Modular coin handling and sorting apparatus

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6267663
  • Patent Number
    6,267,663
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, February 4, 1999
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 31, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
A coin handling and sorting device includes a plurality of coin handling modules which are interconnectable by a user, as desired, to define a coin travel path. Each module is easily assembled by a user without use of tools. To facilitate assembly, bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable. The housing and other components of each module are assembled using a plurality of C-clips. Each module is typically manually operated to increase a user's interaction with the device. A clutch mechanism prevents accidental reverse operation of each module by a user. To facilitate interconnection of coin handling modules in any desired order, each has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets. Each module also utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs. A coin connector interconnects the modules and includes a ramp in its inlet to flip coins onto their edges so that they roll to a downstream module. The connectors are pivotable relative to the modules to allow for varied placement of the modules and to facilitate construction of an endless loop coin travel path.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to the art of coin handling and sorting. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular device for receiving unsorted coins, transporting the coins through a complex path, and sorting the coins by size into conventional coin wrappers or containers.




Coin sorting devices are useful for quickly and easily sorting and packaging coins of different denominations. Typically, coin sorting devices receive a plurality of differently denominated coins and direct each of the coins to the appropriate one of a plurality of coin wrappers or other containers based upon coin diameter. Such devices operate by causing coins to be moved along a predetermined path which has multiple sorting slots; one for each size of coin to be sorted and arranged in order of increasing size along the coin travel path. In operation, each coin drops through the first slot encountered which accommodates that coin's diameter and into a coin wrapper or container.




U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,496 to Perkitny discloses a coin sorting device including a coin receiver into which a plurality of unsorted coins are deposited. A motorized separator mechanism lifts individual coins from the receiver and deposits same onto an upper portion of a helical coin path. The coins roll downwardly on the path where they encounter the coin-receiving apertures arranged in order of increasing size. Upon encountering the first sufficiently sized aperture, a coin will pass therethrough and into a waiting coin container and/or wrapper. Devices such as that disclosed in the Perkitny '496 patent have commonly been manufactured from clear or transparent plastic so that the coins may be clearly perceived as they travel from the coin receiving area to the sorted coin containers to provide amusement for an operator of the device.




Prior coin sorting devices have typically been entirely self-contained and not suitable for use together with other coin handling or sorting devices to provide a kinetic art form in the manipulation of coins. Therefore, their amusement and entertainment value has been somewhat limited due to the repetitious nature of the coin sorting operation. Furthermore, these prior coin sorting devices have not included an exit path for the coins other than into sorted coin wrappers or containers, i.e., these prior devices have not been designed to communicate coins to an adjacent or downstream coin handling/sorting device. Thus, they could not be rearranged to alter the manipulation sequence of the coins. Also, these prior devices have typically been motorized and/or operated solely under force of gravity so that, once a user placed the unsorted coins in the receiver, the user was relegated to the role of simply observing the coin handling and/or sorting operation. The user could not, himself, power the coin sorter. Obviously, over time, mere passive observation of coin handling/sorting operations can become tedious and uninteresting.




Prior coin handling/sorting devices have also been at least substantially pre-assembled using screws and other conventional fasteners requiring tools. Therefore, these prior devices could not be conveniently assembled and/or disassembled by a user as desired, at least not without use of tools. Therefore, these prior devices did not provide users, such as children, with a detailed understanding of their inner-workings for purposes of learning mechanical principles.




In light of the foregoing and other deficiencies associated with these prior coin handling and sorting devices, it has been deemed desirable to develop a modular coin handling and sorting device which is easily assembled by a user without use of tools, which allows a user to participate in the coin handling/sorting operation, which may be interconnected with one or more coin handling/sorting devices in any desired order to vary the coin path, and which provides a complex and varied coin travel path to increase a user's amusement and enjoyment of the device.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved modular coin handling and sorting device is provided.




In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a coin handling device includes a plurality of coin handling modules, each comprising an inlet for receiving coins, an outlet for dispensing coins, and a coin transport mechanism for conveying coins individually from the inlet to the outlet. At least one coin connector extends between an outlet of an upstream module and an inlet of a downstream module and is adapted for conveying coins from the outlet of the upstream module to the inlet of the downstream module. A coin sorter has an unsorted coin inlet in communication with the outlet of one of the modules for sorting coins received therefrom.




In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the coin handling device further includes a plurality of bases for respectively supporting the plurality of modules above a support surface. Each base includes a first boss for rotatably supporting an input gear, and an input gear is rotatably supported thereon. A stem projects upwardly from the input gear so that a user can grasp the stem to rotate the input gear.




In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a coin handling device includes a support base including a first boss for rotatably supporting an input gear, and an input gear rotatably supported on the base. A stem projects upwardly from the input gear for grasping by a user to effect rotation thereof. A coin handling module is supported by the base and includes (i) a coin inlet, (ii) a coin outlet, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from the inlet to the outlet in response to rotation of the input gear.




In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a coin handling module includes a support base and a housing supported on the base. The housing includes (i) a coin inlet, (ii) a coin outlet, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from the inlet to the outlet. A drive system is manually operable by a user of the coin handling module and is operatively connected to the transport mechanism.




In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for handling coins includes first and second coin handling modules each having (i) an inlet for receiving coins, (ii) an outlet for dispensing coins, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism for conveying coins individually from the inlet to the outlet. A coin connector includes a connector inlet connected to the outlet of the first module and a connector outlet connected to the inlet of the second module so that coins are conveyed thereby from the first module to the second module. The coin connector further includes (i) a coin transport channel connecting the connector inlet and connector outlet. The channel is conformed to support coins on their edges so that coins roll from the connector inlet to the connector outlet. A coin deflecting ramp is associated with the connector inlet and inclined downwardly toward the coin transport channel for deflecting coins deposited into the connector inlet onto their edges as the coins pass from the inlet to the channel.




One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a new and improved modular coin handling and sorting device.




Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a modular coin handling system which is easily assembled and disassembled without use of tools and wherein bases, gears, retaining clips, and other components of different coin handling modules are interchangeable.




A further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a coin handling system which can be manually operated or motorized to increase a user's interaction with the device.




