Coin redemption machine having gravity feed coin input tray and foreign object detection system

Abstract

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

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to coin processing devices and, more particularly, to a self-service coin processing device having a gravity feed coin input tray and a system for detecting foreign objects input to the coin processing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Coin processing machines generally have the ability to receive bulk coins from a user of the machine. Coin processing machines include a redemption type of machine wherein, after the deposited coins are counted, a receipt is issued indicating the value of the deposited coins. The user may redeem this receipt for the amount of deposited coins in the form of banknotes. In other embodiments, the receipt is redeemed for the amount of the deposited coins less a commission charged for use of the coin redemption machine.

[0004] These self-service prior art coin redemption machines are commonly used in a banking environment and a retail environment such as a grocery store. In operation, a user inputs (i.e., deposits) a batch of coins of mixed denominations into a hopper of the coin redemption machine. The machine determines the value of the deposited coins and outputs a receipt indicative of the determined amount. In some embodiments, the receipt also indicates a second, lesser amount, which reflects a commission charged for use of the machine. The user redeems the receipt for paper currency for the value of the deposited coins less the commission. For example, in a banking environment, a user redeems the receipt at the teller's window. In a retail environment, the user can redeem the receipt at a cashier's station or a customer-service station.

[0005] A problem associated with coin redemption machines is that they are self-service in nature-a customer of a grocery store, for example, deposits that customer's coins into the machine. The self-service nature of the machine lends itself to foreign objects being deposited with the coins more frequently than in the situation where the machine is operated by an experienced and trained operator. Prior art coin redemption machines have focused on removing foreign objects that are included with the coins by providing perforated surfaces for sifting out the foreign objects and draining liquids from the coins, magnets for attracting ferric foreign objects, and fans for moving air over the coins to blow out light foreign objects. These cleaning measures, however, have focused on removing foreign objects prior to the objects being input into the coin processing mechanism (e.g., a disk-type coin sorter) of the redemption machine and have not addressed the situation where foreign objects have bypassed these cleaning measures and are input to the coin processing mechanism. Examples of foreign objects include rings, watches, nuts, bolts, and washers as well as damaged or bent coins and tokens. Failure to remove these objects can cause damage to both the objects and to the coin processing mechanism. Thus, there exists a need for a coin redemption machine that can detect the presence and provide for the removal of foreign objects input to the coin processing device of the coin redemption machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coin processing system includes a coin input area that receives coins from a user, a coin processing module that counts the received coins, and a foreign object detection system that detects a foreign object within the coin processing module subsequent to counting substantially all the received coins.

[0007] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, figures, and embodiments set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin redemption machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the coin redemption machine shown in FIG. 1 which schematically illustrates the components present in the coin redemption machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coin processing system for use with the coin redemption machine of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with portions thereof broken away to show the internal structure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of a sorting head for use with the coin processing system of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a coin input area of the coin processing system of FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the control system for the coin redemption machine shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIGS. 7 is a bottom view of a sorting head having a diverting structure for use with the coin processing system of FIG. 3 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of a gravity-feed coin input tray for use with the coin redemption machine of FIG. 1, with a hood shown in a lowered position, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of a gravity-feed coin input tray of FIG. 8a with 20 the hood shown in a raised position.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coin redemption machine according to one embodiment of the present invention showing a hood of the gravity-feed tray in a closed/lowered position.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a coin redemption machine of FIG. 9 with the hood shown in a open/raised position.

[0019] FIGS. 11 a and 11b show top and side views of a gravity-feed coin input tray, respectively, with the hood in a lowered position, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIGS. 12 a and 12b show top and side views of the gravity-feed coin input tray of FIGS. 11a and 11b with the hood shown in a raised position.

[0021] FIG. 13 a is a top view of a gravity-feed coin input tray according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 13 b is a sectional view a gravity-feed coin input tray of FIG. 13a, taken along line 13b.

[0023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments will be shown by way of example in the drawings and will be desired in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, a coin redemption machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a touch screen 12 to provide inputs from a machine user and also to display outputs to be viewed by the user. While a touch screen 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1 for receiving data entered by a user of the coin redemption machine 10, the coin redemption machine 10 may also include a mechanical keyboard or buttons to receive such inputs.

[0025] The coin redemption machine 10 includes a coin input area 14 which receives coins of mixed denominations from a user. The coin input area 14 allows the user of the currency processing machine 10 to deposit the user's coins which will ultimately be converted to some other sort of fund source (i.e., banknotes, credit to a smartcard, credit to an account, credit for purchases in the store containing the redemption machine 10, etc.) that is available to the user.

[0026] According to the embodiment of the coin redemption machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the coin input area 14 is generally funnel-shaped to direct coins to a coin processing area within the machine 10. According to another alternative embodiment, the coin input area 14 includes a gravity-feed coin input tray as is discussed in further detail below. According to still another alternative embodiment of the coin redemption machine 10, the coin input area 14 includes a coin tray that is pivotable from a first position, wherein the coin tray is substantially horizontal, to a second position, wherein the coin tray is lifted causing the coins to slide under the force of gravity into the coin redemption machine 10.

[0027] In its simplest form, the coin redemption machine 10 receives coins via the coin input receptacle 14, and after these deposited coins have been authenticated and counted, the currency redemption machine 10 outputs a receipt to the user indicative of the dollar amount of the deposited coins. The currency processing machine 10 includes a paper dispensing slot 16 for providing a user with the receipt of the transaction that the user has performed. For example, the user of the currency processing machine 10 may input $ 20.50 in various coins and the coin redemption machine 10 prints a receipt indicating that $ 20.50 worth of coins have been processed. The user can redeem the receipt for funds from an attendant of the coin redemption machine 10. An attendant may include a store employee such as a cashier at a grocery store or a teller at a bank. Alternatively, the user can redeem the receipt for credit towards purchases at the store where the machine is located. Alternatively still, the currency processing machine 10 credits a user's account such as a bank account or an account associated with a store credit cards, a store “rewards” program card or a coupon-type card which a user produces at the time of purchase for discounts. Further, in other embodiments, a commission may be charged for use of the machine. Additionally, in other alternative embodiments of the coin redemption machine 10, the receipt includes other information such as a transaction number, totals for each coin denomination, date, time, store location, and a commission amount (if any) charged for use of the machine.

[0028] The coin redemption machine 10 also includes a media slot 18 into which the user may insert an account card (e.g., a bank card such as an ATM card, an identification card including the type distributed by grocery stores, smartcards, etc.). The media slot is coupled to a media reader/writer device 34 (FIG. 2) in the coin redemption machine 10 that is capable of reading from or writing to one or more types of media including ATM cards, credit cards, smartcards or other types of media cards. This media may include various types of memory storage technology such as magnetic storage, solid state memory devices, and optical devices. The touch screen 12 typically provides the user with a menu of options which prompts the user to carry out a series of actions for identifying the user by displaying certain commands and requesting that the user depress touch keys on the touch screen 12 (e.g., a user PIN, account number, etc.).

