US2163351A - Coin sorting machine - Google Patents

Description

June 20, 1939. REPAUL 2,163,351

COIN SORTIQG IAGHINE Filed April 2, 1955 1 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

' 1 EDWARDfl B414.

I M BY ATTORNEY-5'.

June 20, 1939. E. B. PAUL COIN SORTING IACHINE Filed April 2, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 I f |l Ear /4 0 5. P4111" ATTORNEYJ.

June 20, 1939. E.-B. PAUL.

com SORTING-IACHINE Fi ld April 2, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 I N VEN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

fan 4R0 5. PAUL.

3 E NNNNN V nm\ June 20, 1939. 5 PAUL 2,163,351

COIN SORTING IACHINE Fiied April 2, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Fan 4R4 5. PAUL.

A TTORNEYS.

E. B. PAUL Jime 20, 1939.

COIN SOR'I'ING IACHINE Filed April 2 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 RN X;

INVENTOR. [pWARDflPAl/L.

' ATTORNEYS.

June 20, 1939. E. B. PAUL COIN SORTING IACHINE Filed April 2, 1955 9 Shets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. EawA/Pa 5. 24m BY M ATTORNEYS.

June 20, 1939. 5, PAUL COIN SORTING IACHINE 9 Sheet sSh eet 8 Filed April 2, 1935 June 20, 1939. '5, 5, U 2,163,351

com son'rnia IAGHINE Filed April 2, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 ATTORNEYS.

Patented June 20, 1939 UNITED STATES COIN SORTING MACHINE -Edward B. Paul, Wyoming, Ohio, assignor to Josey P. Stacey, Wyoming, Ohio Application April 2, 1935, Serial No. 14,311

8 Claims.

My invention relates to coin separating and counting devices, and is concerned more particularly with a machine for the counting of coins or tokens in large quantities and the presentation of a segregated total for each of the denominal values of the coins. My invention provides for a rapid count and separation of the various coins into groups according to their value, and for the separation and final ejection of defective, bent and vagrant coins.

Means are provided for a power drive whereby a very rapid count is made possible. There is provided a coin separating device in the form of a power driven coin conveyor chain, having open links for carrying the various coin values; a still further provision being for the quick release of the coins from the conveyor chain and the rapid passing of the coins to the count devices.

A further feature is the provision of a separate count mechanism for each coin value, these mechanisms registering a coin only when that coin has been separated from the other coins and has been passed through its appropriate registering device.

A further feature is a totaling unit count mechanism which, at the end of the sorting operations, will give a visual total in dollars and cents of each denominal coin value; and the mechanism being further capable of a rapid set back to zero on all values at one operation.

A still further feature is a novel power driven coin feeder designed to provide a continuous uniform feed of the coins to the segregating coin conveyor chain.

Still further features of my invention will be disclosed as the description proceeds, and will be made the subject matter of some of the more specific claims,

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the complete coin separating and. counting machine.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the coin receiving plate with the coin conveyor chain in position, some of the overlying mechanisms being omitted from the view.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the coin receiving plate, with the coin conveyor chain omitted.

Figure 4 is a section on line 44 of Figure 3, showing some of the power driving means for the various mechanisms.

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing the drive for the coin feed and the halfdollar unit count mechanism.

Figure 6 is an elevation of the coin count disc wheels and the drive therefrom to the totaling unit count assembly.

Figure 7 is a section on line '!-1 of Figure 6, showing the five-cent coin count wheel and the coin chute therefrom to the coin receiver.

Figure 8 is a section on line 88 of Figures '7 and 9, showing one of the coin count disc wheel assemblies.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of the hub of a coin count disc wheel with its side plate removed.

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the rim member of a coin count disc wheel.

Figure 11 is a side elevation of a coin count disc wheel side plate.

Figure 12 is a side elevation of a plunger and ratchet wheel of a coin count disc wheel assembly.

Figure 13 is a section on line I3l3 of Figure 5, of the coin hopper and the coin feed tube, showing the drive for the coin feed tube.

Figure 14 is a section on line I I-l4 of Figure 3, showing in elevation the flexible coin deflector dam.

Figure 15 is a section on line I 5--I 5 of Figure 3, showing one of the coin discharge discs and its drive.

Figure 16 is a side elevation, part section, showing the construction of the coin discharge discs.

Figure 17 is a section on line |1|l of Figure 3, showing the construction of the defective coin ejector.

Figure 18 is a section on line l8l8, of Figures 5 and 20, viewed from the left of Figure 5, showing the fifty-cent count disc with its operating ratchet.

Figure 19 is a section on line |9--l9 of Figure 5, viewed from the right, showing the detent ratchet for the fifty-cent count disc.

Figure 20 is a front elevation of the combined detent and ratchet unit for fifty-cent count disc.

Figure 21 is a transverse section on line 2 l2l of Figure 5, showing the construction of the fiftycent count disc.

Figure 22 is a section on line 2222 of Figure 2, showing the drive disc, coin conveyor chain link, and the groove in the coin plate for the hinge links.

Figure 23 is a front elevation of a coin conveyor chain link.

Figure 24 is a section on line 23--23 of Figure 23, of a coin conveyor chain link.

Figure 25 is an elevation of a pair of coin conveyor chain links showing the means by which they are flexibly united.

Figure 26 is a plan view of the underside of a drive disc, showing the lugs thereon.

Figure 27 is a plan view of the unit totaling count assembly.

Figure 28 is a side elevation of the unit totaling count assembly, showing the re-set rack and gears. V

Figure 29 is a longitudinal section on a staggered line 2929 of Figure 2'7, showing the figure wheels, transfer and set-back wheels and stops of the unit totaling count assembly.

Figure 30 is a plan view showing the twentyfive cent unit totaling counter, the rack having been moved to free transfer wheels from transfer points.

