Token counting and sorting apparatus

Abstract

A token count/sort apparatus includes a rotary disc ( ) for supporting tokens ( ) and is manually rotatable, an arcuate transfer track ( ) extending along the periphery of the disc and formed with one token transfer inlet ( ). A plurality of sorting holes are formed in the transfer track for successively sorting and dropping the tokens in the order of increasing diameters as the tokens are transferred upstream toward downstream in the transfer direction. An endless transfer belt ( ) rotates in synchronism with the rotary disc ( ) by intermediate gears ( ), ( ) and ( ), thereby transferring the tokens ( ) in a pressed condition. A token discerner ( ) is provided between the token transfer inlet ( ) and the sorting hole located at the most upstream position in the transfer direction for counting the tokens and determining the diameters of the tokens. In a batch processing mode, the token discerner determines whether the preset value for the token count or sum is attained. When a photo interruptor ( ) detects the movement of the token ( ) over a predetermined distance, the meshing between the intermediate gears ( ) is released by a solenoid ( ) to temporarily stop the transfer belt ( ). Thus, the batch processing of the tokens can be performed by such a compact apparatus.