Still another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a coin handling device which includes a plurality of different coin handling and/or sorting modules which may be interconnected, arranged, and rearranged in a wide variety of different configurations to provide increased enjoyment.




A still further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a modular coin handling device wherein each of the coin handling modules has an inlet at a common height with other coin module inlets and an outlet at a common height with other coin module outlets so that the modules may be easily interconnected in any desired order.




A yet further advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a modular coin handling device which may be constructed and utilized so as to circulate coins in an endless loop for amusement and learning purposes.




Another advantage of the present invention is that proper manual operation of a coin handling module is facilitated via a clutch mechanism which prevents accidental reverse operation of the coin handling module.




A further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a modular coin handling system in which each module utilizes identical interchangeable modified spur/bevel gears that are shaped to accommodate co-planar engagement or angular displacement between engaged pairs.




Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following specification.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention may take form in certain components and structures, preferred embodiments of which will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a first coin handling module in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a rear elevational view of the first coin handling module shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3A

is a front cross-sectional view of the first coin handling module shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3B

is a perspective view of an auger coin lifting mechanism used in the first coin handling module shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3C

is a perspective view of the drive-disc used in the first coin handling module shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of a second coin handling module in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 5

is a side elevational view of the second coin handling module shown in

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 6

is an exploded perspective view of the second coin handling module illustrated in

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 7A

is a perspective view of a third coin handling module formed in accordance with the present invention and connected to a coin sorting module by way of a coin connector;





FIG. 7B

is a rear elevational view of the third coin handling module shown in

FIG. 7A

, the illustrated module having a transparent housing;





FIG. 8

is a partial top plan view of a coin indexing ramp portion of the third coin handling module illustrated in FIG.


7


and taken along view line


8





8


;





FIG. 9

is an exploded perspective view of the third coin handling module as shown in

FIG. 7

;





FIG. 10A

is a perspective view of a coin sorting module formed in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 10B

is an exploded perspective view of the coin sorting module of

FIG. 10A

;





FIGS. 11A and 11B

are, respectively, perspective and cross-sectional views of a coin connector formed in accordance with the present invention, the coin connector being used with the modules of

FIGS. 1

,


4


, and


7


;





FIG. 12A

is a perspective view of a fastening C-clip formed in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 12B

is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the fastening C-clip of

FIG. 12A

in its operative position for securing two coin handling module housing portions together;





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of a base for supporting the first, second, or third coin handling module in accordance with the present invention; and,





FIGS. 14A and 14B

are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a gear formed in accordance with the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments only and not for purposes of limiting same,

FIGS. 1-3C

illustrate a first coin handling module


20


in accordance with the present invention. The first module


20


is supported on a base B and comprises a coin inlet


22


adapted for receiving coins of any denomination. The coin inlet is in communication with the interior of a coin disc housing


24


wherein a coin disc


26


is rotationally supported between a front housing wall


24




f


and a rear housing wall


24




r.


The coin disc includes an opening


28


, such as an aperture or notch, large enough in size to receive the largest diameter coin to be sorted. The housing


24


is inclined rearwardly from vertical so that coins entering the inlet


22


fall onto the disc


26


. When the disc rotates (as indicated by the arrow R


1


) the opening


28


eventually passes underneath and communicates with the coin inlet


22


so that a coin enters the opening


28


. Depending upon the orientation of the coin, either the front or rear face of the coin received in the opening


28


will be supported against the housing rear wall


24




r


so that the coin is moved with the disc


26


in the opening


28


.




It is important that the disc


26


lie closely adjacent the rear wall


24




r


to prevent a coin from sliding between the disc and the wall


24




r.


Also, the thickness of the disc


26


, and the closeness of the wall


24




r


thereto, must be controlled so that one and only one coin is received in the opening


28


at any given time—i.e., the disc “strips” individual coins from the coin inlet


22


. Thus, with respect to coins from The United States of America, the disc


26


must be thick enough so that a quarter is able to be received in the opening


28


and pass between the walls


24




f,




24




r


without difficulty. On the other hand, the disc


26


must be thin enough so that only one coin is able to be accommodated in the opening


28


and pass between the walls


24




f,




24




r.


For example, this prevents two dimes from being received simultaneously in the opening


28


and being conveyed by the disc


26


. Although shown herein with one opening


28


, the disc


26


can also be provided with two, three, or more openings


28


to receive coins from the inlet


22


for purposes of more rapidly conveying coins.




Once a coin is transferred from the coin inlet to the opening


28


of the disc


26


, further rotation R


1


of the disc causes the disc to carry the coin in the aperture


28


until the opening communicates with a coin chute


30


at the upper portion of the housing rear wall


24




r.


Because the housing


24


is rearwardly inclined, a coin in the opening will pass therethrough and into the chute


30


. The chute


30


is arranged and conformed so that a coin deposited therein from the disc


26


will roll on its edge downwardly to a drive-disc housing


32


and drop therein under force of gravity.




The drive-disc housing


32


includes a drive-disc


34


supported therein for rotation as indicated by the arrow R


2


. The drive-disc includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced peripheral petals


36


and first and second coin receiving regions


38




a,




38




b


extending outwardly from a first face


39


thereof. A coin entering the drive-disc housing


32


from the chute


30


drops into one of the coin receiving regions


38




a,




38




b


and is carried by rotation R


2


of the drive-disc to the region of a coin screw or auger housing


40


—i.e., the coins in the regions


38




a,




38




b


drop out same when the disc


34


rotates sufficiently so that the coins pass to the auger housing


40


. To ensure that the coins are properly passed to the auger housing


40


, first and second coin pushing or cam surfaces


38




c,




38




d


are also defined to extend outwardly from the face


39


of the disc


34


. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that as the disc


34


rotates R


2


, a coin that falls from a region


38




a,




38




b


will be pushed by the surface


38




d,




38




c,


respectively, into the auger housing


40


upon further rotation R


2


.