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the coin redemption machine 10. The coin redemption machine 10 includes a coin processing module 20. The coin processing module 20 counts and authenticates coins of mixed denominations that are deposited in the coin input receptacle 14, which leads directly into the coin processing module 20. The coins may also be sorted in the coin processing module 20 in a variety of ways such as by sorting based on the diameter of the coins. When a coin can not be authenticated by the coin processing module 20, that coin is directed through a coin reject tube 22 to the rejected coin receptacle 24 which allows the user who deposited such a non-authenticated coin to retrieve the coin by accessing the dispensed coin receptacle 24. Alternatively, non-authenticated coins may be routed to a reject coin bin (not shown) disposed within the coin redemption machine 10 and are not returned to the user. Disk-type coin sorters and authenticating devices which can perform the function of the coin processing module 20 of the coin redemption machine 10 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,977 (entitled “Coin Handling System”); 5,453,047 (entitled “Coin Handling System”); 5,507379 (entitled “Coin Handling System with Coin Sensor Discriminator”); 5,542,880 (“Coin Handling System with Shunting Mechanism”); 5,865,673 (entitled “Coin Sorter”); and 5,997,395 (entitled “High Speed Coin Sorter Having a Reduced Size”); each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] Alternatively, other coins sorters such as rail sorters can be used to perform the function of the coin processing module 20. A rail sorter that can perform the function of the coin processing module 20 of the coin redemption machine 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,191 (entitled “Coin Queuing Device and Power Rail Sorter”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0031] The coin processing module 20 outputs the authenticated coins via one or more exit channels (not shown). According to one embodiment, each coin exit channel is coupled to a coin tube 26 which is coupled to a coin receptacle station 28. The coin tubes 26 lead to coin receptacle stations 28 for each of the coin denominations that are to be sorted and authenticated by the coin processing module 20. The coin receptacle station 28 includes coin bags or bins for holding each sorted coin denomination. Other coin distribution schemes are implemented in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Many alternative coin distribution schemes are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,537 entitled “Currency Processing Machine with Multiple Internal Coin Receptacles,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] The currency processing machine 10 includes a controller 30 which is coupled to the coin processing module 20, a printer 32 for outputting a receipt via the paper dispensing slot 16, and a media reader/writer device 34 for receiving media via the media slot 18 within the currency processing machine 10 and controls the interaction among these units. For example, the controller 30 may review the input totals from the coin processing module 20 and direct the printer 32 to output a receipt indicative of the total amount or direct the media reader/writer device 34 to credit a smartcard the values of the processed coins.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the coin redemption machine 10, the coin processing module 20 only counts the coins and does not store the coins in a sorted fashion. Or, the coin processing module 20 may tabulate the value of the coins that are processed without ever sorting them. In either of these situations, the coins are sent from the coin processing module 20 to a single coin receptacle station 28 as mixed coins. Because the coins are not being sorted by denomination, the coin redemption machine 10 only requires one receptacle station 28 for collecting all of the mixed coins.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, a disk-type coin processing system 100 is shown which can be used as the coin processing module 20 of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The coin processing system 100 includes a hopper 110 for receiving coins of mixed denominations that feeds the coins through a central opening in an annular sorting head 112. As the coins pass through this opening, they are deposited on the top surface of a rotatable disk 114. This rotatable disk 114 is mounted for rotation on a shaft (not shown) and is driven by an electric motor 116. The disk 114 typically comprises a resilient pad 118, preferably made of a resilient rubber or polymeric material, bonded to the top surface of a solid disk 120. While the solid disk 120 is often made of metal, it can also be made of a rigid polymeric material.

[0035] According to one embodiment, coins are initially deposited by a user in a gravity-feed coin tray (FIGS. 8a-10) disposed above the coin processing system 100 (FIG. 1). Coin flow through an aperture in the gravity-feed coin tray which funnels the coins into the hopper 110. Alternatively, a pivoting coin tray can be used in other embodiments of the present invention. The user lifts the pivoting coin tray which funnels the coins into the hopper 110. A pivoting coin tray suitable for use in connection with the coin processing system 100 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,495 (entitled “Pivoting Tray for Coin Sorter”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] As the disk 114 is rotated, the coins deposited on the resilient pad 118 tend to slide outwardly over the surface of the pad 118 due to centrifugal force. As the coins move outwardly, those coins that are lying flat on the pad 118 enter the gap between the surface of the pad 118 and the sorting head 112 because the underside of the inner periphery of the sorting head 112 is spaced above the pad 118 by a distance which is about the same as the thickness of the thickest coin. As is further described below, the coins are processed and sent to exit stations where they are discharged. The coin exit stations may sort the coins into their respective denominations and discharge the coins from exit channels in the sorting head 112 corresponding to their denominations.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, the underside of the sorting head 112 is shown. The coin sets for any given country are sorted by the sorting head 112 due to variations in the diameter size. The coins circulate between the sorting head 112 and the rotating pad 118 (FIG. 1) on the rotatable disk 114 (FIG. 1). The coins are deposited on the pad 118 via a central opening 130 and initially enter the entry channel 132 formed in the underside of the sorting head 112. It should be keep in mind that the circulation of the coins in FIG. 4 appears counterclockwise because FIG. 2 is a view of the underside of the sorting head 112.

[0038] An outer wall 136 of the entry channel 132 divides the entry channel 132 from the lowermost surface 140 of the sorting head 112. The lowermost surface 140 is preferably spaced from the pad 118 by a distance that is slightly less than the thickness of the thinnest coins. Consequently, the initial outward radial movement of all the coins is terminated when the coin engage the outer wall 136, although the coins continue to move more circumferentially along the wall 136 (in the counterclockwise directed as viewed in FIG. 2) by the rotational movement imparted to the coins by the pad 118 of the rotatable disk 114.

[0039] As the pad 118 continues to rotate, those coins that were initially aligned along the wall 136 move across the ramp 162 leading to the queuing channel 166 for aligning the innermost edge of each coin along an inner queuing wall 170. The coins are gripped between the queuing channel 166 and the pad 118 as the coins are rotated through the queuing channel 166. The coins, which were initially aligned with the outer wall 136 of the entry channel 130 as the coins move across the ramp 162 and into the queuing channel 166, are rotated into engagement with inner queuing wall 170. As the pad 118 continues to rotate, the coins which are being positively driven by the pad move through the queuing channel 166 along the queuing wall 170 passed a trigger sensor 206 and a discrimination sensor 204 for discriminating between valid and invalid coins. In other embodiments, the discrimination sensor also determines the denomination of the coins. The trigger sensors 206 sends a signal to the discrimination sensor 204 that a coin is approaching.

