Patent ID: 7520374
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: G07D,G07F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of counting coins, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in a coin input region of a coin counting machine; moving the coins from the coin input region through a gap in a coin sensor, wherein the coin sensor includes a magnetic core having first and second legs extending upwardly from an annular lower portion, wherein each of the first and second legs defines, respectively, first and second generally opposed and spaced-apart faces, wherein the first and second spaced-apart faces extend for over half the overall length of the magnetic core defining the gap through which the coins move, and wherein each of the first and second legs includes an outer portion that transitions inwardly from the annular lower portion toward the end of the respective leg so that the magnetic, core has a first overall width at the annular lower portion that is greater than a second overall width at the opposing ends of the first and second legs; discriminating the coins with the coin sensor to differentiate acceptable coins from unacceptable coins; and sending information related to the coin data to a central computer located remotely from the coin counting machine.