The coin auger housing


40


contains a coin screw or auger


42


supported for rotation therein about its longitudinal axis as indicated by the arrow R


3


. The coin auger includes helical threads


44


that are spaced sufficiently far apart to accommodate the diameter of the largest coin to be handled. In this manner, coins passing from the drive-disc housing


32


to the auger housing


40


are received in the spaces


46


defined between adjacent sections of the helical threads


44


. These coins are conveyed upwardly in the chamber


40


by rotation R


3


of the auger


42


. Also, it should be noted that the petals


36


of the drive-disc successively mate with the auger


42


by being received in the spaces


46


when the auger


42


and drive-disc


34


rotate. In this manner, rotation R


3


of the auger


42


causes rotation R


2


of the drive-disc


34


.




As the auger


42


rotates, coins in the spaces


46


are conveyed upwardly to a coin exit chute


50


of the first module


20


. The chute


50


slopes downwardly toward a coin outlet


52


and is conformed so that coins entering the chute


50


from the auger housing


40


roll on their edges to the coin exit


52


where they fall out of the module


20


under force of gravity for passage to an adjacent or connected module.




Turning now to

FIGS. 4-6

, a second coin handling module


120


is supported on a base B and includes an inlet


122


adapted to receive coins from an upstream module or any other source. The coin inlet


122


communicates with a first coin disc housing


124




a


which includes a coin transfer disc


126




a


therein supported for clockwise rotation (as indicated by the arrow R


4


) in a manner similar to the disc


26


described above in that coins from the inlet


122


pass into the disc housing


124




a


and are individually received in an opening


128




a


in the disc


126




a.


Again, the disc


126




a


lies closely adjacent a rear wall


130




a


of the housing


124




a


and is of a controlled minimum thickness so that coins are individually stripped from the inlet


122


and received in the opening


128




a.


Also, the housing


124




a


and disc


126




a


are inclined rearwardly as is seen in

FIG. 5

so that coins are supported in the opening


128




a


by the rear wall


130




a.






The second module


120


also includes second and third coin disc housings


124




b


and


124




c


which support coin transfer discs


126




b,




126




c


therein for counter-clockwise and clockwise rotation, respectively, as shown by arrows R


5


,R


6


. The second and third coin disc housings


124




b,




124




c


and discs


126




b,




126




c


are substantially similar to each other and to the first coin disc housing and disc


124




a,




126




a.


However, the second and third coin disc housings


124




b,




124




c


are arranged so that the second coin disc


126




b


is vertically above and partially overlapping the first coin disc


126




a.


Likewise, the third coin disc


126




c


is vertically above and partially overlaps the second coin disc


126




b.


The discs


126




a


-


126




c


are not co-planer but are parallel and lie closely adjacent where they overlap. The second and third coin discs


126




b,




126




c


also lie closely adjacent rear walls


130




b,




130




c,


respectively, and are conformed so that only a single coin is received in their respective openings


128




b,




128




c,


as described above. Preferably, the openings


128




a


-


128




c


increase slightly in diameter from the disc


126




a


to the disc


126




c


and the openings


128




b,




128




c


are elongated and defined by beveled edges to facilitate coin movement into and out of these openings. Also, timing marks and/or arrows (not shown) may be placed on the discs


126




a


-


126




c


to facilitate assembly and to ensure proper interaction therebetween.




With particular reference to

FIG. 6

, the rear walls


130




a


-


130




c


are preferably formed in a single plate


136


. Furthermore, to ensure that each disc


126




a


-


126




c


lies closely adjacent its respective rear wall


130




a


-


130




c,


a plurality of biasing springs


140


are positioned between the plate


136


and a rear housing member


142




r


of the module


120


. Preferably, the springs


140


are coil springs and are received on bosses


144


projecting outwardly from the rear housing member


142




r.






The first and second discs


126




a,




126




b


counterrotate. The discs


126




a,




126




b


are also arranged so that, as the first disc


126




a


rotates clockwise along arrow R


4


and carries a coin upwardly in its opening


128




a,


the openings


128




a,




128




b


will be placed in registry so that, due to the rearward inclination of the discs


126




a,




126




b,


the coin in the opening


126




a


passes into the second coin disc housing


124




b


and is received in the second coin disc opening


128




b.






Likewise, the second and third discs


128




b,




128




c


counter-rotate and are arranged so that, as the second disc


126




b


rotates counter-clockwise along arrow R


5


and carries a coin upwardly in its opening


128




b,


the openings


128




b,




128




c


will be placed in registry. When this occurs, the coin will pass from the opening


128




b


into the third disc housing


124




c


and be received by the opening


128




c


in the third disc


126




c.






As the third disc


126




c


rotates clockwise along arrow R


6


, the coin in the opening


128




c


is carried upwardly until the opening


128




c


communicates with an exit chute


132


formed in the rear wall


130




c.


Due to the rearward inclination of the disc


126




c


and wall


130




c,


the coin will pass from the opening


128




c


into the exit chute


132


. The exit chute


132


is downwardly inclined and conformed so that a coin received from the third disc


126




c


rolls on its edge downwardly toward a coin exit


134


where the coin exits the second coin handling module


120


.





FIGS. 7A-9

illustrate a third coin handling module


220


in accordance with the present invention. The module


220


is also supported on a base B. Coins are received by a coin inlet


222


from an upstream module or any other source. The coin inlet


222


communicates coins to a coin transport ramp housing


224


which includes a stepped ramp or incline


226


defined therein by a first housing member


228




a


and a mating rear housing member


228




b.


As is shown in

FIG. 8

, the stepped ramp


226


includes a central space which accommodates a coin indexing member


230


mounted for reciprocation as indicated along line R


7


. The stepped ramp


226


is defined by a plurality of individual, successive steps


240


. The coin indexing member


230


is likewise defined by plural, individual, successive steps or coin pushing members


242


. The coin indexing member


230


reciprocates along line R


7


between a retracted position (

FIG. 8

) where in each of its steps


242


are retracted relative to an associated step of the ramp


226


, and an extended or pushing position wherein each of its steps


242


move forward (away from the inlet


222


) and upward so that a coin C is indexed forwardly and upwardly to a successive step


240


as shown in broken lines. Preferably, the coin C is not flipped over as it moves from its first step


240


to a next, successive step


240


. The coin indexing member


230


is retracted and the process is then repeated so that the coin C travels upward in a step-wise manner to a coin outlet


250


where it exits the third module


220


. The front and rear housing members


228




a,




228




b


preferably define a downwardly sloped ramp


252


to feed the coin C from the stepped ramp


226


to the outlet


250


.




