초록 ▼

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coin

A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for automatic counting of coins utilizing remote locations which can be coupled to a central location, the method comprising:providing a central computer facility; providing at least first and second automatic coin-counting devices, each including a communications facility which can elec

1. A method for automatic counting of coins utilizing remote locations which can be coupled to a central location, the method comprising:providing a central computer facility; providing at least first and second automatic coin-counting devices, each including a communications facility which can electronically communicate with the central computer facility; performing a first transaction including receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins together in a first receiving area and counting at least some of the plurality of coins in each of the automatic coin-counting devices to obtain, in each of the automatic coin-counting devices, at least a first total; receiving at least a first user input in each of the first and second automatic coin-counting devices, the first user input including an acceptance of the first total in the absence of a selection of a product; performing a second transaction including receiving and counting a plurality of randomly oriented coins in each of the automatic coin-counting devices to obtain, in each of the automatic coin-counting devices, at least a second total; transmitting information relating to each of the first and second transactions, from each of the automatic coin-counting devices, to the central computer facility, using the communications facilities, without the need to first transmit the information from one of the automatic coin-counting devices to another automatic coin-counting device; and outputting at least a first voucher, at each of the automatic coin-counting devices, the voucher for an amount related to an amount of coins counted.