Coinstar, Inc.

Jens H Molbak

Scott J Scherer

Vae E Sun

Dan Gerrity

Aaron R Finch

Michael Doran

Johanna Carlson

Carol Lewis

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. After sorting, the coins fall into a temporary holding area. At this point the transaction can either be canceled or accepted. If the transaction is canceled, the coins are returned. If the transaction is accepted, the coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of store coupons. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed regardless of whether or not the transaction is accepted.

Coin counter/sorter and coupon/voucher dispensing machine and method

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Coin counter and voucher dispensing machine and method

Methods and systems for exchanging coins are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of exchanging coins includes positioning a coin counting kiosk in a publicly-accessible area of a supermarket, and receiving a plurality of coins of multiple denominations at the coin counting kiosk. The method of this embodiment further includes counting the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the coins, and dispensing a voucher from the coin counting kiosk. The voucher can be redeemed at a point of sale in the supermarket for an amount related to the total value of the coins. The method of this embodiment additionally includes communicating status information from the coin counting kiosk to a central computer located outside of the supermarket.

An automatic response to a detected jam or other slowing or stoppage in a coin handler, such as a coin counter and/or sorter, is provided. Such automatic dejamming is particularly useful for unattended operation of coin handlers. Preferably the response is substantially flexible, such as by providing different responses depending on the type of jam and/or the history of jamming. In one embodiment, potential responses include initiating a wait period, providing mechanical energy (such as causing vibration by controllably activating transducers, preferably addressable transducers which perform a second function in the apparatus), and/or impact. When the coin handler uses a rail mechanism, reliable, reduced-jam operation is enhanced by a ribbed rail structure that reduces or minimized the amount of surface area in contact with the coin face, consistent with providing the support desired for assuring accurate counting. Preferably the ribs are relatively deep, and have a rounded profile.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Jens H Molbak