In a similar manner, the housings


228




a,




228




b


define an inlet ramp


254


to the housing


224


which provides a platform to support one or more coins C. It is important that the pushing member


242


of the coin indexing member


230


associated with the inlet ramp


254


extend upward above the ramp


254


only a sufficient distance to push a single coin from the ramp


254


to the next step


240


. In this manner, even if multiple coins are stacked on the ramp


254


, coins will be individually stripped from the bottom of such a stack up the stepped ramp


226


. A cover


260


covers the coin ramp housing


224


.





FIGS. 7A

,


10


A, and


10


B illustrate a coin sorting module


320


formed in accordance with the present invention. The coin sorting module


320


comprises a coin inlet


322


which receives unsorted coins and passes same to a downwardly inclined ramp or slide


324


. As is generally known in the coin sorting arts, the slide


324


includes a plurality of openings


326




a


-


326




d


arranged in order of increasing size from the inlet


322


downwardly toward a lower portion


328


of the slide


324


. In this manner, unsorted coins slide down the ramp


324


on one of their faces and drop through the first one of the openings


326




a


-


326




d


which is sufficiently large to allow its passage. Of course, more or less openings


326




a


-


326




d


may be provided depending upon the number of denominations of coins to be sorted.




The slide


324


is fixedly supported on a base


330


. In particular, the base


330


includes a coin container receiving section


332


which fixedly supports the slide on an upper inclined edge


334


thereof. The coin container receiving section


332


also releasably receives and retains a plurality of coin tubes or containers


336


for placement underneath each of the openings


326




a


-


326




d,


respectively, so that sorted coins are received in the containers


336


and retained in a stack. Optionally, a coin wrapper may first be placed in each container


336


so that the sorted coins are wrapped as they are sorted. The coin containers


336


are seated upon a pedestal member


340


which forms a part of the base


330


and includes platforms


342


of differing heights so that the upper edges


338


of the coin containers


336


are positioned at decreasing heights so that the slide


340


can be positioned just vertically above each coin container


336


A rear wall


350


of the coin container receiving section


332


includes a finger-access opening


352


associated with each coin container


336


so that a user is able to push each container


336


outward, away from the wall


350


, for ease of removal of the container


336


from the base


330


. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any other coin sorter may be used to sort coins together with the modules


20


,


120


,


220


without departing from the overall scope and intent of the present invention.




With reference now to

FIGS. 11A and 11B

, a coin connector


400


in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The coin connector


400


is used to interconnect an outlet of each coin handling module


20


,


120


,


220


to a successive or downstream module


20


,


120


,


220


, or to the sorting module


320


as shown in FIG.


7


A. Alternatively, two or more of the modules


20


,


120


,


220


may be connected in succession to circulate coins in an endless loop. The coin connector


400


comprises an inlet


402


shaped to mate with the outlets


52


,


134


,


250


of the modules


20


,


120


,


220


, respectively. The ramp inlet


402


can simply frictionally engage each outlet


52


,


134


,


250


for a secure connection thereto, but preferably includes resilient fingers or bite-teeth


404


for engaging a groove


430


in the module


20


,


120


,


220


.




The coin connector


400


includes a coin transport channel


408


which transports coins from the inlet


402


to an outlet


410


. The outlet


410


of the coin connector ramp


400


is adapted for mating connection with the inlet


22


,


122


,


222


,


322


of any other module


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


to transfer coins to the subject module. When connected between adjacent modules, the coin transport channel


400


slopes downwardly from the inlet


402


to the outlet


410


. The outlet


410


can simply frictionally mate with an inlet


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


or may include resilient bite teeth


412


which engage a groove


432


(

FIGS. 1

,


6


, and


9


) on the inlet to ensure a secure connection. Alternatively, the connector outlet


410


may be vertically spaced above one of the inlets


22


,


122


,


222


,


322


, and be interconnected by a vertical tube or simply vertically aligned with the inlet. As indicated in

FIGS. 1 and 4

, this arrangement allows the coin connector


400


to pivot as indicated by arrow R


9


, preferably through an arc of at least approximately 300°. A pivotable connection between the coin connector


400


and the modules


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


being interconnected, allows the modules to be placed in any desired arrangement, including the aforementioned endless loop.




The coin transport channel


408


is adapted to receive coins in a manner where they are standing on their edges so that each received coin rolls on its edge from the region of the inlet


402


to the outlet


410


. To ensure that coins enter the channel


408


in the proper orientation for rolling, the inlet


402


comprises a coin deflector ramp


414


which slopes downwardly into the channel


408


. The ramp


414


forces coins entering the inlet


402


to be flipped or deflected onto their edges when they slide into the channel


408


. In this manner, effective and efficient transport of coins from one module


20


,


120


,


220


to another module


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


is ensured. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the modules


20


,


120


,


220


may be connected for passage of coins therebetween or to the sorter module


320


by any other suitable ramp, tube, or simple vertical alignment therebetween without assistance from any ramp, tube, or like connector. Also, the inlet


402


of each coin connector


400


is designed to mate and communicate with the outlet


410


of another coin connector


400


. Therefore, it should be recognized that, by placing an upstream module


20


,


120


,


220


on an elevated pedestal or the like, a plurality of coin connectors


400


can be interconnected in succession for purposes of conveying coins from the upstream module


20


,


120


,


220


to a downstream module


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


.




The various housing members of each module


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


, and the coin connector ramps


400


are preferably secured together using a plurality of C-clips


500


as particularly illustrated in

FIGS. 12A and 12B

. With general reference to

FIG. 12B

, two housing members


502




a,




502




b


to be joined are formed so that peripheral L-shaped tabs


504




a,




504




b


respectively on each housing member


502




a,




502




b


lie adjacent or abut and form a T-shaped projection when the housing members


502




a,




502




b


are mated. Preferably, as shown in

FIG. 3A

, each tab


504




a,




504




b


of each housing member is formed with a central groove


506


therein. The C-clips


500


correspondingly include central nibs


510


at opposite clip ends which are received in the grooves


506


of the mated tabs


504




a,




504




b


when a clip is installed so that the T-shaped projection formed by the mating tabs is received in the open, central section


512


of the clip


500


as illustrated in FIG.


