초록 ▼

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 providin

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [22.] In a coin counter having a first rail for conveying coins along a path from an entry point to at least a first sensor, a method comprising:contacting an edge of said coins with a first region of said rail defining a first surface with a longitudinal extent from said entr

[ What is claimed is:] [22.] In a coin counter having a first rail for conveying coins along a path from an entry point to at least a first sensor, a method comprising:contacting an edge of said coins with a first region of said rail defining a first surface with a longitudinal extent from said entry point to at least said first sensor;contacting a face of said coins with a plurality of ribs positioned substantially non-movably with respect to said first region at levels vertically above a level of an adjacent portion of said first region, said plurality of rib means having a substantially non-flat contact surface, a first of said ribs extending longitudinally substantially parallel to at least a portion of said longitudinal extent of said first region to a first point on a side of said sensor distal from said entry point, a second of said ribs extending longitudinally substantially parallel to at least a portion of said longitudinal extent of said first region to a second point on said side of said sensor distal from said entry point, said ribs protruding in a non-vertical direction to define a rib depth, said non-vertical direction being substantially parallel to an adjacent portion of said first region and wherein said first point and said second point are not aligned in a vertical direction.