Figure 31 is an elevation of a single transfer point used on all figure wheels except the second half-dollar, second quarter and first nickel wheels.

Figure 32 is an elevation of a five point transfer disc used on the second half-dollar and first nickel figure wheels.

Figure 33 is an elevation of a two point transfer disc used on the second quarter wheel.

Figure 34 is a detail view of a bag clip.

Figure 35 is a plan view of one link showing a half dollar resting therein.

Figure 36 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 3636 of Figure 35.

Figure 37 is a view similar to Figure 35 showing two ten cent pieces resting in the coin pocket, and

Figure 38 is a cross sectional view of the same taken on the line 38-38 of Figure 37.

Proceeding now with the description of the mechanisms: r

A frame I supports a base plate 2, and'forms the main support for the mechanisms of the counter. Secured to the plate 2 are frame members 3 which support a coin plate 4, the coin plate being supported at an approximate angle of forty-five degrees.

Depending from the base plate 2 are the bearing brackets 6 carrying a shaft 5, this shaft having secured to it a combined pulley and flywheel 1. One end of the shaft has secured thereon a bevel gear 8. Projecting downward near the left end of the coin plate 4, are the bearing brackets IO'and H. Intermediate of the bearing brackets III and H, at the central line of coin plate 4, is a U-shaped bracket 12, which furnishes bearing support for a series of shafts, as will be later described.

' Coin plate construction The coin plate 4 is formed with semi-circular ends, having at the center of the radii of the ends, bearings for driving discs l3 and M. The driving disc I3 has a shaft l5 extending downward through a roller bearing !6 carried by the bearing support I2. Secured to the shaft I5 is a bevel gear H which 'is' driven by a bevel pinion -I8,r'nou'nted on a shaft l9, carried in bearings 'in the brackets II and I2. Theshaft l9 has secured to ita bevel gear 9, which is in driving relationship with the power pinion 8. Thedisc [3 is f'cirmed with a flat central portion, sloping to a thin edge, this thin edge having an undercut portion in'whi'ch are located a series of driving lugs 29 equally spaced apart aroundthe disc I3.

The coin plate 4 has an upwardly extending wall portion 20" around a portion ofits periphery, this wall portion extending from a point slightly above the center line at the right hand end of the coin plate 4 (Fig. 2), to a point at the left end; ending at a point near the juncture of the left hand curve with the upper straight side. The major portion of this wall has an undercut groove 2| at its juncture with the coin plate 4, the function of which will be disclosed later on in the description. It is to be noted that the right hand end of the wall portion is free of the coin plate and is curved inward.

Passing around the periphery of the discs I3 and I4 is a coin conveyor chain composed of separate link members 22. Each of these link members has a hole 22a for the reception of coins, one side of this hole being chamfered at 2% to prevent the carrying, by the link, of more than one coin. The circular hole of the coin link is deformed by a straight portion 23, for the purpose of preventing the entrance of more than one of the coins of smaller denomination at a time, while still permitting more than the major portion of a coin of the largest denominal value to enter and be carried by the coin link.

Each coin link has an inner and an outer curved and rabbeted edge 24-25, the curvatures being equal to that of the end portions of the coin plate 4. The outer rabbeted portions 24 of the coin links 22 fit into the grooves 2| in the coin plate wall 20, while the inner rabbeted portions 25'fit under the undercut portions 26 of the discs 13 and I4 in a groove 21, cut in the edge of the thicker center portion 28 of the coin plate 4. The portion 28 is thicker than the remainder of the plate because of the fact that the plate is cut away'to accommodate the discs I3 and I4 and the chain. a

' The coin links 22 are formed into an endless coin conveyor chain 30, as seen in Figure 2, passing aroun'cl the discs 13 and I4, and held in a flat positionfon the coin plate 4 by the engagement of the rabb'eted'portions of the chain links 22 with the grooves 2| and 21 and the undercut p'ortior'is 26. I The separate coin links 22 are joined together into an endless chain by the small lin'ks 30a, which are secured to the coin links by pins 3l'p'assing through holes 32 in the coin links. Since these links 30a form projections on the undersides of the links 22, a groove 32d (Figs. 3 and 22) is provided for the passage of these links around thecoin plate 4.

v inspection of Figure 4 reveals that when power is applied from the gearing previously described tothe gear H, the disc I3 is rotated, and byrneans of lugs 29 entering notches 28a, drives the coin conveyor chain and disc Id at a degree of speed suitable for the operation of the mechani'sms of the machine.

Supported by a bracket 32 (Figs. 4, 5 and 13) at the right hand end of the coin plate 4, is a coin hopper 33",havi ng a grooved flange 34 in which the coin discharge tube 35 is adapted to rotate, the opposite end of the tube revolving in a bearing in a bracket 36 supported by the central portion of the complete 4. Keyed to the coin tube 35 at the right, is ala rge bevel gear 31, this gear 3T being in driving relationship with a bevel pinion 38', carried by the disc l4. Interiorly disposedwithin coin tube 35 is a conveyor screw 39, to provide a controlled feed of the coins to the coin plate 4. As the coins of mixed denominal value are placed in hopper 33, they pass into and drop. from the coin discharge tube to the coin plate 4', and they at once, due to the angle of inclination of the coin plate, roll to the lower most portion'of theplate.

In drde r. that the coins shall not lodge against the side wall 20 in a standing or, edge position, thereis provided a flexible deflector member 40, which is hinged at 4|, and having its opposite end free to rise and fall, guided by a pin 42 traveling in a slot 43 in the side wall 20. The angle of the deflector member is such that the coins striking it are deflected into flat position on the coin plate 4. A second coin deflector 44 (Figs. 3 and 1'7) is provided to prevent the bunching or piling of the coins at the left end curve of the wall 20. The deflector 44 is free to rise and fall, guided by pins 45 which travel in slots 45 in the wall 20. The flexible feature of the deflector serves to break up and dissipate any grouping of the coins, and to prevent breakage of the coin conveyor chain.