12


B.




The housing members joined in this manner, as generally illustrated in FIG.


12


B and as described above, include the front and rear housing members


20




f,




20




r


of the first module


20


, the front and rear housing members


142




f,




142




r


of the second module


120


, the front and rear housing members


228




a,




228




b


of the third module


220


, and the front and rear sections


420




a,




420




b


of the coin connector


400


. In this manner, a positive and secure construction is achieved without use of fasteners requiring tightening and loosening by tools. The clip


500


facilitates convenient assembly and disassembly of the relevant housing sections to increase enjoyment by an end-user.




Another feature that facilitates assembly of the various coin handling modules


20


,


120


,


220


is that each is preferably supported on an identical base B. The base B is illustrated individually in FIG.


13


and includes slots


600




a,




600




b


or other means for receiving and frictionally retaining the front and rear housing members of each module


20


,


120


,


220


so that the module


20


,


120


,


220


extends vertically upward from the horizontal base B. Any other suitable means may be used to secure the modules


20


,


120


,


220


to a base B.




An upper surface


610


of each base B includes first and second bosses


612


,


614


projecting upwardly therefrom, each adapted to rotatably support a drive gear


700


as illustrated in

FIG. 1

,


4


, and


9


. A clutch member


620


projects upwardly from the surface


610


of the base B in the region of the first boss


612


and includes a first end


622


and a second end


624


. The first end


622


deflects radially inward toward the boss


612


upon application of pressure to an outer surface


626


of the clutch member. With reference now also to

FIGS. 14A and 14B

, a drive gear


700


formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and includes an upper surface


702


and a lower surface


704


. The gear


700


includes a central opening


706


for being received on the bosses


612


,


614


. A second opening


708


, spaced radially from the central opening


706


, frictionally receives a drive stem


710


(

FIGS. 1

,


4


,


9


) for gripping by a user to effect manual rotation of the gear


700


.




At least one and, preferably, a plurality of radial ribs


716


project downwardly from the lower surface


704


of the gear


700


. These ribs


716


are arranged, so that when a gear


700


is supported on the boss


612


, the ribs coact with the clutch member


620


to allow a uni-directional rotation of the gear


700


. In particular, as illustrated herein, upon clockwise rotation of a drive gear, as illustrated by arrow R


8


in

FIG. 13

, relative to the boss


612


, the ribs


716


pass the end


624


of the clutch member


620


and follow the outer surface


626


of the member


620


. The end


622


deflects radially inward to allow the ribs to travel therepast. On the other hand, the clutch member


620


includes a face or stopping surface


628


which engages the ribs


716


upon attempted counter-clockwise rotation of the gear


700


. This prevents accidental reverse operation of any of the modules


20


,


120


,


220


. Also, the base B is preferably fitted with a plurality of non-skid feet


640


(

FIG. 3A

) to inhibit sliding movement of the base B and associated module relative to a floor, table, counter, or other support surface. Also, as shown in

FIG. 14A

, each gear


700


preferably comprises a plurality of ribs


718


projecting from the upper surface


702


. The ribs


718


are similar or identical to the ribs


716


and cooperate with the clutch


620


in the same manner as the ribs


716


in the event that a user places a gear


700


on the boss


612


in an inverted manner—i.e., with the gear upper surface


702


adjacent the surface


610


of base B.




Each module


20


,


120


,


220


preferably utilizes one or more gears


700


to drive coin movement therethrough as described. To simplify construction by an end-user, the gears


700


are preferably conformed to be universally used at any location in any module


20


,


120


,


220


as needed. As illustrated in

FIGS. 14A and 14B

, the preferred gear includes peripheral spur teeth


730


which include rounded or beveled regions


732


blending or connecting with the upper gear surface


702


. Furthermore, the outermost edge of each tooth


730


, at the upper surface


702


, also comprises a smoothly rounded or radiused surface


734


. Such gear geometry facilitates driving engagement between two gears


700


whether they are co-planer or engaged such that an angle less than 180° is formed between their respective upper surfaces


702


.




Referring again to

FIGS. 1-3A

, the first coin handling module


20


comprises a plurality of preferably identical gears


700


to effect movement of the coin disc


26


, the drive-disc


32


, and the coin auger


42


. More particularly, an input gear


700




a


is rotatably supported on the base B and includes a drive stem


710


projecting upwardly out of the opening


708


. A second gear


700




b


is supported on the second boss


614


of the base B and is directly engaged or otherwise drivingly coupled with the first gear


700




a.


With reference to

FIGS. 3A and 3B

, the coin auger


42


includes a lower end


48


adapted to engage the central opening


706


of the second gear


700




b


so that the auger


42


and gear


700




b


rotate together. Because the petals


36


of the drive-disc


34


are successively engaged with the auger


42


, rotation along arrow R


3


of the auger


42


causes rotation along arrow R


2


of the drive-disc


34


. As illustrated in

FIG. 2

, the drive-disc


34


is keyed to rotate with a third gear


700




c.


The gear


700




c


is engaged with a fourth gear


700




d


which is, in turn, engaged with a fifth gear


700




e.


The fifth gear


700




e


is connected to rotate with the first coin disc


26


.




In operation, a user grips the stem


710


and rotates the first gear


700




a


in a single direction as permitted by the clutch mechanism


620


. Rotation of the first gear


700




a


causes rotation of the second gear


700




b


and auger


42


. Rotation of the auger


42


drives the drive-disc


34


through the petals


36


which, in turn, drives the coin disc


26


through the gear train


700




c


-


700




e.


The horizontal orientation of the input gear


700




a


inhibits accidental tipping of the module


20


when a user manually rotates the gear


700




a.






Referring to

FIGS. 4-6

, it is shown that the second module


120


likewise preferably utilizes plural like gears


700


to effect rotation of the discs


126




a,




126




b,




126




c.


