Coin Sorting Apparatus.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Jan., 1895
omplete Specification Left, 21st Mar., 1895-Accepted, 27th Apr.,
1795
Coin Sorting Apparatus.
I, HENRY HOWARD HANMER, of 30 Exchange Street East, Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, Cotton Broker, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, as
the coins of this realm, ranging from the smallest, as threepenny bits, to the
largest, as five shilling pieces; and it has mainly for its object to obviate the large
amount of time which is now used in counting and sorting mixed quantities
of coins.
According to this invention, an apparatus comprises a series of parts one above
the other, or at different levels, each of which parts is constructed and adapted to
deal, or to be used in connection with each set of coins of different size. The
apparatus or parts referred to comprise a casing having one or more chambers or
spaces within it of considerable depth, but of comparatively narrow width, while
the length is according to the size, generally, of the machine. In most cases there
will be several sets of such chambers placed or arranged side by side, or in line
longitudinally, or both, so as to be capable of dealing with a considerable amount
of coin at one time. In each of these parts at different levels, and at the lower
part of same, there will be provided a bar or bars, or the like, for catching and
holding the coins, which bars, or the like, are spaced apart, the distance between
them being according to the diameter of the coin which each part will be adapted
to sort or collect; those for catching and holding five shilling pieces being the
furthest apart, and those for catching threepenny pieces or sixpences the closest.
The different parts at the different levels will be arranged so that the largest coins
will be caught in the upper of them, and the smallest towards and at the bottom.
In some cases, these parts or divisions may be in the form of withdrawing trays
or drawers by which, after the coins have been sorted, they can be drawn out, and
the sorted coins removed from them.
In another case the apparatus inay be adapted to sort coins, and to cause the
sorted coins to run from it down suitable conduits to different receptacles. In the
latter case or in other cases-where the apparatus is so arranged that the coins
are caught in the sorting action, they may be made to run from the apparatus by a
tipping action, or a device adapted to lift them over the parts on which they rest,
or equivalent means.
In action, the coins to be sorted are tipped into the upper part of the apparatus,
and the upper chambers or receptacles being adapted to receive coins edgewise
and uprightly only, the coins pass down into the apparatus freely, and at once, the
larger coins being caught in the upper part, and the smaller oues falling away
through the apparatus towards the lower ones.
The apparatus, or the chamber and partitions thereof, may be made of cast
metal, or wrought metal, wood, or any suitable material.
The invention, it is to be understood, is not restricted to the specific forms and
parts herein before mentioned, as these may be modified as to form and size, and

page_text: differently arranged and combined, according to the different conditions under
which the invention is to be applied, and to meet special cases.
Dated this 11th day of January 1895.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
I, HENRY HOWARD HANMER, of 30 Exchange Street East, Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, Cotton Broker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention has reference to apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, as
the coins of this realm, ranging from the smallest, as threepenny bits, to the largest,
as five shilling pieces; and it has mainly for its object to obviate the large amount
of time which is now used in counting and sorting mixed quantities of coins.
According to this invention, an apparatus comprises in most cases a series of
parts one above the other, or at different levels, each of which parts is constructed
and adapted to deal, or to be used in connection with, each set of coins of different
size. The apparatus or parts referred to comprise a casing having one or more
chambers or spaces within it of considerable depth, but of comparatively narrow
width, while the length is according to the size, generally, of the machine. In
most cases there will be several sets of such chambers placed or arranged side by
side, or in line longitudinally, or both, so as to be capable of dealing with a
considerable amount of coin at one time. In each of these parts at different levels,
and at the lower part of same, there will be provided a bar or bars, or the like, for
catching and holding the coins, which bars, or the like, are spaced apart, the
distance between them being according to the diameter of the coin which each part
will be adapted to sort or collect; those for catching and holding five shilling pieces
being the furthest apart, and those for catching threepenny pieces or sixpences the
closest. The different parts at the different levels will be arranged so that the
largest coins will be caught in the upper of them, and the smallest towards and at
the bottom.
In some cases, these parts or divisions may be in the form of withdrawing trays
or drawers by which, after the coins have been sorted, they can be drawn out, and
the sorted coins removed from them.