As the coin conveyor chain travels around the coin plate 4, the coins drop into the holes 220. of the links 22, and are carried around to the high side of the coin plate for further disposal. The speed of the coin conveyor chain is such that at times there is a tendency for a second coin to adhere to and travel with a coin seated in the links 22. To prevent this, there is provided a flexible deflector dam 41 (Figs. 3 and 14) pivoted at 48 and held lightly in contact with thesurface of the coin conveyor chain by a spring 49. A stop 55 is provided to allow the dam 41 to rise only far enough to permit a partially seated or a heavy coin to pass under it, while still deflecting downward any superfluous coins.

It will be observed that the fifty cent piece is not permitted to lie flat in the coin pocket on account of the deformation 23. Yet, as will be clear from a consideration of Figure 35 the half dollar is well enough seated in the coin pocket so that as the coin chain travels upwardly as in Figure 36, the deflector dam 41 will simply ride over it. It will be understood from a consideration of Figure 35 that there is some contact between the edge of the coin and the circular portion of the edge of the hole in the link 22, the rear half of the link considering the direction of motion of the link which is to the right in Figure 35 or upward in Figure 36.

Passing now to a consideration of Figures 37 and 38, it will be observed that the edge of the free ten cent piece will be contacted by the deflector dam 41 and since the inner edge of the chamfer 22b is lower than the top of the lower ten cent piece the free ten cent piece will simply be slid off the link. This can be accomplished without the deflector dam having to rise against the tension spring 49. If, for example, the free ten cent piece were not lying flat upon the lower ten cent piece but it were tilted, it is clear that it would have to be tilted at a steep angle. Thus, it might cause the deflector dam to rise, but generally speaking, the deflector dam will not rise where two small coins are found one upon the other. The provision for resilience in the member 41 is to permit the passage of a large coin as, for example, the fifty cent piece which cannot under any circumstances lie flat in the coin pocket.

Assume now that for example a smaller coin is resting on top of the fifty cent piece and assume that the coins have some sticky material upon them, then the deflector dam may bear against the stop 50 so as to positively remove the free coin. Likewise if two smaller coins were stuck together the free coin would be positively removed.

It will be clear that it does not take much to remove the free coin from the lower coin because of the angle at which the coin plate is set. In actual practice, it is quite rare that a second coin will be carried upon the relatively steep incline while resting on top of a coin which is properly seated. The deflector dam 41, however, is a safety provision to specially prevent a second coin which may have stuck to a seated coin from being carried through to the counting machine.

The coin plate 4 has at the top or high side, and directly under the path of the coin conveyor chain, a long, graduated slot 5| (Figs. 2, 3, and 15), one side of this slot having a shallow stepped formation 52, seen best in Figure 2. The first and lowermost'step ends at 53; the next or second step ends at 54, the third step ends at 55, the fourth step ends at 56, the fifth step ends at 5511, and the balance of the slot 5| is of a width equal to that of the holes 22a in the coin conveyor chain. Note that a portion of the coin plate 4 projects beyond the edges of the coin holes 2211. as at 51 (Figure 2), thus forming a ledge portion. The purpose of ,the stepped formation of slot 5| and the ledge 51 will now be set forth.

As the coins are picked up one by one and carried around by the coin conveyor chain, the inclined position of the coin plate 4, carrying the coin conveyor chain, causes the coins carried by it to seek the lowest position in the holes 22a of the links 22. To insure that these coins are correctly seated in a flat position in the links, there is provided a seating disc 58 (Fig. 3), driven by a gear train 59, receiving its driving power from gear l1 (Fig. 4) through the pinion gear Ell, the shaft 6!, the bevel gears 62, the shaft 63, the bevel gears 54, and the shaft 65 on which is secured the gears of gear train 59. The disc 58 has around its periphery, at four equidistant points, the spring plungers 66, having exteriorly conical end portions. The timing of disc 58 is such that a plunger makes contact with each coin as it passes the position of the disc 58, thus positively seating the coins in the coin links 22.

As the coin conveyor chain moves to the right, the coins are prevented from dropping out of the links'22 through the slot 5!, by the fact that their edges rest on the stepped portions 52 and on the ledge 51.

Presume now a dime to be the first coin to reach the ledge ending at 53. This dime is carried to the right by the coin conveyor chain 30, its edges resting on the ledges 53 and 51 until the end of ledge 53 is reached. Here the upper edge is set free, and the coin tilts downward and drops from the ledge 51 into a coin guide, and is passed to the counting mechanisms as will be described later.

If, for any reason, the dime should fail to drop, it is forced to do so by the plunger 51a in the disc 51. This disc is in all respects similar to the disc 58, previously described, and is driven from the shaft 65 by the bevel gears 68 and the shaft 59, and presents a plunger to each coin passing under its periphery. The discs 515 are in all respects similar to the disc 51, and perform like functions for one cent, flve cent and twenty-five cent coins.

Similarly, the penny is discharged when it reaches the end of the ledge 54, the five cent piece when it reaches the end of the ledge 55, the quarter when it reaches the end of the ledge 55, and the half-dollar drops by gravity when it reaches the end of the ledge 10.

Each coin except the half-dollar is caught as it drops, by a guide chute 1| (Figs. 2 and 4), and is guided thereby to the count recording mechanisms, which will presently be described. The half-dollar has a special count recording mechanism which will be described later.

The counting devices All the coins deposited in the coin sacks or other receiving means, must have an accurate count. Since'the coins are deposited in the coin sacks so rapidly, it becomes impossible to get an accurate count byhaving the dropping coins operate the count mechanisms. The count, therefore, is made after the coins are passed through count recording devices and before they are de posited in the coin receiving means.

