Patent ID: 6860392

Claim:
Apparatus for separating a collection of objects containing metal coins into a first underflow path for receiving the coins based on a predetermined maximum size threshold and a second overflow path of other objects comprising: a barrel assembly comprising: a barrel, said barrel being defined on a longitudinal axis as having an essentially circular cross-sectional wall along said longitudinal axis with an essentially hollow interior and an outer surface, said barrel further having an input opening at an essentially first longitudinal extent of said barrel for receiving a collection of objects, and a discharge opening at an essentially second longitudinal extent of said barrel for discharging an overflow path of objects having a dimensional size greater than said predetermined maximum size of the metal coins; and at least one louver disposed on said barrel, said louver being in the form of at least one longitudinal slit in said barrel wall formed by a separation between an outer flap of said barrel wall and an inner flap of said barrel wall, said slit being in a generally parallel orientation with said longitudinal axis of said barrel, said slit forming an opening in said wall of said barrel extending from said hollow interior to said outer surface of said barrel, said opening having a dimensional magnitude less than or equal to the predetermined maximum size threshold for discharging an underflow path of said metal coins having a dimensional size less than said predetermined maximum size; and a powered base assembly for providing vertical support to said barrel assembly and rotational power for rotating said barrel assembly in a predetermined rotational direction.