Coin sorting apparatus
US5902178A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D9/008
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper (24) having a coin exit aperture (30) and a ramp (32) located adjacent thereto. The ramp (32) includes an upper end (34) and slopes downward to a lower end (36). A plurality of apertures (38a-38d) are formed through the ramp (32). The apertures (38a-38d) are sized and arranged such that coins of differing diameters sliding down the ramp (32) pass through one of the apertures (38a-38d). A coin container assembly (50) located below the ramp (32) includes first and second sets (54,56) of coin containers (52). Each set (54,56) includes a plurality of coin containers (54a-d,56a-d), respectively. The containers (56a-d) of the second set (56) are positioned adjacent the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54). When one of the containers (54a-d) of the first set (54) is filled with coins, additional coins slide into a corresponding container (56a-d) of the second set (56). A coin separator mechanism (90) dispenses coins from the coin hopper (24) onto the ramp (32). The container assembly (50) moves between an operative position for receiving coins and a container removal position. A safety switch (110) selectively disables the coin separator…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.