Attention is now called to Figure4. Note that to the left of the inclined coin plate 4, is disposed a shaft and mechanisms supported by upright brackets. These mechanisms are best seen in Figures 6' and '7. Proceeding now with the de scription of the construction, the brackets 12 and'13 support a shaft 14. Mounted at one end of the shaft "is a gear 15, which receives its driving power from the gear I! through the bevel gear 16, the gear 11, and the intermediate gear 18; the shaft 14 being constantly driven when the coin sorting mechanism is in operation.

Secured to the shaft is a series of surfaced ribbed rollers- 19. Carried in bearings above shaft 14' is a second shaft 88', this shaft being driven from the shaft "by the gearing 88a. Mounted on the shaft and secured to it by set screws, is a series of disc members 8| (Figsrfi,

and 8), four in number and of identical constructions. The disc members 8| have a portion of their periphery turned down to form a flange 82. At four equidistantpoints around the periphery of the discs 8| are bored recesses 83, these recesses extending almost to a-large central bore 84in the disc 8|, and being connected to the said central bore by the holes 85, which are of lesser diameter than the recesses 83. Mounted within the recesses 83 are the cupshaped plungers 86, these plungers having at one side the slots 81. Mounted within the bore of the cup plungers 86 are the pin plungers 88, whose lower ends terminate in a tooth portion 90, the reduced portions 89 of the pin plungers projecting into theholes on the central bore of the disc 8|. The pin plungers 88 have projecting from one side the stop pins 9|. These stop pins pass through the slots 81 in the cup plungers and through the slots 92in the side of the discs 8|, and serve to limit the outward travel of the plungers. Within the cup plungers 88 and bearing on the top of the pin plungers 88, are the springs 93. Mounted in the holes 83 below the cup plungers, are the springs 94, which bear against the lower edge of the cup plungers 8S, and have a lesser modulus than the springs 93. Loosely mounted on the shaft all-and within the central bore 84, is a ratchet wheel 95 having a central loose bushing. Extending to the ,left, and integral with'the ratchet wheel 95, is a hub terminating in a bevel'gear' 96.

Mountedwithin-the flanged portion 82 of the disc, and bearing on the ends of the cup plungers 86, is a rim member 99, whose outer surface is knurled or otherwise roughened. The rim member 98 andthe ratchet wheel 95 are held in position on the disc 8| by a side plate 99, secured to the disc by the screws I88. Within the body of disc 8| is a slot |0| for the reception of a pin I92 which projects inwardly from the rim member 98 and provides driving, connection to the floating rim members as the disc 8| is rotated.

Operation of the coin unit mechanisms As the'coins are delivered to'the coin delivery chutes II by the coin conveyor delivery chain,

theyassume aflat position due to the method of delivery by the coin conveyor chain, as has been described, and present themselves in the position shown by the dotted lines at H13 in Figure '7, to the pinch of the rolls 19 and the floating rim members 98, and are drawn between the rolls and the rim members. If the coin be a thin one, the respective rim member 98 is deflected inwardly the minimum amount, one of the cup plunger springs 94 yielding to permit the rim member to move at that particular point. Coincidentally with the moving of a cup plunger 86, its pin plunger moves upward, due to the excess pressure of the spring 93 over that of the spring 94, and the toothed end of the pin plunger engages the ratchet wheel 95, moving it forward as the rotating disc turns, a distance appropriate to the denominal value of the coin passing the pinch of rolls 19 and rim member 98. The action, as described, is presumed to have occurred when one of the plunger units was in direct line with the coin passing between the roll and rim member. Now, if the coin arrives at the pinch of the roll and rim member at a point midway between the two plunger units, the effect will be to depress both units and engage two of the toothed ends 99 of the plunger units with the ratchet wheel 95, advancing it the same distance as one of the plunger units would, if one only was engaged.

So far the description has been based on a coin of minimum thickness, and, since the mechanism must be able to accept coins of a maximum thickness, such as new coins, it follows that provision must be made for the passage of coins through the rolls and rims, from the thinnest to the thickest coin,

In order that a thick coin may pass through the mechanisms, the compound plunger system heretofore described is used. If but a single plunger 88 were used, when the rim member had pressed the toothed end of a plunger into contact with the ratchet wheel under the influence of a thin coin, no further movement of the rim member would be possible. With the construction shown, however, if a maximum movement of the floatingrim members is called for, I

the first movement of the floating rim member 98 compresses the springs 94 until the toothed portion 98 of a pin plunger 88 is stoppedby contact with the ratchet wheel. By then, as the cupped and at the same time compress the stronger spring 93, the cupped plungers slide past the now stationary pin plungers 88 and thus permit the floating rim members to have the maximum of pass through the unit count mechanisms.

As the coins pass between the rolls 19 and the floating rim'members 98, the engagement of the toothed end of the plungers 88 gives the ratchet wheels 95 and the bevel gears 96 a degree of advance proportionate to the value of the coin passing through. The purpose of this step by step advance of the bevel gears 96 will be described later in connection with the description of a totaling unit count assembly.

After the coins pass the coin unit count assembly, they pass down the coin chutes I84 and are deposited in the bags I96, secured to the bag holders I85, by a clip or other fastening device ,IO'I.

The half-dollar unit count mechanism Formed on the right hand end of the coin plate 4 (Figs. 3 and 5) is a bracket I88. De-

.5 plungers 86 compress the spring 94 still further,

,55 movement necessary to permit a thick coin to pending from the bracket I08 is a bearing bracket I09 which supports a shaft IIO, the outer end of which is secured to a bevel gear III which is in driving relationship with a bevel gear II2 on the driving disc I4. Secured on the opposite end of the driving shaft H0 is a coin count wheel I I3 which has a flanged periphery. Between the flanges, on the flat portion of the periphery of the wheel H3, is a series of recesses II4 (Fig. 21) which have a smaller diameter hole at their bases. In the outer or left hand flange (as seen in Fig. 18) of the coin count wheel I I3 is a series of slots H5. Mounted in the recesses II4 of the count wheel H3, is a series of plungers having reduced diameters, to form the stems II1, around which are mounted the springs IIB, which are seated in the bases of recesses H4. The stems I I1 project into and are guided by the smaller diameter holes of the wheel. The plungers H5 have in their side Walls the pins IYI9 which project through the slots I I5 in the count wheel I I3, and extend outwardly beyond the face of the count wheel. The shaft IIO extends to only near the center of the count wheel H3.