In another case the apparatus may be adapted to sort coins, and to cause the
sorted coins to run from it down suitable conduits to different receptacles. In the
latter case or in other cases,-where the apparatus is so arranged that the coins
are caught in the sorting action, they may be made to run from the apparatus by a
tipping action, or a device adapted to lift them over the parts on which they rest,
or equivalent means.
In action, the coins to be sorted are tipped into the upper part of the apparatus,
and the upper chambers or receptacles being adapted to receive the coins edgewise
and uprightly only, the coins pass down into the apparatus freely, and at once, the
larger coins being caught in the upper tray, and the smaller ones falling away
through the apparatus towards the lower ones.
The apparatus, or the chamber and partitions thereof, may be made of cast
metal, or wrought metal, wood, or any suitable material.
The invention, it is to be understood, is not restricted to the specific forms and
parts hereinbefore mentioned, as these may be modified as to form and size, and
differently arranged and combined, according to the different conditions under
which the invention is to be applied, and to meet special cases.

page_text: Examples of apparatus according to this invention are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. In these drawings Figures 1, 2, and 3, illustrate in front
elevation, side elevation partly in section, and in sectional elevation, one arrange-
ment of sorting apparatus according to this invention. Figures 4, 5, and 6, are
sectional elevation, sectional plan, and cross sectional elevation, of another sorting
apparatus provided with my improvements. Figures 7 and 8 are respectively side
and end elevation, in section, illustrating a sorter according to this invention where
the coins are sorted, and caused to pass away from the apparatus, or delivered
from it as they are sorted, by conduits. Figures 9 and 10 are sectional elevation
and plan, respectively, and Figure 11 is a detail in sectional view, of another
modification according to this invention, for sorting two sizes of coin only, say as
sovereigns and half sovereigns, pennies and half-pennies, et cetera. Figures 12 and 13
show two modifications of trays.
Referring in the first instance to the apparatus shewn in Figures 1 to 3, as
indicated by the figures on the front of the drawers, this design is specially
adapted for sorting silver coins, namely, from 5-pieces to threepenny bits.
These figures at the same time also illustrate the general mode of construction of coin
sorters under this invention. The sorter illustrated in these figures comprises
a number of sorting trays generally designated a; and these trays, in this
arrangement, are removable in the manner of drawers, they being provided with
knobs by which they are pulled in and out, and sliding ledges c, which slide
in suitable grooves in the side pieces d of the case or frame, the whole of which
is generally designated F. Each of the sorting trays a consists of a plurality
of vertical partitions a¹, which form the trays into a plurality of vertically
disposed chambers or channels of relatively small width, and cross bars e, which
divide or form these channels into a plurality of meshes or passages through them;
the action being, that by letting the coins fall onto the upper edges of the
partitions a¹, the coins pass into and down the channels, and those which are in
diameter larger than the meshes, that is, larger then the distance apart of the
bars e, are caught by such bars, as seen in Figure 3, while those which are of
less diameter than these meshes, or distances apart, falling through them.
The upper part of the apparatus into which the coins to be sorted are tipped, is
of the same mode of construction as the trays, viz. it is provided with partitions g,
the upper edges of which are arranged at different levels as shewn, so that the
channels or chambers between them will receive coins edgewise and uprightly only
that is, these partitions, made as described and shewn, cause the coins to pass
edgewise into the spaces between them, and the coins thereby received, pass at
once in this manner, and freely down into and through the apparatus.
With regard to the different trays a of the apparatus, those for the smaller coins
are not necessarily so deep as those for the larger; besides which, of course, there
is the essential difference between them, that the different trays will have their
sorting bars e spaced apart at different distances, thau is the meshes in each tray
will be different, such distances in any tray being less than the diameter of the
coin it is adapted to sort and hold, and greater than the diameter of any coin
which is in diameter the next smallest to it, that is, of all coins of less diameter
than it.
