Patent ID: 8346610

Claim:
A self-service machine for redeeming currency from a customer, said machine located at a retail location with an account system including a personal customer account for said customer, said machine comprising: a coin hopper configured to receive bulk mixed coins substantially simultaneously input by said customer; a coin module for processing the bulk mixed coins, said coin module comprising a coin separation device to separate the bulk mixed coins into a single-file stream of coins and coin discrimination sensor to discriminate between valid and invalid coins of said bulk mixed coins; a card reader configured to process a data storage medium on a card associated with a monetary value; a connector coupling said machine to said account system at said location; and a controller coupled to said coin module and said card reader, said controller determining a total inputted value as the sum of said valid coins and a monetary value withdrawn from a card received in said card reader, said controller communicating with said account system via said connector to credit said personal customer account by an amount related to said total inputted value, wherein said coin module includes at least two bags that receive coins from a certain denomination, said controller being coupled to a diverter for selectively diverting coins to one of said at least two bags.