The bracket I08 has a bearing for a shaft I20, which has on its outer or left hand end a bevel gear I2l, its inner or right hand end extending into, and having a bearing in, a central hole in the count wheel II3'. Mounted on the shaft I20 and pinned thereto, is a hub I22, which has on its right hand end a ratchet disc I23 (Fig. 20), and a on its left hand end 'a serrated locating stop disc I24. Mounted on a pivot above the serrated disc is a detent arm I25, the inner end of which is shaped to fit the serrations of the disc I24, and which is held in yielding engagement with the stop disc E24 by means of a spring I26.

The coincount wheel H3 is driven in timed relationship with the traveling coin conveyor chain, by the bevel gears I II and H2, and the plungers I I6 thus synchronously strike the center portion of the coin holes 22a of the coin conveyor chain 35. If a half-dollar coin be present in a coin hole of the coin conveyor chain, then a plunger H6 at the lower portion of disc H3 is depressed and the pin I I9 moves into the path of a tooth of a ratchet disc I23 and advances it one step forward, the detent arm I25 riding over one serration of the disc I24. As a plunger leaves the coin, it returns to normal position, freeing the pins I I9 from the ratchet. If a thin coin be present in a coin hole 22a of the coin conveyor chain, the pin H9 may carry the ratchet slightly less than the correct distance. Or, if a thick coin, it may carry the ratchet slightly beyond the proper distance. The serrated disc I24, however, will, by reason of the shape of its serrations and the detent arrn I25, correct the error as the pin II9 releases the detent ratchet.

The bracket I08 at the left (Fig. 5) is extended downwardly and outwardly to form two bearing brackets I21, in which is mounted the shaft I28. The upper end of this shaft extends above the upper bearing bracket I21, and has secured to it the bevel gear I29; and the lower end of the shaft extends below the lower bearing bracket and has secured to it the bevel gear I30. The shaft I28 and its gears are driven from the bevel gear I2I, whenever that gear is motivated by a half-dollar coin passing the coin unit count wheel I I3.

After a half-dollar coin has passed the count wheel I I3, it is carried by the coin conveyor chain until its upper edge reaches the end of the ledge 13, when it falls by gravity into a coin chute I3 I, and is deposited in itscoin bag, as has been set forth in the description of the disposal of coins of lesser value.

Coin unit totaling counters have a totalized denominal value in dollars and cents of each sack of coins. The mechanisms for accomplishing this result will now be described.

A rectangular frame member I33 is supported,

by two brackets i3 5, which extend upward from the coin plate 3 and support the said frame in a position to the left of the coin unit count assembly, as is seen in Figure 7. The end members of this frame I33 are grooved as at I35. Mounted within the frame is a second on inner slidable frame I 31, the end members of which have a projecting rib I38 which engages the groove I35, slidably supporting the inner frame at its two ends. The bottom of the outer frame has secured to it a series of cross bars I39. Each of these cross bars I39 carries, at a suitable position, a supporting bracket I30. These brackets extend upwardly inside of the movable frame I31, and have in their free ends a hole I4I. The round bars I42 are seated in the front side wall (Fig. 27) of the frame I33, and their other ends are seated in the supportingbrackets I40 and project beyond these supporting brackets about one-fourth of an inch. The projecting ends of the round bars I42 furnish bearings for certain parts of the mechanisms which will be explained later.

Mounted on the round bars I42 are indicating wheel assemblies I43, free to revolve, and held in spaced relationship by the necessary spacing collars. These indicating wheel assemblies (Figs. 27-30) consist of an indicating wheel 143, a setback gear I45, a wide gear Wheel I36, and a transfer disc I56. The final or last indicating assembly has no transfer disc I55. The indicating indicia on the wheel assemblies I43 are from O to 9.

There are five groups of these indicating wheel assemblies, as follows: three assemblies for the half-dollar counting group, which is to the left (Fig. 27) in the sliding frame I31; three assemblies for the next to the left, or quarter counting group; four in the next or nickel counting group; four in the next or penny group; and three in the extreme left or dime group.

A series of shafts I48 pass through the outer stationary frame I33 and have a bearing in the frame, and then pass loosely through a sliding frame I31 and are aligned with the round bars I42. The shafts I48 extend outside of the frame I33 (Fig. '1), and have bevel gears I l-9 secured to them, these gears being in driving relationship with the gears of the coin unit count mechanism. Secured to shafts I48 and outside of the frame I33, are the serrated ratchet wheels I50, each with its retention pawl I5I and pawl retent spring I52.

Secured to the cross bars I39 are the brackets I53, one being located at the left of the frames at the half-dollar totaling position, the second one being located at the right hand end of the frames, in line with the dime totaling position.

The left hand bracket I53 has fastened to it a 7 non-rotary disc I54 which has a single indicium, this indicium being the figure 0. In its center, the disc I54 has an opening for the passage of one of the shafts I48. The inner end of shaft I48-has secured to it an indicating figure wheel I55. On the face of this wheel are the indicia 0 and 5 repeated five times around its periphery. Fastened to the lower face of the indicating figure wheel I55, is a five point transfer disc I56 (shown in Fig, 32), and on the upper face of indicating figure wheel I55 is a set-back gear I45. The lower face of the indicating wheel I55 has a central hole which forms a bearing for the indicating wheel on the extending end of the round bar I42.

