Global Patent Index - EP 1862977 A3

EP 1862977 A3 20080402 - Method and apparatus for conditioning coins

Title (en)

Method and apparatus for conditioning coins

Title (de)

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Münzbearbeitung

Title (fr)

Procédé et appareil pour le conditionnement de pièces de monnaie

Publication

EP 1862977 A3 20080402 (EN)

Application

EP 07015920 A 19970228

Priority

  • EP 97907936 A 19970228
  • US 1296496 P 19960307

Abstract (en)

[origin: EP1862977A2] A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray (1302) and move down the length of a perforated tumbler (1314), preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor (1352). In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes (1922a), fins, ridges, dimples (1820), spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces. Tumbler perforations permit non-coin matter to pass through the perforations into a collection tray or other apparatus and/or are collected into filter media as a result of the air flow. In one embodiment, the air pressure system eliminates or reduces the occurrence of low density or light non-coin matter, such as hair or dust, and prevents these materials from settling or being carried through downstream portions of the coin processing system.

IPC 8 full level

G07D 3/10 (2006.01); G07D 9/00 (2006.01); G07F 1/04 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

G07D 3/10 (2013.01); G07D 9/008 (2013.01); G07F 1/041 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 1862977 A2 20071205; EP 1862977 A3 20080402

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 07015920 A 19970228