In particular, a first or input gear


700




f


is rotatably secured on the first boss


612


and includes the projecting input stem


710


for manual rotation thereof. A second gear


700




g


is not mounted on the boss


614


, but is rotatably mounted on an angled adapter


740


which is affixed to the rear housing member


142




r.


The second gear


700




g


is also engaged with a third gear


700




h


which is connected to rotate with the first coin transfer disc


126




a.


The third gear


700




h


is also engaged with a fourth, co-planar gear


700




i


which drives the second coin transfer disc


126




b.


Finally, the fourth gear


700




i


is engaged with a fifth, co-planar gear


700




j


which drives the third coin transfer disc


126




c.






With reference to

FIGS. 7 and 9

, the third module


220


also utilizes plural gears


700


to effect the reciprocation of the coin indexing member


230


. More particularly, a first gear


700




k


is rotatably supported by the first boss


612


of the base B for uni-directional manual rotation via stem


710


. A second gear


700




l


is mounted to an angle adapter


740


and is engaged with the first gear


700




k.


The second gear is also engaged with a third gear


700




m


which is rotatably mounted to a boss


750


on the inner surface of the housing first member


228




a.


A follower or drive stud


752


projects outwardly from the opening


708


in the third gear


700




m


and is slidably received in an angled cam slot


232


formed in the coin indexing member


230


. The coin indexing member


230


is supported for reciprocation R


7


relative to the housing member


228




b


via bosses


236




a,




236




b


received respectively in angled slots


234




a,




234




b


of the indexing member


230


. Accordingly, rotation of the first gear


700




k


results in rotation of the second and third gear


700




l,




700




m.


Rotation of the third gear


700




m


results in reciprocation of the indexing member


230


due to engagement of the stud


752


with the angled cam slot


232


. The slots


234




a,




234




b


limit the amount of reciprocal movement of the indexing member


230


.




It is preferable, though not mandatory, that the coin inlets


22


,


122


,


222


,


322


of the modules


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


be located at an equal height H


1


(

FIG. 3A

) above a common support surface such as a floor or table. Likewise, it is preferable that the outlets


52


,


134


,


250


be located at an equal height H


2


, which is greater than the height H


1


.




All of the modules


20


,


120


,


220


,


320


, the base B, gears


700


, connectors


400


, and other components described herein are preferably manufactured from a conventional molded plastic, and most preferably from clear or transparent molded plastic so that the passage of coins through each module is readily observable.




The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.



