Coin counter dejamming method and apparatus
US5957262A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07D3/16
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.