Mounted in the sliding frame I31 is a shaft I51. Running free on this shaft, are the transfer hubs I58, having on their right hand end (Fig. a disc I59, this disc carrying on its right hand face a series of five transfer pins I60, adapted, in one position of the sliding framie I31, to lie in the path of a transfer disc I56 of one of the indicating wheel assemblies I43, and in another position of the sliding frame I 31, to be free of the transfer disc I56. To the left on the transfer hub I58 is a narrow gear I6I in driving engagement with the wide gear wheel I 46 of one of the indicating wheel assemblies I43. By this arrangement the gear I6I is at all times in driving engagement with the gear I46, irrespective of the shifting of the sliding frame I31 to the right or left.

Mounted in theinner frame I31, at a point to the rear of the indicating wheel assemblies, are the shafts I62 (Figs. 29 and 30) these shafts having securely mounted on them the detent arms I63. The outer ends of these detent arms bear against thetransfer pins I60, and serve as a position stop therefor. To the rear of the shaft I62 is a. rod I62a having secured to it the springs I64 which are fastened to an extension I65 on detent arm I63. The construction described permits of the yielding of the detent arms as the transfer pins are moved.

So far most of the description of the parts of the totaling unit count mechanism has been directed to the left hand or half-dollar counter. As has already been stated, all the indicating wheel assemblies below the brackets I46 (Fig. 27) are of identical construction, and further consideration of their parts is unnecessary.

First, the operation of the half-dollar total count will be described, to the point where it picks up the indicating wheel assemblies, it being understood that when the indicating wheel assemblies I43 are picked up, their further operations are but a series of repetitions. Following the description of the half-dollar total count, the quarter, five cent, penny and dime total counts will be taken up in the above order, and their differences pointed out. The set-back or zero return for the totaling unit counters will be taken up later.

Presume now, that there is a supply of coins in the coin hopper, and consider, for the time being, the half-dollars only. As the coin conconveyor chain moves in a clockwise direction, it picks up coins in the coin holes 22a, and the half-dollars are carried on and pass under the unit count disc II3,-depressing the plungers II6 thereof, thus setting into motion the ratchet I23, the shaft I20, the gears I2Iand I29,'the shaft I28, the gears I30 and I49, the shaft I48, and the indicating wheel I55 in the totaling unit count frame. All of these mechanisms are advanced one-tenth of a revolution as each half-dollar passes beneath the unit count 'disc II 3. If there be no half-dollar present in the coin holes 22a of the coin conveyor chain, the count plungers are not depressed, and there is nocount.

When the first coin passes under the unit count disc II3, the indicating wheel I55 being advanced one-tenth of a'revolution. and the fixed indicium disc'l54 showing 0, the reading will now be 50, showing fifty cents as having been recorded. As the second coin passes under the unit disc I I3, the indicating wheel I55 is again advanced one-tenth, and now shows 0. Since the indicating wheel I55 carries a'five point transfer disc I56 (Fig, 32), the first indicating wheel assembly is picked up by one of the points I66 of the transfer disc I56 striking a pin of the transfer assembly I61, and advancing it one pin. The gear I6I of the transfer assembly advances the gear I 46 of the indicating wheel assembly onetenth, and shows the figure 1 on that wheel, the total reading now being 100, or one dollar. The continued advance by tenths of the mechanism will show next 150, 200, etc., until all the halfdollar coins carried by the coin conveyor chain 30 have'been counted.

The quarter mechanism The first indicating wheel I68 of the quarter totaling counter differ from the half-dollar in that there is nov fixed unit carrying the figure 0.

Instead,.there are two count wheels I69 and I10 mounted on a common hub and turning in unison, drivenby the gear 96 on the unit count wheel assembly and the gear I12 on the shaft I48. The right hand count wheel I10 (Fig. 30) has to its right a set-back gear I45, and the left hand count wheel has a two' point transfer disc I56 (Fig. 33) secured to its left face. The right hand indicating wheel has indicia showing 0505 etc. on its face, and the left hand wheel has 0 257and repeat. As the coins are dropped by the coin conveyor chain and pass through the unit count disc '98 of the unit count assem bly, the quarter totaling unit counter showing 0-0 on the two count wheels I69 and I10, moves one-eighth of a revolution (since all the mechanisms pertaining to the 'quarter distribution and ,count are operated in eighths). The indicating figures of the twocount wheels I69 and I10 show, on the first movement, '25, on the second movement 50, on the third movement 75, and on the fourth movement 00. When this fourth movement occurs, one of the points I66 on the two point transfer wheel moves a pin of the transfer assembly I61, andone of the indicating wheel assemblies I43 is advanced one-tenth, showing 1, and the totaling count now' shows 100. The fifth movement shows 125, the sixth 150, the seventh 175, and on the eighth movement the second point on the transfer disc moves the indicating wheel assembly a second tenth, the reading now being 200. The reading thus proceeds to its end in the above progression.

The Tire cent mechanism There is but one indicating figure wheel I1I (Fig. 27) for the five cent counter, this wheel showing 0- 5050, and repeat, around the wheel face. The indicating figure wheel has secured on its upper face a set-back gear wheel I45, and on its lower face a five point pick up disc I56.- As the indicating figure wheel IN is moved one tenth by the unit count mechanism, the gear 96 and gear I13 on the shaft I48, the first movement from 0 shows 5. The second movement of indicating figure wheel shows the 0' again, but the five point transfer disc has advanced the first wheel of the indicating wheel assembly I53 one-tenth, so that the reading of the indicia of the two wheels is 10. On the third movement the reading is 15, on the fourth, 20, and in like progression until all the coins of a five cent value in the coin conveyor chain 30 are disposed of.