Claims
  • 1. A coin handling device comprising:a plurality of coin handling modules, each of said modules including: (i) an inlet for receiving coins; (ii) an outlet for dispensing coins; and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism for conveying coins individually from said inlet to said outlet; at least one coin connector extending between an outlet of an upstream one of said plural modules and an inlet of a downstream one of said plural modules and adapted for conveying coins from the outlet of said upstream module to the inlet of the downstream module; and a plurality of bases, each supporting a respective one of said plurality of modules above a support surface; an input gear rotatably supported on each base; and, a stem projecting outwardly from said input gear for grasping by a user to effect rotation of said input gear.
  • 2. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said bases further comprises:a clutch mechanism acting on said input gear so that said input gear is rotatable in only a first direction.
  • 3. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said input gear includes at least one projection extending therefrom, and wherein said clutch mechanism comprises:a resilient member connected to said base and adapted to deflect radially upon contact with said at least one projection extending from said input gear when said input gear is rotated in said first direction, said resilient member including a stop surface adapted to contact said at least one projection extending from said input gear and prevent rotation of said input gear when rotation of said input gear in a second direction is attempted.
  • 4. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of modules includes a first coin handling module comprising:an inlet for receiving coins; an outlet for dispensing coins; a first inclined and rotatable coin disc including at least one opening therein for receiving a coin from said inlet and transporting said coin, upon rotation of said disc, upwardly from said inlet to a downwardly inclined coin chute; a drive disc supported in a drive disc housing for rotation and including at least one coin receiving area formed therein, said drive disc housing in communication with said chute whereby coins deposited on said chute by said first disc are conveyed to said drive disc housing and are received in said at least one coin receiving area of said drive disc whereby, upon rotation of said drive disc, coins pass from said at least one coin receiving area of said drive disc into a coin auger housing; a helical coin auger supported for rotation in said coin auger housing and including a coin receiving area between helical threads of said auger adapted for receiving coins from said drive disc so that coins are conveyed upwardly in said auger housing by said helical coin auger upon rotation of said auger; and, a coin exit chute interconnecting an upper portion of said coin auger housing to said coin outlet.
  • 5. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first coin disc lies closely adjacent a support surface and wherein said disc, in the region of its at least one opening, has a thickness so that only one coin is receivable therein and supported by said support surface.
  • 6. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said coin auger housing and coin auger are substantially vertically oriented.7.The coin handling device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first coin handling module includes a drive system for rotating said first coin disc, said drive disc, and said auger, said drive system comprising:a second gear engaged with said input gear, said auger extending upwardly from an upper surface of said second gear and coupled to rotate with said second gear; peripheral petals extending outwardly from said drive disc and successively engageable with said coin receiving areas of said auger so that said drive disc rotates in response to rotation of said auger; and, a gear train interconnecting said drive disc to said first disc so that said first disc rotates in response to rotation of said drive disc.
  • 8. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of modules includes a second coin handling module comprising:a coin inlet; a coin outlet; a plurality of rotatable coin transfer discs each placed adjacent an inclined support surface and including at least one opening therein adapted for receipt of a coin, said plural coin transfer discs parallel, vertically offset, and partially overlapping each other whereby a coin is transferred from said at least one opening in a first one of said discs to said at least one opening in a second, upwardly located one of said discs when said openings in said first and second discs align in registry so that coins are transferred upwardly from a lowermost one of said coin transfer discs to an uppermost one of said coin transfer discs; and, a coin outlet chute formed in communication with said support surface supporting said uppermost coin transfer disc so that a coin in said at least one opening of said uppermost coin transfer disc is passed to said coin exit chute when said at least one opening in said uppermost disc communicates with said exit chute.
  • 9. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said coin transfer discs has a thickness so that said at least one opening in each disc is adapted to receive only a single coin therein at a given time.
  • 10. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said plurality of coin transfer discs lie closely adjacent each other in regions where they partially overlap and wherein successive discs counter-rotate relative to each other.
  • 11. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said plurality of coin transfer discs are arranged so that said at least one opening in each disc is smaller than the succeeding disc to which a coin is to be passed.
  • 12. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 11 wherein the at least one opening in an uppermost one of said coin transfer discs is oval and defined in said uppermost disc by a beveled edge.
  • 13. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said second coin handling module includes a drive system for rotating each of said coin transfer discs, said drive system comprising:a gear train including a plurality of drivingly coupled gears, wherein at least one gear of said gear train is connected to rotate with each of said coin transfer discs, wherein said input gear is drivingly coupled with at least one gear of said gear train so that said plural coin discs are rotatably driven in response to rotation of said input gear.
  • 14. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of modules includes a third coin handling module comprising:a coin inlet; a coin outlet; an upwardly inclined and stepped coin transport ramp connecting said inlet and said outlet, said ramp including a plurality of steps and divided by a longitudinally extending space; and, a coin indexing member mounted for reciprocation in said longitudinally extending space and including a coin pushing member associated with each step of said coin transport ramp, said indexing member adapted for reciprocation between a retracted position wherein each coin pushing member is retracted relative to its associated step, and an extended position wherein each coin pushing member of said coin indexing member extends upwardly above and moves forwardly toward said outlet relative to the step associated therewith, whereby coins deposited in said inlet are indexed up said stepped coin transport ramp upon reciprocation of said coin indexing member.
  • 15. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 14 wherein said third coin handling module includes a drive system for reciprocating said coin indexing member, said drive system comprising:a rotatable drive gear adjacent said coin indexing member, said gear operatively engaged with said indexing member so that said indexing member reciprocates in response to rotation of said drive gear, wherein said input gear is drivingly coupled to said drive gear.
  • 16. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:a coin sorter having an unsorted coin inlet in communication with the outlet of one of said modules for sorting coins received in the unsorted coin inlet.
  • 17. A coin handling device comprising:a plurality of coin handling modules, each of said modules including: (i) an inlet for receiving coins; (ii) an outlet for dispensing coins; and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism for conveying coins individually from said inlet to said outlet; at least one coin connector extending between an outlet of an upstream one of said plural modules and an inlet of a downstream one of said plural modules and adapted for conveying coins from the outlet of said upstream module to the inlet of the downstream module, said at least one coin connector comprising: (i) a connector inlet adapted for pivotable connection to said outlet of said upstream module, said connector inlet including a coin deflecting ramp inclined downwardly toward said coin transport channel for deflecting coins deposited into said connector inlet onto their edges as the deposited coins pass from said inlet to said channel; (ii) a connector outlet adapted for pivotable connection to said inlet of said downstream module; and, (iii) a coin transport channel connecting said connector inlet and outlet and conformed to support coins on their edges so that coins in said channel roll from said connector inlet to said connector outlet.
  • 18. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:a coin sorter having an unsorted coin inlet in communication with the outlet of one of said modules for sorting coins received in the unsorted coin inlet.
  • 19. A coin handling device comprising:at least one coin handling module including: an inlet for receiving coins, an outlet for dispensing coins, a coin transport mechanism for conveying coins individually from said inlet to said outlet, a front housing member including a plurality of tabs spaced about and extending from a peripheral portion thereof, a rear housing member adapted to mate with said front housing member and including a plurality of tabs spaced about and extending from a peripheral portion thereof in locations corresponding to the locations of said tabs extending from said front housing member so that said tabs of said front and rear housing members abut and, together, form projections, and, a plurality of clips adapted for releasable connection to said projections, respectively, to maintain said tabs of said front and rear housing members in abutment; a coin sorter having an unsorted coin inlet in communication with the outlet of one of said at least one modules for sorting coins received in the unsorted coin inlet; and, at least one coin connector extending between an outlet of an upstream one of said at least one modules and said unsorted coin inlet of said coin sorter.
