Patent ID: 7464802

Claim:
An apparatus for counting coins, the apparatus comprising: a coin input region configured to receive a plurality of coins in random orientation; a debris separation device configured to receive the plurality of coins from the coin input region, the debris separation device having at least a first flat wall with at least one opening sized to prevent passage therethrough of a smallest coin of the plurality of coins, the debris separation device further having at least a first vane with a lower portion attached to an interior surface of the first flat wall and an upper free end portion extending inwardly from the lower portion and away from the first flat wall at an angle relative to the lower portion; a driver operably coupled to the debris separation device and configured to move the debris separation device and agitate the plurality of coins; a coin discriminator configured to receive the plurality of coins from the debris separation device and count the coins to determine a total; and a voucher dispenser configured to dispense a redeemable voucher for at least one of the total and a value related to the total.