Telequip Corporation

Mei, Inc.

Paul O Stump

Michael F Jones

Victor A Quattrini

Robert Pitman

Jack J Bisson

Jeffrey M Janway

Hamlin Peterke

Don Stanley

Michael Thibedeau

Jeff Janway

A bulk coin dispenser bin holds nonaligned coin inventory even when removed from a base containing drive mechanisms and control electronics. A rotor assembly at the bin outlet retains coin inventory during separation, with a rotating disk dispensing coins through a discharge slot in a controlled manner. Optional adjustment of the rotor assembly's angular positioning changes the coin size/denomination dispensed by the bin. Uniqueness required to dispense coins of a given size/denomination is embodied in the bin, such that any base may operate with the bin without adjustment other than update of bin denomination in the dispensing system controller. Bin location and the combination of coin denominations dispensed may thus be readily altered within the dispensing system. Optional bin memory and optical level sensing improve inventory management functionality.

Modular bulk coin dispenser with hopper removal from drive and control mechanism

A system for handling coins employs a front end coin acceptor and validator that feeds a sorter mechanism. The sorter mechanism utilizes a substantially horizontal track module to load coins by denomination into an arrangement of bins. The coins are ejected by means of a solenoid onto the track module that provides a path according to the denomination of the coin into the proper bin.

Coin handling system for validation, sorting, and dispensing coins

A flat writing surface is attached to the chassis of a coin or token dispenser by a hinge or other manner of attachment in either a sloped or horizontal fashion. In a particular embodiment, the attached writing surface has a ledge at one edge to hold the item being written. A writing instrument may be optionally attached. Frequently accessed controls and serviceable components of the coin dispenser can be grouped together in an easily accessible control panel beneath the writing surface, preferentially in a recessed well, that is accessible by flipping up or lifting of the writing surface. Location beneath the writing surface keeps the controls from being accidentally or intentionally operated by an unauthorized person. The control panel is optionally locked shut, preventing the writing surface from being flipped or lifted up to expose the control panel by unauthorized individuals.

Coin dispenser check writing surface with optional control panel

A portable canister for holding coin-like objects for ejection from a dispenser has a lid and a substantially box-like base that are either attached pivotally at one or more hinges so that the canister may be opened in a clamshell fashion a full 180 degrees or that come together in a box-like fashion without the use of hinges, the cover being lifted entirely off the base for loading. Inside the canister base is a side-by-side array of columns, each column having sides encircling the column circumference by no more than 180 degrees in order to allow horizontal loading of stacks of coins. The lid operates to trap the coins into the columns of the base. The closed canister has slots in the plane of the lid to permit ejection of coins one at a time from each column. An ejection mechanism mounted in the dispenser chassis employs one solenoid subassembly per column of a removable canister. Each solenoid plunger protrudes into the canister base at all times when the canister is mounted and rests underneath a land in the base of the canister. The bottom coin in the stack in each column rests below the bottom of the land on a pad located entirely within the canister base, allowing the plunger to be accurately positioned with respect to the coin. When the ejection mechanism is activated, the plunger strikes only the bottom coin in the stack, pushing it off the pad into the coin chute.

Coin/token canister and ejection mechanism

A dual delivery mechanism for a coin dispenser providing the ability to deliver coins or tokens to coin cups on both sides of a coin/token dispensing machine has a moveable ramp connected to a transfer lever. The position of the ramp is controlled by a double-acting solenoid that moves a single solenoid plunger connected to the transfer lever. The dual delivery mechanism is mounted in the coin dispenser chassis so that the ramp is positioned beneath the chute into which coins fall when they are ejected from the coin canister. The double-acting solenoid may be controlled by a separate PCB located in the coin canister chassis to which the main microcomputer of the coin dispenser transmits the signal to indicating which direction the coins should be dispensed. Upon receiving the signal, the PCB generates a pulse to the appropriate drive solenoid consisting of an initial short, high voltage part that initiates motion, followed by a longer, low voltage part that maintains ramp position during coin ejection. Energization of one of the sides of the double-acting solenoid causes the solenoid to retract, pulling the lever arm and pivoting the moveable ramp to the appropriate side.

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Topsfield, MA, United States of America

Paul O Stump