Patent ID: 7735622

Claim:
A coin processing machine comprising an intake hopper, the intake hopper comprising: a turntable having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, a wall extending along the outer circumference of the turntable, a singulating plate, a diverter plate, and a drive operatively connected to the turntable to rotate the turntable; the turntable rotatable in a first direction and in an opposite second direction, the first direction defining a downstream direction and the second direction defining an upstream direction, the drive capable of rotating the turntable in the first direction at a speed sufficient to drive coins on the turntable against the wall by centrifugal force; the wall comprising a first opening and a second opening circumferentially spaced downstream from the first opening; the singulating plate upstream of the first wall opening and extending over the turntable, the singulating plate configured to allow a stream of coins to be discharged from the first opening when the turntable rotates in the first direction; the diverter plate fixedly attached to the wall between the first and second openings and permanently stationary with respect to the turntable, the diverter plate extending from the wall radially inwardly over the turntable to a free end spaced radially outwardly from the inner circumference of the turntable, the diverter plate configured to direct objects on the turntable away from the second opening when the turntable rotates in the first direction and to direct objects on the turntable through the second opening when the turntable rotates in the second direction.