The penny mechanism The penny first indicating figure wheel I14 is like that of the five cent mechanism, being the only wheel on the shaft I48, and having the setback gear I45 secured to its upper side, and a single point pick up disc I56 (Fig. 31) on its lower side. The indicia on its face run from 0 to 9. The tenth movement of the first indicating figure wheel I14 picks up the first wheel of the indicating wheel assembly I43, and the reading is than 1 on the indicating wheel assembly I43, and 0 on the penny indicating wheel I14, the total reading being 10. As the penny indicating wheel I14 continues to turn in tenths under the influence of the coins passing the unit count disc 98, the wheels will show 11, 12, etc., until the second tenth is completed by the first wheel. When the indicating assembly wheel makes its second one-tenth movement, 20 will show as a reading, and so, until all the coins of a penny value in the coin conveyor chain 30 are disposed of.

The dime mechanism The dime count mechanism has at the top a fixed figure disc I15 similar to that of the halfdollar. The dime indicating wheel I16 is marked from 0 to 9. It has the usual set-back gear to the right, and a single pick up point disc I58 to the left. As the indicating wheel I16 advances by the movement of the coins in the coin conveyor chain dropping past the unit count disc 93, the first reading after 0--0 will be 10, the second 20, and so on until the tenth movement again shows 00 for these two wheels. When the dime indicating wheel I16 again passes to 0, the single point pick up disc advances the first unit Wheel of the indicating wheel assembly I43, one-tenth, so that the reading is then 100. This routine continues until all of the coins of a dime value in the coin conveyor chain 31] have been counted.

All of the coins placed in the hopper 33 having been counted, their totals are shown by the totaling unit count wheels, and the counting mechanisms are ready to set to zero. This will now be described.

The totaling counter set-back: mechanism It is to be presumed that in the counting operations just set forth, the sliding frame I31 was in the position shown in Figure 27, that is, at the top. With the frame I31 in this position, the pins of the transfer mechanisms I6'I were all in line with the transfer discs I41 on the various indicating figure wheels.

Since these pins would prevent the indicating wheels from reverse movement, they must be moved out of line with the transfer discs I41. As the carrying shafts of these transfer mechanisms are mounted in the sliding frame I31, any movement of this frame downward (Fig. 27) will carry the transfer mechanisms I61 and the pins I60 free of the paths of the transfer discs I41.

Mounted on the side of the stationary frame I33, by means of the studs I11, is a sliding rack bar I18. This bar has slots I19 to permit of the movement of the bar, and the rear face of the bar has a series of rack teeth I along the entire length of the bar. Secured to the outer surface of the sliding bar is a cam member I8I (Figs. 2'1, v

28, 30) having a tapered face I82. A second cam member I83 is fastened to the sliding bar, and has a tapered end I84. These cam members are so disposed as to leave a space on the track I85 between the two tapered faces.

Secured in the sliding frame I31 is a stud I86. This stud projects through an opening in the stationary frame I33, and has a pin I81 which projects in the path of the face of the cam members I3I and I33. An inspection of Figure 30 shows that if the rack bar be moved downward, the pin I81 will reach the track I85 and be forced to the right by the tapered face I81 of the cam member ISI. This movement to the right of the stud I86 moves the sliding frame I31 to the right, moving the transfer mechanism I61 to the right into engaging position with the transfer discs I41 on all of the counting wheels. This is the position shown in Figure 21. It follows, then, that any movement upward of the rack bar I18 will pull the sliding frame to the left, to the position shown in Figure 30, putting the counting wheels in a position to be re-set. A total movement of the rack bar of less than one-eighth inch is needed to effect this movement of the frame.

Mounted in bearings in the fixed frame I33 is a series of five shafts I88, these shafts passing through holes in the sliding frame I31 and being free to rotate therein. On the left end, these shafts have secured to them the gears I 89, which are in engagement with the teeth on the rack bar I18. The left hand shaft I88 is longer than the others of the series, and has mounted on it the handle I90 for manual turning.

As has been stated, each of the indicating count wheel assemblies I43 has incorporated with it a set-back gear wheel I45 with two of its teeth cut away (Fig. 29). Mounted on the shafts I88 and pinned thereto in line with the set-back gears I45, is a series of gear wheels I9I, each having a blank space I92 equivalent to two teeth (Fig. 29).

In order that an understanding of the setback mechanisms may be had, a description of one of the totaling unit counters (the five cent) will now be given, it being understood that the other units operate in a like manner.

With the five cent count mechanism in the position shown in Figure 27, the indicating wheel I43 will show 0. If new the count wheel I'II be advanced in the direction of the arrow one-tenth of a revolution by one of the points of the five point transfer disc I56, the set-back gear I45 will be advanced one tooth, the tooth passing the cut away space I92 in the gear member IQI. If new the handle I90 on the shaft I88 be operated to move the rack bar in the direction of arrow X (Fig. 28), the initial movement of the rack bar will slide the frame I31 to the left (as seen in Fig. 30), releasing the pins I69 from the path of the transfer disc I56, the toothless space on the gear member I9I permitting this initial movement of the rack bar without the teeth of the toothed member I9I striking the tooth of a setback gear before the counting wheels are released from the transfer assembly I61. The further movement of the rack bar I18 continues the movement of the toothed wheel I9I in the direction of the arrow, the first tooth of this member I9I striking the advanced tooth of the set-back gear I45 on the count wheels, and moving it until the cut-out space is reached, the indicia of the count wheel then showing 0. In the 75 further movement of the gear wheel I9I, the remaining teeth of that wheel pass without effect across the toothless space of the set-back gear I45. If the set-back gear had several teeth advanced, they are picked up by the toothed member I9I, one by one, until the blank space is reached. It is thus seen that no matter how many teeth of a given set-back gear wheel are advanced, the count assemblies are always returned to zero by a full movement of the rack bar. a

In the rapid operation of the count mechanism, the action of the transfer points I56 in striking the transfer pins I69, would tend to spin the count indicating wheels, and it becomes necessary, therefore, to provide a braking action for these count wheels. An inspection of Figure 29 shows that one of the transfer pins IE0 is always in rubbing contact with the circular face I93 of the transfer disc I56, and exerts a braking action thereon. The count wheels are thus prevented from any spinning action.