The general operation of the apparatus is,-that coins in bulk or quantity are
poured or delivered onto the upper part of the apparatus. By the partitions g they
are given the edgewise or vertical position, and in this position fall down the spaces
between them into the channels or spaces between the partitions of the uppermost
tray a. In this tray the five shilling pieces are arrested and held, all others passing
through its meshes and falling into the next tray below, whereby the next largest
sized coins are arrested and held, and so on throughout the apparatus, each tray
catching and sorting only that size and value of coin which it is designed to
catch and sort. When the coins have all settled the trays are withdrawn by their
knobs b, and the sorted coins of each are tipped out into a suitable receptacle
Of course the lowermost division, namely, No. 7, for threepenny bits, is not

page_text: necessarily a sorter, as nothing has to be scrted from them, and is therefore merely
an ordinary drawer.
The drawers, and the upper or coin receiving part of the apparatus, are
preferably made so that the upper and lower edges of their partitions come closely
up to the under edges and upper edges of those above and below them, respectively.
I prefer this construction, as I find that if the partitions be not the full depth,
and practically continuous throughout the apparatus, when the trays are in place,
some of the coins, and particularly those of the smaller sizes, are apt to get canted
and stick crosswise in it.
As regards the width of the channels or spaces between the partitions of the
trays, about from to of an inch I find suitable in an apparatus where silver
only is sorted; whilst for compound sorters, as for pounds, silver, and copper,
the distances of these channels or spaces should be rather less, namely, about
of an inch.
The sorter shewn in Figures 1 to 3 is shewn made of wood principally, it
however may be made of metal; and the modification shewn in Figures 4 to 6 is
supposed to be constructed of metal. Regarding this modification shewn in
Figures 4 to 6, the trays a in this case are not movable, as in the apparatus shewn
in Figures 1 to 3; that is, they are not in the form of drawers, the coins sorted by
the apparatus in this case being adapted to be removed from the side of it, by
tipping or moving it about a hinge x, at one corner thereof.
In this modification, the partitions a' and the partitions g are in one, they being
made of continuous plates or sheets of metal; whilst the bars e are passed
through slots, the required distances apart, in these plates, the bars being gapped
at their lower edges so that when in place they drop down, and the tongues between
the gaps, lie between the plates and form distance pieces thereto. This is illustrated
in Figure 6. Thus the trays in this arrangement, although they exist in a similar
relative arrangement and manner to those shewn in Figures 1 to 3, are not removable,
but are all formed together.
To allow of the coins being removed after the sorting has taken place, the
apparatus is turned about the hinge over a chest or box k, made into a number
of divisions by having partitions k therein; and when the apparatus is turned
down over this, the plate forming the end or side of the apparatus (it being in
the shape of a withdrawable plate), is withdrawn or pulled out to one side, and
thereby allows the coins in the different trays to fall down into the different
receptacles in the chest provided for them. From the receptacles k, the coins
may pass by conduits to tills, or other receptacles, if desired.
As regards the upper part of this apparatus, it will be seen that the upper
edges of the partitions y are arranged as shewn in Figure 2, namely, at different
levels, so that the coins are caused to enter edgewise, and uprightly, at once,
and pass down.
Referring to the modification shewn in Figures 7 and 8, the construction shewn
therein illustrates the feature of this invention of a sorter designed to sort coins
and to cause the sorted coins to pass away from and down suitable conduits to
different receptacles, and without the tipping action. The sorting trays in this case
have the same characteristics as those set forth with reference to Figures 1 and 2
and 3, namely, it has the deep partitions a¹ arranged relatively closely together
to keep the coins upright, and the transverse bars e, which with the partitions a
form the mesh. These two parts, however, in this case, are not made in one, but
are, separate, both being in the form of drawers, the drawer comprising the par-
titions a', however, having a certain amount of movement within the frame F, whilst
the part bearing the bars e has the same movement within the apparatus, but, in
addition also, draws out of the frame. 'The conduits down which the coins run or
pass from the apparatus are designated m, and consist of partitions n and a floor o,
the partitions being similarly disposed to those of the trays a, the whole of this
mechanism for conveying away the coins being disposed at one side of the case F,
whilst the sorting parts are at the other side. The part of the tray a containing

page_text: the bars e is designated a¹x, and slides in the frame F, exactly as the tray a, with
the exception, as stated, that the part a¹x draws practically completely out of the
case, with just a stop to prevent it being pulled completely out. In action, both.
drawers are pulled out together when the coins are sorted, so that the partitions al
stand above the partitions n; then the drawer a¹x is drawn further out so as to
withdraw the bars e from under the coins, the effect, of course, of which is, that
the coins fall down into the conduits m (which are inclined) and run down them
to any suitable point. The object of making the trays in two parts in this manner,
is, that I find, that if the coins were discharged down a single conduit, by withdrawing
the drawer comprising the partitions a' only, they would be liable to foul each other,
and jamb.
In this type of apparatus-which may be used in any case where the coins are
moved along their supporting or catching bars, the partitions a' are provided
with semi-circular pendent parts a*, which extend down and sweep between the
bars e, when moved, and so bear upon the side of the coins in action, both at the top
and the bottom, and prevent them from being canted, when sweeping them off the
bars, thereby consequently avoiding jambing of the parts in this action.
To preserve continuity of partitions through the apparatus, between the trays a,.
in this case, intervening partitions o are provided.
A simple or single tray apparatus according to this invention is illustrated in
Figures 9 to 11, that is, it will sort two coins or sizes of coins, as sovereigns and
half-sovereigns. This apparatus is after the type set forth with reference to
Figures 7 and 8 as regards the general mode of moving the trays and coins
from them. The transverse sorting or holding bars e are, in this case, stationary,
and the partitions a¹ movable. When the coins are placed on the top of this tray a,
the larger of the two will be caught by the mesh bars e the smaller_ones (say
half-sovereigns) falling through into the bottom of the apparatus.
To remove
those caught and held (viz. the sovereigns), the tray a is slid transversely from one
side to the other of the frame F, and the coins supported from the mesh bars e are
swept off the bars into the space at the other side of the apparatus. Drawers I
and are provided in the bottom of this apparatus, so that the drawer will
receive the smaller coins as they fall between the bars e, while on the other hand,
when the tray a is moved to the opposite side of the apparatus, where there are no
bars, the larger coins will fall into the drawer ; and these drawers are withdrawn
after the sorting is complete, and their contents removed.
The modification shewn in Figure 12 consists in providing in connection with the
trays, or drawers, at one end, an open drawer a² with a solid bottom, into which the
coins may be run after sorting, by tipping the drawer to the one side; from this
open part the coins may be readily withdrawn, and this may be assisted by making
the bottom corrugated. In some cases this part a² may be hinged to the other part
of the drawer, at a³, as indicated by the dotted lines, and kept normally up in the
position by any suitable spring.
Regarding the modification shewn in Figure 13, the drawer illustrated therein is
made in two parts, the upper part comprising the partitions a', and the lower part,
which is binged at a to the upper part of the tray, the bars e.
When the tray
or drawer is removed from off the part a about the hinge a', the coins resting
upon the bars e can be quickly removed by hand.
In some cases, in sorters adapted to sort silver and copper (or silver only),.
more than one size and value of coin may be caught and held in a single tray as for
instance, five shilling, four shilling, and half-crown pieces, may be caught in the
first tray, pennies in the second, florins in the third, halfpennies in the fourth, and
shillings, sixpences, and threepenuy bits in the fifth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
1. The herein described improvement in coin sorting apparatus, that is to say,.

page_text: apparatus substantially as described by which coins are kept upright or practically
upright when within it, and at the same time are caught and sorted according to
size for the purposes set forth.
2. Coin sorting apparatus having vertically disposed partitions within it, forming
relatively narrow and deep passages, with bars or stops therein at the different
levels, spaced at different distances apart at such different levels, and adapted
to serve as a means of catching different sizes of coins at the different levels,
the said coins being introduced into the apparatus at the upper part: substantially
as set forth.
3. The coin sorting apparatus having the characteristics as specified or referred to
in the preceding claims, the construction of the upper part of such type of apparatus
at which the coins are introduced, substantially as described, by which they are
caused to take an edgewise or upright position and pass readily and freely into the
apparatus.
4. In coin sorting apparatus of the kind hereinabove claimed, conduits arranged
and adapted substantially as described, in connection with such apparatus, by
which the coins are conducted away from the apparatus after being sorted for the
purposes specified.
5. Coin sorting apparatus having the different parts constructed, arranged,
and adapted to operate as set forth with reference to and shewn in the different
figures, or sets of figures, respectively, of the drawings.
Dad the 10th day of Much 1905
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Agents.