[0040] Coins determined to be invalid are rejected by a diverting pin 210 which is lowered and impacts an invalid coin to redirect the invalid coin to the reject channel 212 that guides the rejected coins to a reject chute 22 (FIG. 2), which directs the coin back to the user. The diverting pin 210 remains in its home, or nondiverting position, until an invalid coin is detected. Those coins not diverted into the reject channel 212 continue along inner queuing wall 170 to the gauging region 250. The inner queuing wall 170 terminates just downstream of the reject channel 212; thus, the coins no longer abut the inner queuing wall 170 at this point and the queuing channel 166 terminates. The radial position of the coins is maintained, because the coins remain under pad pressure, until the coins contact an outer wall 252 of the gauging region 250.

[0041] The gauging wall 252 aligns the coins along a common radius as the coins approach a series of coin exit channels 261-268 that discharge coins of different denominations. The first exit channel 261 is dedicated to the smallest coin to be sorted (e.g., the dime in the U.S. coin set). Beyond the first exit channel 261, the sorting head 112 shown in FIG. 2 forms seven more exit channels 261-268 which discharge coins of different denominations at different circumferential locations around the periphery of the sorting head 112. Thus, the exit channels 261-268 are spaced circumferentially around the outer periphery of the sorting head 112 with the innermost edges of successive channels located progressively closer to the center of the sorting head 112 so that coins are discharged in the order of decreasing diameter. The number of exit channels can vary according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] The innermost edges of the exit channels 261-268 are positioned so that the inner edge of a coin of only one particular denomination can enter each channel 261-268. The coins of all other denominations reaching a given exit channel extend inwardly beyond the innermost edge of that particular exit channel so that those coins cannot enter the channel and, therefore, continue on to the next exit channel under the circumferential movement imparted on them by the pad 118. To maintain a constant radial position of the coins, the pad 118 continues to exert pressure on the coins as they move between successive exit channels 261-268.

[0043] Further details of the operation of the sorting head 112 shown in FIG. 4 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/095,164 (entitled “Disk-Type Coin Processing Device Having Improved Coin Discrimination System”), which was filed on Mar. 11, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0044] As discussed above in the Background Section, foreign non-coin objects can be input to the coin redemption machine. Where the foreign object has a coin-like shape, the object can be detected and rejected as described in connection with an invalid coin. Examples of such objects can include foreign coins, some damaged coins, and washers. In other situations, the foreign objects become caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112 and continue to rotate around the sorting head in pressed contact with the pad 118. Bent coins are an example of foreign objects that become caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112. Another class of foreign objects are those that are too large to fit between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112. These larger foreign objects remain on the pad 118 in the space defined by the central opening 130 of the sorting head 112 and bounce off of the hopper 110 as the pad 118 rotates. It is desirable to remove foreign objects from the coin processing system 100 to avoid damage to the system 100. For example, some foreign objects can cut, tear, or otherwise damage the resilient pad 118. Other foreign objects, particularly those caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112 can also abrasively wear against the sorting head 112 in addition to damaging the pad 118.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the coin hopper 110 and sorting head 112 is shown disposed above the rotatable pad 118. In FIG. 5, a portion of a bowl-like portion 506 of a gravity-feed coin input tray 500, which is discussed in connection with FIGS. 8a-13b, is shown for funneling deposited coins into the hopper 110. A dashed-line 302 is shown representing the area of the pad 118 bound by the central opening 130 (FIG. 4) of the sorting head 112. Two foreign objects—a ring 304 and a bolt 306—are shown disposed on the rotating pad 118 in the area of the pad 118 bound by the central opening 130. In operation of the coin processing system 100, the coins deposited on the pad 118 are sorted as described above. After all the coins have been sorted, inputted foreign objects such as the ring 304 and bolt 306 may remain on the pad 118 as shown. These objects continue to rotate about the pad 118 and contact (e.g., bounce off of) the interior wall 310 of the hopper 110. This contact with the interior wall 310 of the hopper 110 creates a detectable amount of sound. While this sound may be unnoticeable while a plurality of coins remain on the pad 118 and are being processed, the foreign object sound is detectable after substantially all the coins have been processed and only a few coins, if any, remain on the pad 118. It is the sound of the foreign objects repeatedly slamming into and bouncing off the interior wall 310 of the hopper 110, the scrapping sound of coins caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112, the sound created by foreign objects contacting each other, or a combination thereof that is used to detect whether a foreign object remains in the coin processing system 100 after the coins have been processed.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coin processing system 100 includes a microphone 312 mounted within the hopper 110. Other embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of microphones 312 disposed around the hopper 110. The microphone 312 is mounted flush with the interior wall 310 of the hopper 110 so the microphone 312 does not impact or disrupt the coins funneled into the hopper 110. Alternatively, the hopper 110 includes a plurality of small apertures 314 that transmit the sound from inside the hopper 110 to the microphone 312. A microphone suitable for use with one embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by Panasonic, Model No. WM-56A103.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, a controller 350 for controlling the operation of the coin processing system 100 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The microphone 312 is used in the detection of foreign objects rotating on the pad 118. The controller 350 determines that substantially all the coins have been processed when coins no longer travel past the coin discrimination sensor 204, the coin trigger sensor 206, or another coin sensor after a predetermined time period (e.g. five to ten seconds). Once the controller 350 determines that there are no more coins to be processed, the controller 350 begins monitoring the sound level within the hopper 110 of the coin processing system 100.

[0048] The microphone 312 detects the sound level inside the hopper 110 and generates an analog signal indicative thereof. That analog audio signal is transmitted to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 352 coupled to the microphone 312. The ADC 352 inputs the digitized audio signal to the controller 350. The controller 350 then compares the audio signal to master ambient sound level data stored in a memory 354 of the coin processing system 100. The stored master ambient sound level data has been previously obtained via the microphone 312 when no coins or foreign objects are disposed on the pad 118 according to one embodiment of the present invention. If the audio signal generated by the microphone 312 is within a predetermined threshold of the stored master ambient sound data, the controller 350 determines that no foreign object is present within the hopper 110 and the coin processing system 100 proceeds as normal. If the audio signal generated by the microphone 312 exceeds the master ambient sound level data stored in the memory 354 by a predetermined threshold, the controller 350 determines that a foreign object is rotating on the pad 118. Put another way, the controller 350 detects the presence of a foreign object if the detected sound level is above a predetermined sound floor.

[0049] In response to the detected foreign object, the controller 350 generates a foreign object detection signal that is communicated to the user of the machine via an user display or operator interface 356. Once the pad 118 stops rotating and the operator interface 356 indicates such, the user can retrieve the foreign object from the pad 118 as is described in further detail below. The coin processing system 100 may include a light 120 (FIG. 5) for illuminating the area inside the hopper 110 to facilitate the user's retrieval of the foreign object according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microphone 312 is manufactured by Panasonic, Model No. WM-56A103, and outputs a voltage proportional to the detected sound level inside the hopper 110. Table I shows the peak voltage levels output by the microphone 312 in response to three exemplary foreign objects on the pad 118 and within the hopper 110 as well as the ambient sound level (mostly caused by the motor) and the threshold above-which a foreign object is considered to be present according to one embodiment of the present invention. The threshold can be varied in alternative embodiments of the present invention. It may be necessary to vary the threshold in situations where the ambient sound level varies from different motors, different environments, etc. The digitized voltage output by the microphone 312 was measured by a Tektronix TDS-210 digital oscilloscope.

TABLE I
Ambient	Foreign Object	Small Plastic		Wood
Level	Threshold	Object	Candy	Block
1.46 volts	1.76 volts	1.88 Volts	3.08 volts	3.22 volts

[0051] The small plastic piece was a LEGO® having dimensions of about 0.5 inch×0.25 inch×0.5 inch, the piece of candy test was a cough drop in its wrapper having dimensions of about 1 inch×0.5 inch×0.5 inch, and the wood block had dimensions of about 1.5 inch×1 inch×{fraction (3/16)} inch.

[0052] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, other foreign object detection systems are implemented. In one alternative embodiment, a plurality of light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) and a plurality of light detectors (e.g., photodetectors, photodetector arrays, or charged coupled device (CCD) arrays) coupled to the controller 350 are used for detecting the presence of object on the pad 118 inside the hopper 110. Normally when no foreign object is present, the light sources emit light that is received by light detectors sensors. But when a disruption in the emitted light is introduced such as by a foreign object in the hopper 110, the light detectors will not receive the emitted light. The controller 350 detects a drop in the signal level generated by a light detector(s) and determines that a foreign object is present on the pad 118 in the hopper 110. In other alternative embodiments, the coin processing system 100 includes one or more motion sensors disposed in the hopper 110 for detecting the movement of foreign objects on the pad 118.

[0053] As discussed above, damaged or bent coins can become caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112. The bent coins, which are in pressed contact with the sorting head 112, continue to maintain their radial position on the pad 118. Put simply, the bent coins become caught and continue to rotate around the pad 118 underneath the sorting head 112. As bent coins rotate around the pad beneath the sorting head, they generate sound as they contact the various surfaces formed in the underside of the sorting head 112. This type of sound is also detectable and is used to detect the presence of foreign objects in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the foreign objects disposed on the pad 118 in the area defined by the central opening 130 of the sorting head 112.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, the underside of a sorting head 400 that can be used with the coin processing system 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The sorting head 400 includes a diverting structure 404 that can be lowered towards the pad for directing objects such as bent coins back to the central opening 406 in the sorting head 400. Under normal operating conditions during the sorting of coins, the diverting structure 404 is retracted such that it is substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces 408 of the sorting head. However, when the controller 350 determines that a foreign object is present on the rotable pad (either between the pad 118 and sorting head 400 or within the central opening 402) the controller slows the speed of the rotating pad and lowers-viewed out of the page in FIG. 7—the diverting structure 404. The vertical moment of the diverting structure 404 can be provided by a solenoid, a voice coil, or a cam. Foreign objects caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112 contact the diverting structure 404 and are directed back to the area of the pad 118 bound by the central opening 402. The diverting structure 404 is angled toward the center of the pad 118 to decrease the radial position of the foreign objects as the objects are guided along the edge of the diverting structure 404. Put another way, the foreign objects, which are in pressed contact with the pad 118, are driven against the side of the diverting structure 404 and back towards the center of the pad 118.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the rotational speed of the pad 118 is lowered so that the foreign objects are not flung radially outward on the pad 118 due to the rotational movement of the pad 118 and back into the space between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112. Once the diverting structure 404 has been lowered and the foreign objects caught between the sorting head 112 and the pad 118 are directed back to the center of the pad 118, the controller 350 stops the rotation of the pad 118 and the user can retrieve the foreign objects from the pad 118. The diverting structure 404 then returns to its retracted position-viewed into the page in FIG. 7.

[0056] According to an alternative embodiment, the diverting structure 404 remains lowered and the pad 118 continues to rotates at a very slow speed while the user retrieves the foreign objects from the pad 118 to continually purge the space between the pad 118 and sorting head 400 of foreign objects that may become re-caught in that space. This embodiment guards against the potential situation where a user accidentally presses a foreign object back into the space between the pad 118 and the sorting head 400 when attempting to retrieve that or another foreign object.

[0057] Other post-coin processing foreign object removal measures are implemented in alternative embodiments of the present invention. For example, the coin processing system 100 may include a vacuum for pulling the foreign objects off of the pad 118. An inlet of the vacuum is disposed in the hopper 110. The inlet may include a door that is opened once the vacuum is turned on, but is otherwise closed so that coins do not become jammed in the inlet. When the vacuum is activated, the speed of the rotating pad 118 is lowered (e.g., in the neighborhood of about 50 to about 100 r.p.m.) and the vacuum pulls in the foreign objects as the objects pass by the inlet. According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, the vacuum is activated automatically after processing a batch of coins, or only after a foreign object is detected by one of the above-described detection techniques. The vacuum may be configured such that an object collected by the vacuum is deposited in a box that is accessible by the user for retrieving the object. In one possible configuration, for example, a first vacuum hose may be coupled to the inlet at one end and to the box at a second end. A second hose is coupled to another opening of the box at one end and is coupled to a vacuum pump at the other end. A screen or other filter covers the box-end of the second hose. Thus, the vacuumed objects are pulled to the box and remain in the box.

[0058] In another alternative embodiment, the hopper 110 includes a “trap” door. If a foreign object is detected rotating on the pad 118 in the area bounded by the central opening of the sorting head 400, the trap door is opened and a blade is lowered for scooping foreign objects off of the pad 118. The force imparted to the coins via the rotation of the pad 118 causes the foreign objects to travel up the blade and into a chute that directs the objects back to the user. Once the foreign objects are removed, the trap door is closed. Alternatively still, no blade is introduced and the foreign object moves out the trap door and down a chute due to the force imparted to the coins via the rotation of the pad 118.

[0059] In yet another alternative embodiment, the pad 118 is moveable in the vertical direction. When the controller 350 determines that a foreign object is on the pad 118, the controller 350 causes the pad 118 to be lowered to increase the spacing between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112. The pad 118 is rotated at a high rate of speed causing the foreign objects to fly off of the pad 118. In such an embodiment, the coin processing system 100 includes a trough disposed around the other periphery of the rotating pad 118 for collecting the objects flung off of the pad 118 and optionally a chute for directing objects collected by the trough back to the user.

[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 8a-10 there is shown a gravity-feed coin input tray (“gravity-feed tray”) 500 for use with an alternative embodiment of a coin redemption machine 502. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the gravity-feed tray 500 is shown disposed on a coin redemption machine 502. The coin redemption machine 502 includes a display/user-interface 504 and operates in a manner similar to that of the coin redemption machine 10 described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The gravity-feed tray 500 includes a bowl-like portion 506 for receiving coins from a user of the coin redemption machine 502 and a hood 508. The hood 508 is spaced from the bowl-like portion 506 by a distance sufficient to allow coins to flow into the bottom area of the bowl 506 and into an aperture 510 for funneling coins into the hopper 110 of the coin processing system 100 disposed within the redemption machine 502. But the hood 508 is spaced from the bowl-like portion 506 by a distance sufficient to inhibit a user from placing the user's hand(s) into the bottom area of the bowl-like portion 506 or into the aperture 510. According to one embodiment, the distance that the hood 508 is spaced from the bowl-like portion 506 is a distance from about ¼ inch to about 1¼ inch. According to another embodiment, the spacing is adjustable so that the spacing of the hood 508 can be varied.

[0061] The upper surface 518 of the hood 508 is downwardly sloped so that coins deposited on top of the hood 508 slide off of the hood 508 and into the bowl-like portion 506 of the gravity-feed tray 500 that directs the coins towards the aperture 510. According to one embodiment of the gravity-feed tray 500, the hood 508 includes magnets for attracting ferric objects before those objects flow along with the coins into the coin processing system of the coin redemption machine 502. For example, magnets are attached to an underside 520 of the hood 508. According to another embodiment, the magnets disposed on the underside 520 of the hood 508 are strong enough to attract ferric objects though the hood 508 such that the ferric objects remain in contract with the upper surface 518 of the hood 508. Alternatively, magnets are embedded in the bowl-like portion 506 of the gravity-feed tray 500 for collecting ferric objects. Alternatively still, the magnets are attached to an outer surface of the bowl-like portion 506 of the gravity-feed tray 500 for pulling ferric objects against the interior surface of the bowl-like portion 506. In yet another alternative embodiment, one or more magnets are disposed within the hood 508 for attracting ferric objects through the hood 508 against the upper surface 518 of the hood 508, the underside 520 of the hood 508, or both.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, the hood 508 is upwardly rotated to expose the aperture 510 at the bottom of the bowl-shaped portion 506. The hood 508 includes a handle 521 for assisting the user with moving the hood 508. The hood 508 is pivotally attached to the coin tray 500 for providing the user with access to the area of the rotating pad 118 (FIG. 4) bound by the central opening 130 (FIG. 4) for removing foreign objects from the coin processing system 100 (FIG. 3) of the coin redemption machine 502. The position of the hood 508 is monitored by the controller 350 (FIG. 6) via a hood switch 530 (FIG. 6). If the hood 508 is opened during operation of the coin processing system 100, the controller 350 detects that the hood switch has been tripped and automatically cuts power to the motor 116 driving the rotatable disk, or otherwise suspends the rotation of the rotatable disk. According to one embodiment of the coin processing system 100, the motor is a DC motor and the controller 350 reverses the current supplied to the DC motor for rapidly stopping the rotation of the disk when the hood switch 530 is tripped. Alternatively, the controller 350 triggers an optional breaking mechanism 357 for rapidly terminating the rotation of the disk 118. The user is alerted via the display 504 that the operation of the coin redemption machine 502 will not resume until the hood 508 is closed.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11a-12b, the gravity-feed tray 500 is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The hood 512 is shown in the down/lowered position in FIGS. 11a and 11b and in the up/raised position in FIGS. 12a and 12b. The gravity-feed tray 500 is similar in many respects to that described in FIGS. 8a-10; however, as can been seen in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the hood 508 of the depicted gravity-feed tray 500 includes a downwardly-projecting-support structure 515, which contacts the interior surface of bowl-like potion 506 to provide support to the hood 508. Often, especially if loaded with a plurality of magnets, the hood 508 can become heavy. This weight, in turn, places stress on the hinge that connects the hood 508 to the tray 500. The forces on this hinge are increased when coins are deposited on top of the hood 508. Thus, the downwardly projecting support structure 515 assists in maintaining the downward/lowered position of the hood 508 while also maintaining the spacing between the hood 508 and the downwardly sloping surface of the bowl-like portion 506 to allow the passage of coins.

[0064] The operation of the coin redemption machine 502 will now be described. A user deposits (e.g., dumps) coins into the gravity-feed tray 500 and ferric objects are attracted by magnets attached to the hood 508 of the gravity-feed tray 500 and those objects are optionally collected by the user. The user then instructs the coin redemption machine 502 to commence the processing of the deposited coins via the display/user-interface 504. The coin redemption machine 502 will begin processing the coins if the controller 350 determines the hood 508 is closed-if not, the user is instructed via the interface 504 to lower the hood 508. The coins are then processed by the coin processing system 100 disposed in the coin redemption machine 502. Valid coins are counted and sorted and invalid coins are rejected and returned to the user via the rejected coin receptacle 24 (FIG. 1).

[0065] After the controller 350 determines that all of the coins have been processed, it determines whether any foreign objects are present within the coin processing system 100 on the pad 118. The controller 350 begins to monitor the audio signal generated by the microphone 312 to determine whether the audio signal exceeds the stored master ambient sound data. If the stored sound data exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller 350 generates a foreign object detection signal, informs the user of such via the interface 356, and terminates the rotation of the pad 118. Alternatively, the rotation of the pad is first slowed and the diverter 404 (FIG. 4) is lowered to direct any foreign objects caught between the pad 118 and the sorting head 112 back to the area on the pad 118 bound by the central opening 402. The controller 350 then terminates the rotation of the pad 118. Alternatively, as described above, the pad 118 continues to rotates at a very slow speed with the diverting structure 404 lowered to keep the foreign objects on the pad 118 bound by the central opening 402.

[0066] The user is then given the option of retrieving the foreign object(s) from the pad 118 or proceeding directly to having the coin redemption machine 502 issue a receipt. If the user opts not to retrieve the objects, the receipt is issued and the objects remain on the pad 118. If the user elects to retrieve the objects on the pad 118, the user is provided with instructions via the interface 356. The user opens/upwardly-rotates the hood 508 thus exposing the aperture 510 leading from the gravity-feed tray 500 to the hopper 110. Once the hood 508 is opened, the hood switch 530 is tripped and the controller 350 does not resume operation of the redemption machine 502 until the hood 508 is closed and also, optionally, until the user indicates via the interface 504 that the hood 508 is closed. Alternatively, when the hood 508 is opened, the pad 118 continues to rotate at a very slow speed as described above. After the user has retrieved the objects from the pad 118, the user closes (downwardly rotates) the hood 508 causing the hood switch 530 to indicate to the controller 350 that the hood 508 is closed. Optionally, the user may be required to input that the hood 508 is closed via the interface 504. The coin redemption machine 502 then issues a receipt for the transaction. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, once the user closes the hood 508, the controller 350 again monitors the microphone 312 for the presence of foreign objects remaining on the pad 118. If the controller 350 detects foreign objects remaining on the pad 118, the user is notified as such.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a gravity-feed tray 600 is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The gravity-feed tray 600 includes a bowl-like portion 602 for funneling coins towards an aperture 604 having a width W disposed towards the bottom of the bowl-like portion 602 of the tray 600. The gravity-feed tray 600 includes a door 606 for allowing access to the pad 118 to remove foreign objects. The user can upwardly rotate the door 606 to remove foreign objects. Downward rotation of the door 606 is prevented by a lip 608 formed in the side wall of the tray 600. Similar to the hood 508 discussed in connection with FIG. 10, the door 606 is equipped with a switch (not shown) for monitoring the positions of the door. Magnets 610 are optionally attached to the door for collecting ferric objects included with the coins.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the coin redemption machine 502 is equipped with software allowing the coin redemption machine 502 to be operated in two different modes: (i) a self-service mode; and (ii) an operator mode. The self-service mode is as described above wherein a user deposits coins for processing and is issued a receipt for the transaction. The operator mode is designed for an operator of the device who is an employee of the store where the redemption machine 502 is located and has been trained on the use of the redemption machine 502 or is an otherwise experienced operator of the redemption machine 502. In order to instruct the redemption machine 502 to operate in an operator mode, the operator must first input an operator access code via the interface 504. In operator mode, the operator is permitted to make a variety of adjustments to the machine such as instruct the machine to print status reports, control the amount of bag-stops (amount deposited into each bag), balance the machine, shut down the machine, vary the amount of commission charged, change coin bags, or otherwise service the machine.

[0069] Operator mode is useful in several respects. First, if a user of the machine is having problems with the machine or is confused how to operate the machine (in self-service mode), the user can summon an operator via the interface. A signal is then sent to the operator via a network connection or via a light (e.g., a flashing light) on the machine. The operator can explain and walk the user through the operation of the machine in user-mode or can access the operator mode to remedy the problem that the user is having.

[0070] Second, the operator mode also permits the operator (e.g., an employee of the store where the machine resides) to use the coin redemption machine 502 as a conventional coin processing machine for processing the store's coins. In this situation, the operator enters an operator access code and processes the stores coins without having a commission charged and can change coins bags as they become full. Using the coin redemption machine 502 to process the store's coins saves the store the expense and floor space associated with a conventional coin processing machine.

[0071] According to an alternative embodiment of the coin redemption machine 502, an operator when operating the machine pursuant to the operator mode, a “Set-Up” mode, or a “Configuration” mode, can select from various terms (or create their own terms) to be displayed by the coin redemption machine 502 on the display/user-interface 504. The different stores where the machine 502 is located may have varying preferences on how the coin redemption machine 502 refers to various items. For example, one store may prefer the fee charged by the machine be termed a “service fee” while another store may prefer that the fee be termed a commission, a transaction fee, a transaction charge, a coin processing fee, etc. In another example, the stores may prefer that users of the coin redemption machine be addressed with different terms such as client, customer, “Store Name” customer, or “Bank Name” customer. In the operator mode, the operator can select from a list of terms for various items such as the fee and customer name or, alternatively, input a new term not included in the list.

[0072] As discussed above, according to one embodiment of the present invention the coin redemption machine 502 charges a commission for use of the machine 502. The receipt issued by the coin redemption machine 502 may reflect the value of the deposited coins, the amount of the commission, and/or the value of the deposited coin amount less the commission. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a bonus may be added onto the amount redeemed. For example, a store may desire to have a promotion to attract users into the store whereby by an amount (e.g., a percentage of the coins processed) in addition to the dollar amount of the deposited coins is printed on the receipt issued by the coin redemption machine 502.

[0073] The commission charged by the coin redemption machine 502 can be equivalent to a percentage (e.g., 5%, 8%, etc.) of the dollar value of the deposited coins or the commission charged can be a fixed dollar amount (e.g., $1 or $1 for every $10 in coins deposited) in alternative embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments, the machine 502 can vary the rate charged to customers based on a variety of factors. For example, customers who are considered by the store (where the coin redemption machine is located) to be a preferred customer may be charged a reduced percentage than a customer who is not a preferred customer. A store may consider a customer having a coupon card or a rewards card issued by the store to be a preferred customer. A preferred customer would identify himself or herself to the machine 502 by inserting that customer's coupon/rewards card into the media slot 18. In the banking environment, a bank may consider a customer a preferred customer when that customer maintains a minimum balance in a bank account at that particular bank or that customer maintains a particular type of account.

[0074] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the coin redemption machine 502 charges a fee for the use of the machine according to a sliding scale. For example, for all deposits under $10 a fee of $1 is charged, for all deposits between $10 and $20 a fee of 9% of the total is charged, for all deposits between $20 and $50 a fee of 8% is charged, and so on. In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, the commission charged is the greater of either a flat fee or a percentage of the value of deposited coins. For example, the fee may be the greater of $2 or 10% of the value of the deposited coins. Thus where only $5 worth of coins are deposited, a $2 fee would be charged. But, where $30 in coins are deposited, a $3 fee would be charged.

[0075] In addition to embodiments described above, several embodiments of the present inventions will now be described.

[0076] According to one alternative embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption machine having a foreign object detection system comprises: (a) a coin input area for receiving coins from a user; (b) a coin processing module for counting the coins received in the coin input area; (c) a microphone disposed in the coin processing module for detecting sound in the coin processing module, the microphone adapted to generate a sound level signal indicative of the amount of sound in the coin processing module; (d) a memory having stored therein master ambient sound level data; and (e) a controller electronically coupled to the microphone and the memory, the controller comparing the sound level signal generated by the microphone to the stored master ambient sound level data, the controller being adapted to generate a foreign object detection signal when the sound level signal does not favorably compare to the stored master ambient sound level data.

[0077] According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption machine having a foreign object removal system comprises: (a) a coin input area for receiving coins from a user; (b) a coin processing module for counting the coins received in the coin input area; and (c) a vacuum having an inlet disposed in the coin processing module for removing foreign objects from the coin processing module. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the above-discussed vacuum pulls the foreign objects into an access box that is accessible by a user of the coin redemption machine.

[0078] According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention a coin redemption machine having a foreign object removal system comprises: (a) a coin input area for receiving a plurality of coins from a user; (b) a rotatable disk including a resilient pad for imparting motion to the received plurality of coins; (c) a sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly from said resilient upper surface of said disk, said lower surface of said sorting head forming a plurality of coin exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of different denominations; and (d) a diverting structure coupled to the sorting head, the diverting structure movable between a first position wherein the diverting structure is substantially flush with the lower surface of the sorting head and a second position wherein the diverting structures extends downward from the lower surface of the sorting head, in the second position the diverting structured impacting coins and non-coin objects and directing the coins and non-coin objects towards a center of the pad.

[0079] According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a gravity-feed coin input tray for a coin redemption machine comprises: (a) a bowl-shaped body having an aperture formed therein towards a base of the bowl-shaped body, the aperture discharging coins to a coin processing system of the coin redemption machine, the bowl-shaped body having an interior surface for funneling coins towards the aperture; and (b) a hood disposed over the aperture in the base of the bowl-shaped body, the hood being spaced from the interior surface of the bowl-shaped body. According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the above-discussed hood is moveable from a first position wherein the hood is disposed over the aperture to a second position wherein the hood is upwardly rotated away from the aperture.

[0080] According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption machine comprises: (a) a gravity-feed coin input tray for receiving a plurality of coins from a user of the machine, the gravity-feed coin input tray having a bowl-shaped body and an aperture formed therein towards a base of the bowl-shaped body, the bowl-shaped body having an interior surface for funneling coins towards the aperture; (b) a hood pivotally coupled to the gravity feed input tray, the hood pivotally moveable between a first and a second position, the hood being disposed over the aperture in the base of the bowl-shaped body and spaced from the interior surface of the bowl-shaped body when in the first position; the hood being pivoted away from the aperture in the base of the bowl-shaped body when in the second position; (c) a switch for detecting the position of the hood; (d) a coin processing module for counting the coins received in the coin input area, the coin processing module being disposed below the gravity-feed coin input tray, the coin processing module receiving coins funneled through the aperture of gravity-feed coin input tray; and (e) a controller electronically coupled to the switch for monitoring the position of the hood, the controller suspending operation of the coin processing module when the hood is not in the first position.

[0081] According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a self-service coin redemption machine comprises: (a) a coin processing module for processing coins received by a user of the device; and (b) means for detecting a foreign object including damaged and bent coins within coin processing module after substantially all of the coins been processed by the coin processing mechanism.

[0082] According to still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a self-service coin redemption machine comprises: (a) a coin processing module for processing coins received by a user of the device; and (b) means for removing one or more foreign object including damaged and bent coins from the coin processing module after substantially all of the coins been processed by the coin processing mechanism.

[0083] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.

Claims

1. A coin processing system, comprising: a coin input area for receiving coins from a user; a coin processing module for counting the received coins; and a foreign object detection system for detecting a foreign object within the coin processing module subsequent to counting substantially all the received coins.

2. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the foreign object detection system alerts the user of the presence of a detected foreign object.

3. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the foreign object detection system comprises a microphone for detecting sounds associated with a foreign object.

4. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the foreign object detection system comprises: a microphone adapted to generate a sound level signal indicative of the amount of sound in the coin processing module; a memory storing master ambient sound level data for the coin processing module; and a controller electronically coupled to the microphone and the memory, the controller comparing the sound level signal generated by the microphone to the stored master ambient sound level data.

5. The coin processing system of claim 5 wherein the controller generates a foreign object detection signal when the sound level signal does not favorably compare to the stored master ambient sound level data.

6. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the coin processing system is a coin-redemption-type coin-processing system.

7. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the foreign object detection system comprises a vacuum system having an inlet disposed in the coin processing module for removing foreign objects from the coin processing module.

8. The coin processing system of claim 7 further comprising a user-accessible area, wherein the vacuum system pulls the foreign objects the into the user-accessible area.

9. The coin processing system of claim 1 wherein the coin input area comprises a gravity feed coin input tray.

10. The coin proceeding system of claim 8 wherein the gravity feed tray includes a bowl-shaped portion for receiving coins, an aperture for directing coins to the coin processing module, and a hood spaced from and disposed over the aperture.

11. The coin processing system of claim 10 wherein the hood is pivotally coupled to the bowl-shaped portion, the hood pivoting from a first position where the hood is disposed over the aperture to a second position for providing the user access to the operator.

12. The coin processing system of claim 11 wherein the coin processing module suspends operation when the hood is pivoted to the second position.

13. A coin processing system, comprising: a coin input area for receiving a plurality of coins from a user; a rotatable disk including a resilient pad for imparting motion to the received plurality of coins; a sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly from said resilient upper surface of said disk, said lower surface of said sorting head forming a plurality of coin exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of different denominations; at least one microphone disposed proximate the rotatable disk for detecting sound around the rotatable disk and for generating a sound level signal indicative of the detected sound in the coin processing module; a memory storing master ambient sound level data for the coin processing module; and a controller electronically coupled to the microphone and the memory, the controller comparing the sound level signal generated by the microphone to the stored master ambient sound level data.

14. The coin processing system of claim 13 wherein the controller generates a foreign object detection signal when the sound level signal does not favorably compare to the stored master ambient sound level data.

15. The coin processing system of claim 14 wherein the controller suspends the rotation of the rotatable disk upon generation of a foreign object detection signal.

16. The coin processing system of claim 13 further comprising a diverting structure coupled to the sorting head, the diverting structure being movable between a first position wherein the diverting structure is substantially flush with a lower surface of the sorting head and a second position wherein the diverting structures extends downward from the lower surface of the sorting head, in the second position the diverting structure impacting coins and non-coin objects and directing the coins and non-coin objects towards a center of the pad.

17. The coin processing system of claim 13 wherein the a coin input area comprises: a gravity-feed coin input tray having a bowl-shaped body with an aperture formed therein towards a bottom of the bowl-shaped body, the bowl-shaped body having an interior surface for funneling coins towards the aperture, the aperture discharging coins onto the rotatable disk; and a hood disposed over the aperture in the base of the bowl-shaped body, the hood being spaced from the interior surface of the bowl-shaped body.

18. The coin processing system of claim 17 wherein the hood is moveable from a first position wherein the hood is disposed over the aperture to a second position wherein the hood is upwardly rotated away from the aperture.

19. The coin processing system of claim 18 comprising a switch for detecting the position of the hood, wherein the controller is electronically coupled to the switch for monitoring the position of the hood.

20. The coin processing system of claim 19 wherein the controller suspends the rotating of the disk when the hood is not in the first position.

21. The coin processing system of claim 20 wherein the controller resumes the rotating of the disk when the hood is returned to the first position.

22. The coin processing system of claim 13 wherein the coin processing system is a coin-redemption-type coin-processing system.

23. The coin processing system of claim 13 wherein the at least one microphone includes a plurality of microphones.

24. The coin processing system of claim 23 comprising: at least one coin counting sensor for counting coins discharged from the coin exit channels, the at least one coin counting sensor generating a signal indicative of the passage of a coin; wherein controller is electrically coupled to the at least one coin counting sensor, the controller receiving a first signal indicative of the passage of a coin from the at least one coin counting sensor, the controller comparing the sound level signal generated by the microphone to the stored master ambient sound level data when no subsequent signal is received from the at least one coin counting sensor within a predetermined amount of time after receipt of the first signal.

25. The coin processing system of claim 24 wherein the predetermined amount of time is between about five seconds and about ten seconds.

26. A method for detecting the presence of foreign objects including damaged coins in a coin processing system, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of coins to be processed from a user in a coin input area; processing received coins with a coin processing module; and monitoring the sound level within the coin processing module.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein monitoring the sound level occurs subsequent to processing received coins.

28. The method of claim 26 wherein monitoring further comprises monitoring the sound level within the coin processing module after processing substantially all the received coins.

29. The method of claim 26 wherein monitoring further comprises: detecting the level of sound within the coin processing module subsequent to processing substantially all the received coins; and comparing the detected sound level to master ambient sound level data for the coin processing module stored in a memory of the coin processing system.

30. The method of claim 29 further comprising generating a foreign object detection signal when the detected sound level signal does not favorably compare to the stored master ambient sound level data.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising suspending the rotating of the rotatable disk upon generation of the foreign object detection signal.

32. The method of claim 30 further comprising removing the foreign object from the coin processing module.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein removing comprising manually removing.

34. The method of claim 30 wherein removing comprising automatically removing.

35. The method of claim 29 wherein processing comprises moving the received coins including a coin path including and detecting the passage of coins including the first coin along the path; and wherein the comparing is performed upon not detecting the passage of a second coin along the coin path within a predetermined amount of time following the detection of the first coin.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the predetermined amount of time is between about five seconds and about ten seconds.

37. The method of claim 26 comprising collecting ferric foreign objects received with the received coins in coin input area.

38. A method for detecting foreign objects including damaged coins in a coin processing system, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of coins to be processed from a user in a coin input area; processing received coins with a coin processing module; and monitoring the coin processing module for the presence of a foreign object.

39. The method of claim 38 further comprising detecting a foreign object within the coin processing module.

40. The method of claim 39 further comprising removing the foreign object from the coin processing module.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein removing comprising manually removing the foreign object.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein removing comprising automatically removing the foreign object.

43. The method of claim 38 wherein monitoring further comprises monitoring subsequent to processing received coins.

44. The method of claim 38 wherein monitoring further comprises monitoring the sound level within the coin processing module.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein monitoring further comprises monitoring the sound level within the coin processing module after processing substantially all the received coins.

46. The method of claim 44 wherein monitoring further comprises: detecting the level of sound within the coin processing module subsequent to processing substantially all the received coins; and comparing the detected sound level to master ambient sound level data for the coin processing module stored in a memory of the coin processing system.

47. The method of claim 46 further comprising generating a foreign object detection signal when the detected sound level signal does not favorably compare to the stored master ambient sound level data.

48. The method of claim 47 further comprising suspending the rotating of the rotatable disk upon generation of the foreign object detection signal.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein processing comprises moving the received coins including a first coin along a coin path including and detecting the passage of coins including the first coin along the path; and wherein the comparing is performed upon not detecting the passage of a second coin along the coin path within a predetermined amount of time following the detection of the first coin.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the predetermined amount of time is between about five seconds and about ten seconds.

51. The method of claim 38 comprising collecting ferric foreign objects received with the received coins in coin input area.

52. A self-service coin processing system comprising: a gravity-feed coin input area for receiving a plurality coins to be processed from a user, the input area including a downwardly sloping interior surface for directing coins, under the force of gravity, towards an aperture disposed in the gravity-feed coin input area; a coin processing module for receiving coins from the aperture of the gravity-feed coin input area, the coin processing module determining the amount of received coins; and a hood disposed over the aperture in the gravity-feed coin input area, the hood being spaced from the interior surface of the gravity-feed coin input area a distance sufficient to allow the passage of coins between the hood and the interior surface.

53. The coin processing system of claim 52 wherein the hood is hingedly coupled to the a gravity-feed coin input area, the hood being upwardly rotatable from a first position disposed over the aperture to a second position for exposing the aperture.

54. The coin processing system of claim 53 comprising a switch for detecting the position of the hood.

55. The coin processing system of claim 54 wherein the operation of the coin processing module is suspended when the switch detects that the hood is in the second position.

56. The coin processing system of claim 53 wherein the hood has a hinged edge and a free edge, the free edge having an integral handle.

57. The coin processing system of claim 52, wherein the hood has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being downwardly sloped to direct coins deposited thereon towards the gravity-feed coin receiving area.

58. The coin processing system of claim 57 comprising at least one magnet disposed within the hood for attracting ferric foreign objects received with the plurality of coins to be processed.

59. The coin processing system of claim 58 wherein the at least one magnet is positioned within the hood to pull ferric foreign objects against the top surface of the hood.

60. The coin processing system of claim 58 wherein the at least one magnet is positioned within the hood to pull ferric foreign objects against the bottom surface of the hood.

61. The coin processing system of claim 52 wherein the downwardly sloping interior surface of the gravity feed coin input area is bowl-shaped.

62. The coin processing system of claim 52 comprising: an outer surface opposite of the gravity feed coin input area includes opposite the downwardly sloping interior surface; and a least one magnet disposed along the outer surface for pulling ferric foreign objects received with the coins against the downwardly sloping interior surface.

63. A method of receiving coins in a coin input area of a self-service coin processing system, the coin input area including a downwardly sloping surface and an aperture disposed proximate a bottom of the downwardly sloping surface, the method comprising: diverting coins away from the aperture, under the force of gravity, with a hood disposed over the aperture; receiving coins diverted by the hood with the downwardly sloping surface; directing coins received by the downwardly sloping surface, under the force of gravity, toward the aperture; discharging coins from the coin input area; and positioning the hood for inhibiting a user from accessing the aperture.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein positioning the hood further comprises spacing the hood a distance from the downwardly sloping surface ranging from about ¾ inch to about 1¼ inches.

65. The method claim 63 wherein the hood is hingedly attached to the coin input area, the method further comprising permitting a user to accessing the aperture with the hood.

66. The method of claims 65 wherein permitting further comprises upwardly rotating the hood.