Defective or bent coin disposal Coins that are mutilated or bent will not remain in the coin spaces of the coin conveyor chain 30, either jumping out of their own accord, or being dislodged by the flexible dam '41, and are caused to accumulate at a point near the lower left hand corner (Fig. 3) of the coin plate, on account of the speed of the coin conveyor chain 30 and the angle of inclination of the coin plate 4.

Attention is now called to the coin deflector 44 (Figs, 3-17) and to the rear lower edge thereof. This lower edge rests on a movable dam member I93 which closes a slot I94 in the wall 20. A guide I95 is secured to the closure member I93 and extends upward a distance above the Wall 20 and has an operating handle I96, A limit pin I91 projects through a slot 204 in the wall 29, and is secured in the guide member I95. This limit pin has a spring I98 which keeps the closure member seated at all times, and thus closes the slot I94.

When the perfect coins have been disposed of, the coin conveyor chain 30 is permitted to run, and the handle of the closure member I93 is lifted. The centrifugal force of the coin conveyor chain quickly discharges the defective coins through the slot I94 into a proper receiving receptacle, such as a drawer I99 (Fig.1), from which they can be recovered.

Power to drive the mechanisms may be furnished by a motor or other power unit 299 (Fig. 1) driving a belt 20I which passes over the pulley of the combined pulley and flywheel I (Fig. 4).

The operations of the mechanisms may be observed at all times through a glass inspection door 202 in the top of the housing of the machine, and the totalized count of the coins may be easily read through theinspection holes 293.

Having fully set forth my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a coin machine, a coin sorting mechanism comprising an elongated coin plate with semi-circular ends set at an angle transversely of its length, a driven chain running around the margin thereof, each link of the said chain forming a carrier for a single coin of any denomination, and means at the upper edge of the said plate to allow'the coins to be dropped from their respective links at various stations according to their denominations, and means to enforce the dropping of the coins at their respective stations.

2. In a coin-machine, a coin sorting'mechanism comprising an elongated "coin plate with 7 width in the direction of motion of the said chain,

the first width being such as to allow only the smallest coin to pass through, and the last being such as to permit the largest coin to pass through, there being an intermediate width for every intermediate size of coin, and means to enforce the dropping of the coins at their respective stations.

,3. In a coin machine, a chain to carry the coins from their point of, depositin the machine to a sorting device, said chain comprising a series of coin carrying links, each link having a hole therein of sufficient size to substantially seat any coin, and means to prevent more than one coin of any denomination to be seated therein and carried thereby at one time, said means comprising an abutment cutting off enough of the area of the'hole, so as to permit a substantial part of the largest coin to be seated therein, and yet to prevent more than one of the smallest coins to lie flat therein.

4. In a coin machine, a chain to carry the coins from their point of deposit in the machine to a sorting device, said chain comprising a series of .coin carrying links having chamfered portions, each link having a hole therein of suflicient size to substantially seat any coin, and means to prevent more than one coin of any denomination to be seated therein and carried thereby at onetime, said means comprising an abutment in the region of said chamfered portion cutting off enough of the area of the hole, so as to, permit a substantial part of the largest coin to be seated therein, and yet to prevent more than one of the smallest coins to lie flat therein, said means comprising,in addition, a deflector dam resiliently held against the said chain, and free to rise only asufficientamount to pass a partially seated large coin, while brushing off over said chamfered portion any coins resting on top of an already seated coin.

5. In a coinmachine, a chain to carry the coins from their point of deposit in the machine to a sorting device, said chain comprising a series of coin carrying links, each link having a hole therein of sufiicient size to substantially seat any coin, and means to prevent more than one coin of any denomination to be seated therein and carried therebyat one time, and meansdriven in timed relation to said chain to insure that each coin is seated to the fullest extent possible in its link before it reaches thesorting device.

6. In a coin machine, a chain to carry the coins from their point of deposit in the machine to a sorting device, said chain comprising a series of coin carrying links, each link having a hole therein of suflicient size to substantially seat any coin, and means to. prevent more than one coin of any denomination to beseated therein and carried thereby at one time, and means to insure that each coin isseated to the fullest extent possible driven ,in anplane. transversely to the path of the chain in synchronism with the said chain, so that one spring plunger presses upon the coin in each link as it passes.

7. In a coin machine, a coin sorting mechanism comprising an elongated coin plate with semicircular ends set at an angle transversely of its length, a driven chain running around the pe-- riphery thereof, each link of the said chain forming a carrier for one coin of any denomination, and means at the upper edge of the said plate to cause the coins to be dropped from their respective links at various stations according to their denominations, said means comprising a slot underneath the chain, of increasingly greater width in the direction of motion of the said chain, the first width being such as to allow only the smallest coin to pass through, and the last being such as to permit the largest coin to pass through, there being an intermediate width for every intermediate size of coin, said means comprising in addition, a series of discs, one for each station, having radial spring plungers around their peripheries and driven in synchronism with the said chain so that one spring plunger presses upon the coin, if one be present, as its link carries it opposite each of the aforesaid stations, whereby the said coin is positively forced through the slot which is just wide enough to accommo-- date it.

8. A coin sorting machine having an endless coin conveyor chain running in a curved path, on a coin table in a plane at an angle to the horizontal, and having means to reject bent or mutilated coins, and closure means in said table, located at the point at which said rejected coins collect by virtue of the movement of the chain and the inclination of the table, whereby said defective coins are discharged upon opening said closure.

EDWARD B. PAUL.

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