  • 20. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 19 wherein each of said tabs is L-shaped and includes an outwardly facing groove therein, said abutting tabs forming said projection with a T-shaped cross-section, and wherein said clip is a C-clip including first and second nibs extending respectively from opposite ends thereof, each of said nibs adapted for receipt in a groove of a tab when said C-clip is installed so that the associated T-shaped projection is received in an open, central section of said clip.
  • 21. A coin handling device comprising:a support base including a rotatable supported input gear; a stem projecting outwardly from said input gear for grasping by a user to effect rotation of said input gear; a coin handling module supported by said base, said coin handling module including: (i) a coin inlet, (ii) a coin outlet, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet in response to rotation of said input gear, said coin transport mechanism comprising: a first inclined and rotatable coin disc including at least one opening for receiving a coin from said inlet and transporting said coin upwardly to a downwardly inclined coin chute upon rotation of said first disc; a drive disc supported in a drive disc housing for rotation and including at least one coin receiving area, said drive disc housing in communication with said chute whereby coins deposited on said chute by said first disc are conveyed to said drive disc housing and are received in said at least one coin receiving area of said drive disc whereby, upon rotation of said drive disc, coins pass from said at least one drive disc coin receiving area into a coin auger housing; a helical coin auger supported for rotation in said auger housing and including a coin receiving area between helical threads adapted for receiving coins from said drive disc so that coins are conveyed upwardly in said auger housing by said coin auger upon rotation of said auger; and, a coin exit chute interconnecting an upper portion of said auger housing to said coin outlet.
  • 22. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 21 further comprising a drive system for driving said first coin disc, said auger, and said drive disc, said drive system comprising:a second gear engaged with said input gear, said auger extending upwardly from an upper surface of said second gear and coupled to rotate with said second gear; peripheral petals extending outwardly from said drive disc and successively engageable with said coin receiving areas of said auger so that said drive disc rotates in response to rotation of said auger; and, at least one gear interconnecting said drive disc to said first disc so that said first disc rotates in response to rotation of said drive disc.
  • 23. A coin handling device comprising:a support base including a rotatably supported input gear; a stem projecting outwardly from said input gear for grasping by a user to effect rotation of said input gear; a coin handling module supported by said base, said coin handling module including: (i) a coin inlet, (ii) a coin outlet, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet in response to rotation of said input gear, said coin transport mechanism comprising: a plurality of rotatable coin transfer discs each placed adjacent an inclined support surface and each including at least one opening adapted for receipt of a coin, said plural coin transfer discs arranged parallel, vertically offset, and partially overlapping each other whereby a coin is transferred from said opening in a first one of said discs to said opening in a second, upwardly located one of said discs when said openings in said first and second discs align in registry so that coins are transferred upwardly from a lowermost to an uppermost one of said coin transfer discs; and, a coin outlet chute formed in communication with said support surface supporting said uppermost coin transfer disc and connected to said coin outlet so that a coin in said opening of said uppermost coin transfer disc is passed to said coin outlet chute and said outlet when said opening in said uppermost disc communicates with said outlet chute.
  • 24. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 23 further comprising a gear train including a plurality of drivingly coupled gears, wherein at least one gear of said gear train is connected to rotate with each of said coin transfer discs, wherein said input gear is drivingly coupled with at least one gear of said gear train so that said plural coin discs are rotatably driven in response to rotation of said input gear.
  • 25. A coin handling device comprising:a support base including a rotatably supported input gear; a stem protecting outwardly from said input gear for grasping by a user to effect rotation of said input gear; a coin handling module supported by said base, said coin handling module including: (i) a coin inlet, (ii) a coin outlet, and, (iii) a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet in response to rotation of said input gear, said coin transport mechanism comprising: an upwardly inclined and stepped coin transport ramp connecting said coin inlet an d said coin outlet, said ramp including a plurality of steps and divided by a longitudinally extending space; and, a coin indexing member mounted for reciprocation in said longitudinally extending space and including a coin pushing member associated with each step of said coin transport ramp, said indexing member adapted for reciprocation between a retracted position wherein each coin pushing member is retracted relative to its associated step, and an extended position wherein each coin pushing member of said coin indexing member extends upwardly above and moves forwardly toward said outlet relative to the step associated therewith, whereby coins deposited in said inlet are indexed up said stepped coin transport ramp upon reciprocation of said coin indexing member; and, a drive system comprising a rotatable drive gear adjacent said indexing member and drivingly coupled to said input gear, said drive gear operatively engaged with said indexing member so that said indexing member reciprocates in response to rotation of said drive gear.
  • 26. A coin handing module comprising:a support base; a housing supported on said base, said housing including: (i) a coin inlet; (ii) a coin outlet; (iii) a front housing member including a plurality of tabs spaced about and extending from a peripheral portion thereof; (iv) a rear housing member adapted to mate with said front housing member; and (v) a plurality of tabs spaced about and extending from a peripheral portion thereof in locations corresponding to the locations of said tabs extending from said front housing member so that said tabs of said front and rear housing members abut and, together, form projections; a plurality of clips adapted for releasable connection to said projections, respectively, to maintain said tabs of said front and rear housing members in abutment; a coin transport mechanism adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet; a drive system mounted on at least one of said support base and said housing, said drive system being operatively connected to said coin transport mechanism to operate said coin transport mechanism.
  • 27. The coin handling device as set forth in claim 26 wherein each of said tabs is L-shaped and includes an outwardly facing groove, said abutting tabs forming said projection with a T-shaped cross-section, and wherein said clip is a C-clip including first and second nibs extending respectively from opposite ends thereof, each of said nibs adapted for receipt in a groove of a tab when said C-clip is installed so that the associated T-shaped projection is received in an open, central section of said clip.
  • 28. A coin handling module comprising:a support base; a housing supported on said base, said housing including: (i) a coin inlet and (ii) a coin outlet; a coin transport mechanism mounted in said housing and adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet, wherein said coin transport mechanism comprises: (i) a first inclined and rotatable coin disc including at least one opening therein for receiving a coin from said inlet and transporting said coin, upon rotation of said disc, upwardly from said inlet to a downwardly inclined coin chute; (ii) a drive disc supported in a drive disc housing for rotation and including at least one coin receiving area formed therein, said drive disc housing in communication with said chute whereby coins deposited on said chute by said first disc are conveyed to said drive disc housing and are received in said at least one coin receiving area of said drive disc whereby, upon rotation of said drive disc, coins pass from said at least one coin receiving area of said drive disc into a coin auger housing; (iii) a helical coin auger supported for rotation in said coin auger housing and including a coin receiving area between helical threads of said auger adapted for receiving coins from said drive disc so that coins are conveyed upwardly in said auger housing by said helical coin auger upon rotation of said auger; and, (iv) a coin exit chute interconnecting an upper portion of said coin auger housing to said coin outlet; and, a drive system mounted on at least one of said support base and said housing, said drive system being operatively connected to said coin transport mechanism to operate said coin transport mechanism.
  • 29. A coin handling module comprising:a support base; a housing supported on said base, said housing including: a coin inlet and a coin outlet; a coin transport mechanism mounted in said housing and adapted for transporting coins from said inlet to said outlet; and, a drive system mounted on at least one of said support base and said housing, said drive system being operatively connected to said coin transport mechanism to operate said coin transport mechanism, wherein said coin transport mechanism comprises: (i) a plurality of rotatable coin transfer discs each placed adjacent an inclined support surface and including at least one opening therein adapted for receipt of a coin, said plural coin transfer discs parallel, vertically offset, and partially overlapping each other whereby a coin is transferred from said at least one opening in a first one of said discs to said at least one opening in a second, upwardly located one of said discs when said openings in said first and second discs align in registry so that coins are transferred upwardly from a lowermost one of said coin transfer discs to an uppermost one of said coin transfer discs; and, (ii) a coin outlet chute formed in communication with said support surface supporting said uppermost coin transfer disc and connected to said coin outlet so that a coin in said at least one opening of said uppermost coin transfer disc is passed to said coin outlet chute and said outlet when said at least one opening in said uppermost disc communicates with said outlet chute.
US Referenced Citations (12)
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Entry
Mag-Nif Makes it in the U.S.A.!—Banks, Games & Puzzles, Just for Fun! catalog (Front Cover, pp. 1-14 and Back Cover) (1998).