lowers pin 151 and raises pins 114a-114f which prevents any other coins from moving outward from the hopper and causes sorting to cease. Residual coins outside of the central hopper are passed by return chute 21 into hopper 20 to be resorted in a -- 2~ --~30189~
new cycle. Power ~witch 16~ i~ then opened, returning pins 114a-114f and StQp pin 151 back tQ a sorting mode. When sorting i9 to be r~umed, the operator enters a desired number lif not already entered as de~cribed above) into count select 164, operates switGh 16~ to supp~y power to motor 30, and fills hopper 20 with coins, and operation will again be effected as described.
Bent coins reaching or otherwise riding along edge 111 may be forced by rotating pad 54 under thi~ edge, in which case they are rotated under land L and directly into recessed land 92 where they encounter edge 93 and are returned to central opening 58. With the motor stopped, a bent coin would then be removed. ~ent or foreign coins whiGh becQme jammed between one of pin~ 114a-114f in edge 112 would be ejected a~
described above. This would result in the coin being recycled via chute 21 to hopper 20. The operator would then locate and remove the offending coin from hopper 20.
From the foregoing, it is to be appreciated that the applicant~ have provided a ~ignificantly new and improved coin ~orter. It enables a precise di~pensation of coins, and at the same time enables the position of dispensation of particular coins to be ad~ustable independent of the function of sorting.
Claims (9)
1. In a coin sorter for sorting coins of a multiplicity of diameters and having a plate including a side closely facing a rotating, generally planar, resilient disc, said plate having an interior edge providing an opening through which coins are loaded onto said disc and an outer edge forming boundaries of said plate, said side of said plate being configured with lands and recesses which vary in shape and vary in clearance from said disc, the improvement comprising:
an elongated edge of one of said lands of said plate lying proximate said disc, said elongated edge extending in a region between said edges of said plate and in the direction of rotation of said disc for intercepting and moving coins along said elongated edge, through differing radii, upon their being urged against said elongated edge by the rotation of said disc, at least a substantial length of said elongated edge being a tapered edge which is tapered generally toward and in the direction of rotation of said disc;
said sorter including means providing a plurality of coin deflection regions, discrete ones of said regions being differently spaced from said tapered edge as a function of the difference in diameters of coins to be sorted, whereby a coin of a discrete diameter is rotated by said disc and moved to a position where it is engaged between one of said deflection regions and said tapered edge and is thereby urged by said rotating disc across said tapered edge and thereby sorted at a discrete radial position which differs for coins of different diameters; and said sorter further including means operative on coins passing across said tapered edge for capturing coins of a discrete diameter at a discrete radial position, whereby coins of different diameters are rotated by said rotating disc to different positions along said boundaries of said plate for discharge from said sorter.
an elongated edge of one of said lands of said plate lying proximate said disc, said elongated edge extending in a region between said edges of said plate and in the direction of rotation of said disc for intercepting and moving coins along said elongated edge, through differing radii, upon their being urged against said elongated edge by the rotation of said disc, at least a substantial length of said elongated edge being a tapered edge which is tapered generally toward and in the direction of rotation of said disc;
said sorter including means providing a plurality of coin deflection regions, discrete ones of said regions being differently spaced from said tapered edge as a function of the difference in diameters of coins to be sorted, whereby a coin of a discrete diameter is rotated by said disc and moved to a position where it is engaged between one of said deflection regions and said tapered edge and is thereby urged by said rotating disc across said tapered edge and thereby sorted at a discrete radial position which differs for coins of different diameters; and said sorter further including means operative on coins passing across said tapered edge for capturing coins of a discrete diameter at a discrete radial position, whereby coins of different diameters are rotated by said rotating disc to different positions along said boundaries of said plate for discharge from said sorter.
2. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said coin deflection regions are positioned so that, of a multiplicity of diameters of coins so be sorted, the largest diameter coin is engaged first, and the smallest coin is engaged last.
3. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said means providing said plurality of coin deflection regions comprises a series of pins, each at a different spacing from said tapered edge, said pins being positionable adjacent said disc.
4. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said tapered edge is generally straight.
5. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 1 wherein:
said elongated edge includes an end portion which is of a lesser angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to said generally planar resilient disc than said tapered edge; and wherein said coin sorter further includes means for intercepting the flow of coins of a smaller diameter than a selected diameter of sand multiplicity of diameters as they flow toward said elongated edge, said intercepting means moving the coins along paths toward said end portion of said elongated edge, whereby the paths of all coins of said multiplicity of diameters strike said end portion of said elongated edge.
said elongated edge includes an end portion which is of a lesser angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to said generally planar resilient disc than said tapered edge; and wherein said coin sorter further includes means for intercepting the flow of coins of a smaller diameter than a selected diameter of sand multiplicity of diameters as they flow toward said elongated edge, said intercepting means moving the coins along paths toward said end portion of said elongated edge, whereby the paths of all coins of said multiplicity of diameters strike said end portion of said elongated edge.
6. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said end portion of said elongated edge is generally normal to said generally planar resilient disc.
7. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 3 further including circuit means with electrical means coupled to at least one of said pins for counting coins engaging said at least one of said pins.
8. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 7 wherein:
said circuit means includes means for providing a signal responsive to a selected number of a selected diameter of coins having been counted; and said sorter includes pin positioning means responsive to said signal for abruptly increasing the spacing of said pins from said disc, whereby coins thereafter bypass said pins which are increased in spacing.
said circuit means includes means for providing a signal responsive to a selected number of a selected diameter of coins having been counted; and said sorter includes pin positioning means responsive to said signal for abruptly increasing the spacing of said pins from said disc, whereby coins thereafter bypass said pins which are increased in spacing.
9. A coin sorter as set forth in Claim 8 further comprising means responsive to said signal for blocking flow of coins to said elongated edge.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/877,205 | 1986-06-23 | ||
| US06/877,205 US4681128A (en) | 1986-06-23 | 1986-06-23 | Coin sorter |
| US07/044,971 US4863414A (en) | 1986-06-23 | 1987-05-06 | Coin sorter |
| US07/044,971 | 1987-05-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1301890C true CA1301890C (en) | 1992-05-26 |
Family
ID=26722232
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540270A Expired CA1301890C (en) | 1986-06-23 | 1987-06-22 | Coin sorter |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4863414A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU591988B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1301890C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3720599A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2193364B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8702586L (en) |
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| US4098280A (en) * | 1976-10-22 | 1978-07-04 | Ristvedt Victor G | Coin handling machine |
| US4444212A (en) * | 1978-06-30 | 1984-04-24 | Ristvedt-Johnson, Inc. | Coin handling machine |
| US4564036A (en) * | 1983-09-15 | 1986-01-14 | Ristvedt-Johnson, Inc. | Coin sorting system with controllable stop |
| ZA849710B (en) * | 1983-12-14 | 1985-12-24 | Ristvedt Johnson Inc | Coin sorter |
| US4607649A (en) * | 1983-12-21 | 1986-08-26 | Brandt, Inc. | Coin sorter |
-
1987
- 1987-05-06 US US07/044,971 patent/US4863414A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-06-04 GB GB8713075A patent/GB2193364B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-06-17 AU AU74443/87A patent/AU591988B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1987-06-22 SE SE8702586A patent/SE8702586L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1987-06-22 CA CA000540270A patent/CA1301890C/en not_active Expired
- 1987-06-22 DE DE19873720599 patent/DE3720599A1/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4863414A (en) | 1989-09-05 |
| GB2193364A (en) | 1988-02-03 |
| AU7444387A (en) | 1987-12-24 |
| DE3720599A1 (en) | 1988-01-14 |
| AU591988B2 (en) | 1989-12-21 |
| DE3720599C2 (en) | 1990-07-26 |
| SE8702586D0 (en) | 1987-06-22 |
| GB2193364B (en) | 1990-04-04 |
| GB8713075D0 (en) | 1987-07-08 |
| SE8702586L (en) | 1987-12-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |