Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COIN COLLECTION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for determining the amount and value
of
the contents of a coin box of a coin operated machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Certain activities, such as vending and gaming, are available to the public in
commercial premises dedicated to these activities. These premises contain
gaming
machines which operate automatically when a patron inserts coins or tokens
into the
machine. Gaming machines tend to amass coins or tokens rapidly, and must
periodically be
emptied. Since machine operation is equally feasible with coins and tokens,
discussion from
this point forward will refer to coins, it being understood that tokens may be
substituted to
similar effect.
In particular, gaming machines are available in large numbers in casinos.
Large
numbers of people enjoy using these machines, which may all be in use despite
the number
of machines available. To enable rapid reestablishment of operability after
retrieval of coins,
gaming machines are provided with interchangeable, removable coin collection
boxes.
Service personnel employed by the casino come to a gaming machine with an
empty coin
collection box, remove the full box, and insert the new box. The full box is
then brought
to a counting facility for accounting and verification of its contents.
Many boxes may be present simultaneously at the counting facility. Various
schemes have been employed to enable the casino to know which box is
associated with
which gaming machine. These schemes use printed numbers on small pieces of
paper, or
serial numbers printed on the side of coin boxes. Both methods are prone to
human error
and mistake.
The casino may easily fail to recover all coins which theoretically are
present in the
coin box. Such loss may stem from either of two possibilities. One is that the
bin was
3 0 misaligned within its host gaming machine, so that some coins could fail
to enter the box.
In this case, the coins could lodge within recesses in the machine, or be
retrieved and
pocketed during removal of the box by dishonest personnel servicing the
machine. These
personnel may also remove coins from the interior of the box, even when the
coins have
properly entered the box.
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Although casinos have automated systems utilizing the master computer for
calculating a total sum which theoretically has been amassed by the machines,
the system
falls short of being able to pinpoint specific causes of loss. This is because
large numbers
of coin or token bins are received at the counting facilities, and it is not
possible to identify
which box was short of its calculated receipts. It is merely possible to
calculate that the
sum of the coins actually collected falls short of theoretical receipts. Thus
the operator of
the premises cannot identify poorly installed bins and dishonest employees.
A coin receiving machine having a removable coin collection box and electronic
memory devices contained within both machine and box is shown in United States
Patent
Number 5,056,643, issued to Bernd Kirberg on October 15, 1991. Kirberg's
device is a
vending machine rather than a gaming machine, and lacks the arrangement of
guiding
structure assuring appropriate and reversible mating of the coin collection
box within the
host machine and electrical contacts found in the present invention.
Mechanical disconnection of an electronic memory device within a coin
receiving
machine upon removal of a coin collecting receptacle is shown in United States
Patent
Number 5,485,285, issued to Jerome Remien on October 17, 1995. Remien's
machine is
not a gaming machine, and lacks the arrangement of guiding structure assuring
appropriate
and reversible mating of the coin collection box within the host machine and
electrical
contacts found in the present invention.
Keyed insertion of a coin collecting receptacle into a host machine is
exemplified in
United States Patent Number 2,371,1 14, issued to Walter Von Stoeser on March
6, 1945.
Stoeser's arrangement does not allow for reversible insertion of the
receptacle, as provided
in the present invention. Also, Stoeser's machine is not a gaming machine, and
lacks
electronic memory and electrical contacts enabling communication to electronic
memory,
as found in the present invention.
None of the above, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe
the
instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
3 0 The present invention provides structural cooperation between a coin
collecting box
and its host machine so that the box is reversibly insertable into the host
machine and so
that accurate positioning of the box within the host machine is assured. In a
preferred
embodiment, the coin box and the cavity of the host machine are each provided
with
complementary grooves or projections assuring appropriate alignment of the
box.
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A preferred configuration of guiding members includes a low upwardly oriented
projection disposed upon the flat floor of the cavity of the host machine. The
coin box has
a flat floor including short depending walls which partially surround and
closely cooperate
with the projection when the coin box is fully inserted and lowered into
position. Both the
projection of the host machine and the walls of the coin box are inclined, so
that lowering
the coin box also centers the coin box over the projection. The coin box is
configured to
avoid cracks and crevices into which coins may lodge, be concealed, or
otherwise be lost.
The host machine and the coin box are each provided with electronic memory
devices for storing information relating to the identity of each and with
circuitry enabling
communication between the two memory devices. Each memory device receives
information relating at a minimum to the identity of its partner memory
device. Therefore,
when the coin box is returned to the mounting facility, the operators of the
casino may
ascertain which coin box has been associated with which gaming machine. Other
memory
devices may receive information relating to coin count as well. Therefore, any
shortage of
coins will be attributable to the correct source of the loss, and remedial
steps may then be
taken. At the same time, counting and verification of other machines and coin
boxes may
proceed independently of a short count relating to any one particular coin
box.
To enable communication between box and host machine, electrical contacts are
provided in each such that they will be operable regardless of direction of
insertion of the
coin box into the host machine. The communication circuits completed by mating
of these
contacts are separable, or broken when the coin box is removed. Contact is
preferably
sliding in nature rather than depending upon interfering abutment. Effective
contact may
then ensue without requiring the extreme precision required for abutting
contact.
The arrangement of the contacts reduces requirements for precision when
mating.
Unlike connection devices such as multipin connectors, which must be carefully
aligned prior
to mutual engagement, the electrical contacts act automatically, requiring no
attention from
the installing personnel whatsoever. Physical alignment of the coin box within
the cavity
of the host machine is the only requirement. Cooperation between the depending
walls of
the coin box and the projection of the host machine assures that it is nearly
impossible to
3 0 misalign the two.
The electrical contacts are disposed upon the flat upper surface of the
projection of
the host machine and upon the flat floor of the coin box. In an alternative to
actual contact,
communicable engagement may be accomplished by induction. Coils embedded
within the
box and the host machine on the flat surfaces will cause signals to be
transferred
3 5 inductively without resorting to actual contact.
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According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile inventorying and
collection
apparatus provides for immediate inventorying of moneys collected in the coin
box at an
area adjacent to the host machine, and transfer of the inventoried movies to a
secured
receptacle on-board the mobile apparatus, preferably for later transfer to a
secured coin
repository. Host machines may be gaming machines, vending machines, change
machines
or other machines in which movies are collected, without limitation. The
mobile apparatus
may be a transportable cart or other conveyance for supporting the system
components
described below in greater detail.
The system preferably includes the coin box which is interchangeably received
by
both the host machine for initial collection and the mobile cart for
measurement, including
weighing collected moneys on a scale provided on the mobile apparatus.
Information
identifying the coin box and inventory information specific to the coins and
tokens received
and collected from the host machine is transmitted to either a CPU provided on-
board the
mobile cart for later downloading to a remote data management system, or
directly to the
remote data management system. Such data transmission may be concurrent with
collection processing, or batch downloaded after collection of moneys from a
plurality of
host machines. After the coin box has been inventoried, its contents are then
transferred
to a secure receptacle provided on-board the mobile cart, and the coin box is
returned to its
designated host machine for subsequent coin collection, thereby immediately
placing the
host machine, such as a gaming machine, back in service using the original
coin box.
The coins/tokens may be segregated by numerical denomination in the mobile
inventorying system, for separate secured retention in corresponding
receptacles provided
in the mobile cart. Paper money or scrip may be collected and accounted for by
the
apparatus of the invention. The mobile cart is then preferably advanced to a
subsequent
host machine as necessary to inventory all host machines in a particular
location and
efficiently and securely collect movies in the manner previously described.
The mobile cart
may be retrofittable to existing cart systems, configured to hand or vehicle
transfer systems,
or self-propelled in an automatic delivery system to deliver inventoried
moneys to a remote
count room or other receiving facility. According to another embodiment of the
invention,
3 0 the mobile apparatus includes a self-propelled tow vehicle provided with
inventorying and
collection apparatus and one or more coin collection carts, each having one or
more secure
receptacles, to be towed by the tow vehicle adjacent to the host machines to
be
inventoried.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
device for
extracting information from an electronically-identified coin box of a coin
operated machine.
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The device includes a memory device for extracting and storing data, a
calibrated scale in
electrical communication with the memory device, and circuitry for
electrically connecting
the memory device to the coin box.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method
of inventorying moneys collected from a machine. The method includes the steps
of
providing a weighing device, electrically connecting a coin box to the
weighing device, and
calculating the number of coins in the coin box.
Other objects, features and advantages of. the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.
It is to be
understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples,
while indicating
preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of
illustration and not
limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present
invention may
be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes
all such
modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present
invention
will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference
characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views,
and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective, environmental, diagrammatic view of the coin
collection
system of the invention, showing slot machine coin collection application in a
casino.
Fig. 2 is a front elevational, diagrammatic view of the invention.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective detail view of components seen at the bottom
of
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3a is an exploded perspective detail view of components seen at the
bottom of
Fig. 2. having an alternative electrodes arrangement.
Fig. 4 is a front cross sectional view of the components of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3, but illustrating a first
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4, but illustrating a second
alternative
embodiment.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective detail view of a coin collection box having
contacts
on the side thereof and a corresponding projection.
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Fig. 8 is an exploded top plan view of the coin collection box of Fig. 7 and
the inside
wall of a gaming machine having contacts thereon.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a coin collection box having guiding structure
including contacts in the side thereof.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the coin collection box of Fig.
9 inserted
into a gaming machine.
Fig. 11 is a perspective, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the mobile
cart
of the present invention, showing a plurality of individual coin/token
receiving bins, scale
and a CPU mounted on-board the mobile cart.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a coin collection box receiving platform to
be
mounted to the mobile cart of the present invention for receiving and weighing
a coin box
according to the invention.
Fig. 13 is a flow chart of a method of receiving and inventorying coins/tokens
collected from a host machine, and transmission of equipment- and inventory-
specific
information and data to on-board and remote CPUs.
Fig. 14 is a perspective, diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the
inventorying and collection apparatus of the present invention, showing a self-
propelled tow
vehicle for pulling a train of money collection carts, each cart including at
least one secure
coin/token receiving bin.
Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective detail view of a coin box and a
programmable
scale, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 16 is a front cross sectional view of the coin box and programmable scale
of Fig.
15, where the programmable scale includes a memory device and a weighing
device.
Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing a method of determining the number of
coins/tokens
collected from a host machine, and transmission of equipment- and inventory-
specific
information and data to on-board and remote CPUs.
Fig. 18 is a side detail elevational view of the lid of the present invention
including
a splash guard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 is a bottom detail plan view from inside the mobile cart showing the
lid and
splash guard of Figure 18 in a closed position.
Fig 20 is a front detail elevational view of the lid and splash guards of Fig.
19.
Fig. 21 is a perspective cut-away view of a lid of the mobile cart with splash
guards
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 22 is a side elevational view of a mobile cart in accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
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Fig 23 is a rear elevational view of the mobile cart of Fig. 22.
Fig. 24 is a front elevational view of the mobile cart of Fig. 22.
Fig. 25 is a top plan view of the mobile cart of Fig. 22, showing the drawer
partially
pulled-out.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 shows the present invention as it would be employed in a casino (not
shown
in its entirety). The invention comprises a coin operated machine 10 having a
removably
insertable coin collection box 12 for receiving and storing coins 14 inserted
into machine
10. It will be understood that the coin collection box 12 may be used to
collect paper
money and scripp according to the invention, for use with machines 10 that
require paper
money or scripp for operation. Coin box 12 is periodically removed for
counting and
retrieving coins 14. A similar coin box (not shown) is inserted into a cavity
16 serving as
a receptacle for containing coin box 12 when machine 10 is in use. Coin box 12
is designed
to be reversibly inserted into cavity 16 in the interests of efficiently
replacing coin boxes and
expeditiously returning machine 10 to active service.
In a typical casino, coin box 12 is carried on a cart (not shown) together
with other
coin boxes (not shown) to a counting facility 18 for retrieval of coins and
reconciling of
accounts. Counting facility 18 has a computer monitor 20 and a keyboard 22.
Machine 10
has a memory device (see Fig. 2) which is employed in tracking receipts and
disbursements
made by machine 10. This information is communicated to a central computer 24,
which
includes another memory device, by any suitable method, such as by cable 26.
Monitor 20
and keyboard 22 communicate with computer 24 by cable 28. Information
contained in the
two memories further includes data identifying which coin box has served
machine 10
during a specified time period. The operator of the casino may thus account
for shortages
in the count of retrieved coins, and may pinpoint the source of any loss as
accruing from
pilferage or from mechanical failure. Identities of the personnel removing and
returning coin
box 12 may also be tracked in the memories.
Fig. 2 shows typical components of machine 10. A coin accepting apparatus 30
receives coins, verifies authenticity and value of coins, and sends a signal
to a
microprocessor 32 enabling activities to proceed if sufficient value has been
received.
Microprocessor 32 has an associated memory device, such as RAM 34. A function
controller 36 is enabled by a signal from microprocessor 32 to accept commands
from the
patron of machine 10 responsive to acceptance of a coin by coin accepting
apparatus 30
and determination of sufficient value for the requested function.
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In gaming machines, the function will relate to gaming or gambling. In this
case, the
function will be performing a calculation of a random chance result, and
dispensing a return
based upon the chance result. The return, made by a dispenser 38, may be a
payoff if the
chance result favors the patron, and will result in retention of inserted
money by machine
if the chance result does not favor the patron.
The present invention is equally applicable to machines performing functions
other
than gaming. For example, the machine may be a vending machine (not shown). If
this
were the case, then dispenser 38 would comprise well known apparatus for
selecting and
dispensing merchandise, and optionally for making change.
Coin box 12 is diagrammatically shown in a predetermined, operative position
within
machine 10. This signifies that coin box 12 is correctly positioned to
successfully receive
coins delivered thereinto by machine 10, thereby defeating a potential source
of loss, i.e.,
spillage past the coin box 12. If the function being performed results in a
determination that
an inserted coin should be retained by machine 10, then that coin is routed to
coin box 12.
This is indicated diagrammatically by chute 40. Alignment of chute 40 with
coin guide 42,
which leads to a coin storage receptacle 43, represents the operative position
of coin box
12 within machine 10.
Of course, machine 10 may retain coins for potential return to the patron.
Apparatus
for accomplishing this is well known and may be incorporated for the
successful operation
of machine 10 if desired.
The operative position further signifies that coin box 12 is properly aligned
to assure
completion or connection of communications circuitry. It being recalled that
coin box 12
has a memory device 44, circuitry 46 is provided to transmit signals to memory
device 44.
Circuitry 46 is connected to complementary circuitry 48, which complementary
circuitry 48
is in turn connected to memory device 34. Final connections are made by
electrodes 50,
52 of circuitry 46 and electrodes 54, 56 of circuitry 48. Cable 26 may be
regarded as a
further component of circuitry 48, and performs the function of transmitting
communication
signals between microprocessor 32 and its associated memory device 34 and
external
computer 24 and its associated memory device (not shown apart from computer
24).
An operator may utilize keyboard 22 to query microprocessor 32 of machine 10,
in
order to receive information from machine 10 prior to receiving coin box 12.
The same
information available from microprocessor 32 may be entered into memory device
44 of coin
box 12. Alternatively, some information may be restricted from memory device
34 or from
memory device 44, so that there may be a difference in entered data between
these
components. Many algorithms or programs may be utilized in controlling and
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communicating between computer 24 and memory devices 34 and 44, depending upon
the
exact functions to be performed. These algorithms are well known or may be
created
especially for the application by those of skill in the art.
Information gathered by the memory device 34 can include host machine 10
identification, time and date information, and data transferred from a coin
meter 125 (Fig.
31 in the host machine. It will be understood that the data other than coin
meter data can
be monitored by meters within the host machine 10, which are preferably
associated with
the memory device 34. The electronic monitoring system of the host machine 10
(which
is associated with memory device 34) can monitor any electrical signal
generated by the
host machine 10. For example, door open signals, signals generated by the coin
acceptor
mechanism and signals generated by the bill acceptor mechanism can be
monitored. These
signals can be counted or analyzed to generate additional information that can
be stored in
the data chip in the base of the coin collection box 12 for later transfer to
the central
computer 24. Door open signals can be generated by, for example, an electric
switch
whose contacts are opened and closed when the door is pressed against the
switch. The
electronic monitoring system monitors the voltage going through the switch to
determine
the state of the door (opened or closed). Any mechanical movement within the
machine
can be monitored by the electronic monitoring system by attaching an
electronic position
sensor to the mechanical device to be monitored.
In a preferred embodiment, the host machine 10 includes electrical ouptuts
that
correspond to certain events that are monitored by the electronic monitoring
system. The
outputs may be lights, bells, buzzers, whistles, relays or the like. For
example, if the host
machine 10 includes a switch for monitoring the status of the door (opened or
closed) a
corresponding light may be included in the host machine 10. Therefore, when
the door is
ajar, the light is lit, thereby alerting the operator that the door is ajar.
Other signals/outputs,
such as bucket in position (on or off contacts), illegal bucket in position,
bucket full, data
tampering detected, and the like, are within the scope of the present
invention.
Interfitting cooperation between coin box 12 and cavity 16 (see Fig. 1 ) is
shown in
Figs. 3 and 4. Cavity 16 has receiving structure for removably receiving and
locating coin
box 12, comprising a floor 58 and a projection 60 projecting upwardly from
floor 58.
Projection 60 has an inclined lateral wall 62 which gives projection 60 a
tapered
configuration wherein the top is smaller than the bottom. Coin box 12 has
guiding structure
including a bottom panel 64 and a wall 66 depending from bottom panel 64. Wall
66 has
an inclined surface 68 complementing and closely cooperating with tapered
projection 60.
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When coin box 12 is inserted into cavity 16 and released, coin box 12 will be
urged
by gravity to attain the predetermined position, shown representatively in
Fig. 2, beneath
chute 40 (see Fig. 2) or equivalent structure for depositing coins into
receptacle 43.
In the present example, corresponding inclination of wall 62 and surface 68
urges
coin box 12 to become centered over projection 60. Of course, inclination of
wall 62 and
surface 68 could be reversed to the same effect. In other embodiments, it
would be
possible that corresponding receiving structure of a coin operated machine and
guiding
structure of the coin box be differently configured For example, the coin box
could be
urged to the left, right, or to the rear, or to an intermediate position
having combined
characteristics of these directions.
Electrodes 50, 52 and 54, 56 and their respective alignment are also shown in
Fig. 3.
Electrodes 50 and 52 are exposed from below panel 64, and will make physical
contact with
electrodes 54, 56, which are exposed from above projection 60 when coin box 12
is
lowered into the predetermined position.
Preferably, contact is sliding contact, rather than requiring penetration and
consequent careful alignment of the respective male and female electrodes (not
shown).
In addition to sliding contact, electrodes 50, 52 and 54, 56 are arranged
serially with
respect to the direction of insertion of said coin box into said coin operated
machine, so that
coin box 12 need be moved in a straight line, and not necessarily moved in a
complex
manner to assure mating of the contacts 50, 52, 54, 56. The relative large
size of one of
the two sets of electrodes 50, 52 or 54, 56 assures contact even if coin box
12 is slightly
misaligned relative to projection 60.
An additional electrode 70 is disposed upon projection 60 and connected in
common
with electrode 54. This arrangement assures that coin box 12, which is of
symmetrical
construction, may be inserted into cavity 16 with end wall 72 facing either to
the rear of
machine 10 or to the front thereof. Thus, machine 10 and coin box 12 are
arranged to
accept reversible insertion of the latter into the former. Simultaneously,
electrodes 50, 52,
and their corresponding electrodes 54, 56 of projection 60 are linearly
alignable regardless
of directional orientation of coin box 12 within machine 10, and will come
into operative
proximity when coin box 12 attains its predetermined position within operated
machine 10.
In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3a, electrodes 50, 52 can be arranged
in
a side by side arrangement, such that they are normal to the direction of
insertion the coin
box 12. In this embodiment, electrode 50 is placed in the center of the coin
box 12, relative
to end walls 72, 72a and electrode 52 is offset therefrom. Electrodes 54, 56,
70 are
affixed to projection 60 such that electrode 56 is in the center thereof, and
the electrodes
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54 and 56 are on either side of electrode 56. Therefore, the coin box 12 can
be reversibly
inserted into cavity 16 without regard to the orientation of coin box 12. It
will be
understood that a non-symmetrical coin box 12 is within the scope of the
present invention.
In such a case electrode 70 can be omitted and directional orientation of coin
box 12 is not
reversible.
Fig. 4 shows a preferred configuration of coin box 12 wherein upwardly
projecting
lateral walls of receptacle 43 are inclined such that the top of receptacle 43
is wider than
the bottom thereof, and all internal surfaces are continuous and lack cracks
and crevices
which could otherwise trap or conceal coins. This view also shows the close
cooperation
between projection 60 and surface 68, and the arrangement of memory device 44
and
contact 50 within panel 64.
The arrangement of contacting electrode 50, 52, 54, 56 may be replaced by
electrodes featuring non-contacting communication. As shown in Fig. 5, coin
box 12 may
be provided with an induction coil 74 embedded within panel 64 and connected
to memory
device 44. Machine 10 has a corresponding induction coil 76 embedded within
projection
60, which coil 76 communicates with memory device 34 /see Fig. 2) through
circuitry 48.
Even though physical contact is absent, operative proximity enables coils 74
and 76 to
transmit signals to one another.
Obviously, one of coils 74 or 76 may be replaced by a metal structure the form
of
which is not critical, in order to react appropriately with the
electromagnetic field, depending
upon the desired direction of communication. Where a coil 74 or 76 is
provided, it will be
understood to include a suitable power supply (not shown). The use of
inductive coils for
communicating signals is conventional, and these coils are shown only in
representative
capacity in Fig. 5.
Another form of electrodes providing non-contact communication is shown in
Fig.
6. Coin box 12 has a radio frequency transmitter and receiver 78 and an
associated
antenna 80. Of course, transmitter and receiver 78 is connected to memory
device 44,
although not shown in Fig. 6. Machine 10 has a corresponding radio frequency
transmitter
and receiver 82 having a respective associated antenna 84. The respective
devices
indicated as 78 and 82 may, of course, comprise only a transmitter or only a
receiver,
depending upon the desired scheme of communication. In the embodiments of
Figs. 5 and
6, signal strength will be predetermined so that communication is established
only when a
predetermined proximity between the communicating elements is attained.
Figures 7-8 show an embodiment of a coin collection box 12 that includes
contacting
electrodes 50, 52 on end wall 72. Contacting electrodes 50, 52 are shown in
Figs. 7-8 in
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a horizontal orientation, however it will be understood that contacts 50, 52
can be arranged
in any orientation, such as vertical or diagonal. One of the inside walls 16a
that defines
cavity 16 (see Fig. 1 ) includes electrodes 54, 56. When coin collection box
12 is inserted
into cavity 16, and the guiding structure (via gravity) locates the box 12 in
its predetermined
position, the contacting electrodes 50 and 52 will make physical contact with
electrodes
54, 56.
Preferably, electrodes 54, 56 are located on the wall 16a opposite the opening
into
which the coin collection box 12 is inserted into cavity 16. It will be
understood that
contacting electrodes 50 and 52 can be located on end wall 72 and opposite end
wall 72a
(as shown in Fig. 8) so that the box 12 can be inserted into cavity 16 with
end wall 72
facing either to the rear of machine 10 or to the front thereof. Thus, machine
10 and coin
box 12 are arranged to accept reversible insertion of the latter into the
former. It will be
understood that contacting electrodes may be located on any of the end or side
walls of
coin collection box 12.
Figures 9-10 show another embodiment of a coin collection box 12 that includes
contacting electrodes 50, 52 on end wall 72. In this embodiment, cavity 16 has
receiving
structure for removably receiving and locating coin box 12. However, the
guiding structure
is omitted from the bottom of coin collection box 12 and is included on end
wall 72. The
receiving structure includes a wall 16a and a projection 202 projecting
outwardly from wall
16a. Projection 202 has an inclined lateral wall 204 which gives projection
202 a tapered
configuration. Coin box 12 has guiding structure including a side panel 206
and end wall
72 depending from side panel 206. End wall 72 has an inclined surface 208
complementing
and closely cooperating with tapered projection 202.
When coin box 12 is inserted into cavity 16, coin box 12 will attain the
predetermined position beneath chute 40 (see Fig. 2) or equivalent structure
for depositing
coins into receptacle 43 as a result of the guiding structure. In a preferred
embodiment,
contact electrodes 50, 52 are held in contact relationship with electrodes 54,
56 by door
16b. As shown in Fig. 10, when door 16b is closed it contacts end wall 72a,
thereby
urging contact electrodes 50, 52 into contact relationship with electrodes 54,
56.
Of course, inclination of wall 204 and surface 208 could be reversed to the
same
effect. Further, the entire guiding structure could be included on another
side or end wall
of the coin box 12.
Variations and modifications to the invention may be introduced by those of
skill in
the art. For example, coin box 12 may be modified so that the front and rear
sections of
wall 66 enable sliding of coin box 12 on projection 60. Other structure (not
shown) may
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be provided for supporting coin box 12 as it is slid into and out of its
operative position
within machine 10. Although electronic data handling has been described,
optical and other
systems may be substituted in whole or in part to similar effect. A handle may
be located
on the front of the coin box 12 to aid a technician in removing and inserting
the coin box
12. End wall 72a may include a press surface, such as an elastomeric material,
for door
16b to contact to aid in urging coin box 12 toward wall 16a.
As a further improvement, and with reference now to Figs. 11-24, a mobile
inventorying system 100 includes a mobile cart 102.provided with inventorying
apparatus
104 for immediate inventorying of moneys such as coins or tokens collected in
the coin box
12 (Fig. 1 ) at an area adjacent to the host machine 10, thereby eliminating
the requirement
to return the coin box 12 to a remotely-located counting facility to inventory
coins/tokens
received by the host machine 10. This system is also applicable to the
efficient and
accurate collection of paper money or scrip, utilizing the apparatus of the
present invention
to read and transfer the counts of paper money or scrip to the computer
system. The
system of the present invention is applicable to gaming machines, vending
machines,
change machines or other machines in which movies are collected, without
limitation.
Inventorying apparatus 104 can include, without limitation, an on-board data
collection unit CPU 106, an on-board calibrated scale 108, and at least one
secure
coin/token receiving container 110. The system preferably includes the coin
box 12 for
receiving and inventorying coins and tokens received from the host machine 10,
and
transmitting this data as well as identification data of the coin box 12 to
either the on-board
CPU 106 provided on-board the mobile cart 102 for later downloading to a
remote data
management system 120 (and/or central computer 24), or directly to the remote
data
collection system 120. The coins/tokens may be segregated by denomination in
the mobile
inventorying system 100. It will be understood that the identification data of
coin box 12
can include, without limitation, any combination of host machine
identification, coin count
information and/or time/date information.
Processing then continues to additional host machines 10 as necessary to
inventory
all host machines in a particular location of, for example, a casino, and
efficiently and
immediately update gaming or other money receipts for those coins/tokens
received in coin
box 12 provided therein in the manner previously described. After each coin
box 12 has
been inventoried and its contents transferred to the secure coin/token
receiving container
1 10, the coin box 12 is reinstalled in the designated cavity 16 provided in
its designated
host machine 10. The system components may be installed on a mobile cart 102,
or
alternatively may be provided on a support structure retrofittably affixable
to existing
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portable wheeled cart systems for operation along tracked or untracked
pathways,
configured for manual or machine-propelled transfer systems by tow handle 1 1
1, or self-
propelled under automatic robotic delivery system control to deliver
inventoried moneys to
a remote count room or other receiving facility.
Specifically, the inventorying apparatus 104 includes a receiving system in
which the
coin box 12 is removably received on a data collection system or receiving
platform 1 14
provided with electrically or inductively coupled contacts and circuitry
configured for
achieving a desired electrical connection of electrodes.50, 52, 70 of the coin
box 12 in the
manner previously described. Preferably, the data collection system or
receiving platform
1 14 includes an electronically readable, non-alterable identification number
that is unique
to that unit. An additional set of complementary contacts 116, 118 and
electrode 120
(corresponding to contacts 54, 56 and electrode 70 shown in Fig. 3) are
symmetrically
arranged on the receiving platform 114 or in cavity 1 17 to accept reversible
insertion of the
coin box 12, and provide positive operative contact with electrodes 50, 52, 70
installed on
the underside of the coin box 12. A lid 1 15 is hingedly affixed to the mobile
cart 102 to
protect, in the down and closed position, components of the inventorying
apparatus 104
provided in a cavity 1 17 of the mobile cart 102 during periods of non-use.
The coin box 12 is received in the manner previously described and weighed by
calibrated scale 108 mounted to the mobile cart 102. The calibrated scale 108
may be any
scale useful for determining a weight differential of single coins/tokens
passed through the
scale apparatus. In connection with coin collection box identifying data,
including tare
weight of the coin box 12 and designated coinage to be received therein, the
net weight
and aggregate value of the contents collected in the coin box 12 is
transferred to the on-
board CPU 106 for on-board storage of this data, to be downloaded to a remote
CPU 121.
It will be understood that data downloading may occur concurrently with an
inventorying
operation, or subsequently thereto either on an individual host-machine basis
or on a batch
basis.
Information gathered by memory device 44 of the coin collection box 12 can
include
host machine 10 identification, time and date information, and data
transferred from a coin
meter 125 (Fig. 3) in the host machine and stored in the coin collection box
12 for use in
comparing count and weight and alerting the appropriate personnel to a
measured difference
between readings obtained from the calibrated scale 108 and coin meter 125
data. When
coin box 12 is electrically connected to electrodes 1 16, 1 18, 120, the data
or information
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stored in memory device 44 is downloaded to on-board CPU 106 for later
downloading to
remote CPU 121, or directly to remote CPU 121.
The mobile cart 102 according to the present invention includes a unitary body
120
containing one or more hoppers 122, 124, 126 each designated by placards 128,
130, 132,
respectively, for receiving the designated denomination of coins/tokens after
measurement.
Coins/tokens may be transferred to a bucket 123 to be received within a
selected hopper
122, 124, 126. After transfer of coins/tokens to the mobile cart 102, each
hopper
122,124,126 is closed with a hinged lid 134, 136, -138, respectively, to be
secured in a
closed and locked position during transport or non-use of the apparatus 104 or
the coins are
placed in the hopper through an articulated chute which disallows entry of a
retrieving
device or human hand to remove the coins/tokens. According to the invention, a
mixed
aggregation of coins/tokens may be separated by denomination by a coin
separator (not
shown) into separate hoppers. Also, apparatus may be provided within the
hoppers to
receive, separate, and stack designated denominations of coins/tokens for
reuse in pre-sized,
pre-valued stacks.
With reference to Figs. 11 and 18-22, in a preferred embodiment, the lids 134,
136
138 include a splash guard (generally designated 410) for preventing coins or
tokens from
spilling therefrom when being transferred into secure coin/token receiving
container 110
and/or hoppers 122, 124, 126. For exemplary purposes only lid 134 is shown in
the Figures
as having the splash guard 410 associated therewith. The splash guard 410 can
be any
member that extends between the secure coin/token receiving container 1 10 and
the lid
134, when the lid 134 is in the raised position. In a preferred embodiment,
the lid 134
includes two splash guards 410, one for each side thereof. It will be
understood that the
splash guards 410 generally operate as a mirror image of one another. The
splash guard
410 can be made of any material durable enough to prevent coins or tokens from
escaping
when being poured into the secure coin/token receiving container 110. For
example, the
splash guard 410 can be made of metal, rubber, plastic, cloth etc. In a
preferred
embodiment, the splash guard 410 comprises a generally triangular shaped
member that,
when the lid 134 extends upwardly at an approximately 90° angle from
the secure
coin/token receiving container 110, forms an approximately right triangle
having a
hypotenuse that extends from the lid 134 downwardly at an angle to the secure
coin/token
receiving container 110, as shown best in Fig. 18. It is within the scope of
the present
invention to include a splash guard 410 with a lid that opens further than
approximately
90°, as shown in Fig. 25.
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The lid 134 is hingedly connected to the secure coin/token receiving container
1 10 via a hinge 428 and includes a handle 430 spaced from the hinge 428. The
lid 134
also preferably includes a lock 432, such as a high security gaming lock, that
is preferably
associated with the end of the lid 134 opposite the hinge 428. The lock 432
prevents
undesired entry into secure coin/token receiving container 1 10 The lock 432
may be a key
lock, combination lock, or other lock as is known in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, the splash guard 410 includes an upper leaf 412 and
a
lower leaf 414 that are hingedly connected by at least orie spring hinge 416
or the like. The
lower leaf 414 includes an elongated hinge portion 418 that hingedly connects
to a support
block 420 via a hinge pin 422. The hinge portion 418 can form a unit with the
lower leaf
414 or it can be a separate piece that is affixed to the lower leaf 414. The
support block
420 is fastened to the hopper 134 via at least one threaded fastener 424,
rivet or the like.
The support block 420 can form a unit with the secure coin/token receiving
container 1 10.
The upper leaf 412 includes a hinge portion 426 that hingedly connects to the
lid 134 via
a hinge pin 422. The hinge portion 426 of the upper leaf 412 can form a unit
with the
upper leaf 412 or can be a separate piece affixed thereto.
The lid 134 in its closed position is shown in Figs. 19 and 20. As shown, the
upper
and lower leaves 412, 414 are hinged in a position wherein they are
substantially parallel
to the lid 134. At most, there is a very acute angle formed by the upper and
lower leaves
412, 414, as shown in Fig. 20. As the lid is opened, spring hinges 416 hinge
portions 418,
426 and support block 420 all cooperate to cause the angle formed by the upper
and lower
leaves 412, 414 to widen until it reaches approximately 180° (i.e.,
upper and lower leaves
412, 414 are approximately co-planar), as is best shown in Fig. 18.
In another embodiment, the splash guard 410 may be a pliable material such as
cloth, rubber, plastic, etc. In this embodiment a portion of the splash guard
410 is affixed
to the lid 134, and a portion is affixed to the secure coin/token receiving
container 110.
When the lid 134 is closed, the splash guard 410 is folded upon itself. As the
lid 134 is
hinged open, the splash guard 410 unfolds, as is shown in Fig. 1 1, until the
two splash
guards 410 on the opposite sides of the lid are approximately parallel.
In yet another embodiment, the top surface of the cart 102 can include a pair
of
slots 434 within which the splash guard 410 can register, as shown in Fig. 21.
In this
embodiment, the splash guard 410 is a planar piece that is inserted and
withdrawn from the
slot 434 as the lid 134 is raised and lowered. Alternatively, the slots can be
omitted and
the splash guard 410 can simply register within the secure coin/token
receiving container
1 10.
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With reference to Figs. 22-25, in a preferred embodiment, the mobile cart 102
includes a front control panel 436 that includes at least one display device,
such as an LCD
display or the like, at least one key or button, and at least one light or
other indicator.
Preferably, the panel includes two numerical display devices 438 (one for
displaying weight
data from the scale 108 and one for displaying machine denomination
information), a bright
red light 440, a bright green light 442, a "denomination override" button 444
and a "reset"
button 446. The purpose of the front panel 436 is to provide a simple and
limited interface
with the software of the on-board CPU 106. This allows the CPU 106 running the
software
to be securely locked in a compartment on the cart, such as cavity 1 17 or in
a drawer 450
(as described below) while still allowing the operator to verify data is being
correctly
collected during an inventorying/drop operation. The front control panel 436
is electrically
connected to the scale 108, and the circuitry in the receiving platform 114,
such as the
contacts 1 16, 118 and electrode 120, to receive input information. The
purpose of the
displays 438 is to show weight and machine denomination information as data is
being
collected from each coin box 12 during a drop operation. The displays 438 are
provided to
allow visual security methods and to provide feedback to the operator
confirming the
system is working correctly.
As mentioned, preferably the panel 436 includes a red and a green light 440,
442
(the color of the light is not a limitation on the invention). The purpose of
the red and green
lights 440, 442 is to indicate to the operator the current status of the
software. For
example, the lights can be programmed to indicate one of four states: (1) Red
light 440 on,
green light 442 off - There is no coin box 12 detected on the receiving
platform 1 14. The
CPU 106 is ready to collect data from a new coin box 12. (2) Red fight 440
off, green light
442 on - The CPU 106 has successfully collected all data from the coin box 12
and the
scale 108 and cleared the coin box 12 to allow it to be used in another
machine 10. During
this phase, the operator can change the denomination information if it does
not match the
coins in the coin box 12. Removing the coin box 12 from the receiving platform
1 14 causes
the data to be saved to the database on the software of one of the CPUs. (3)
Red light 440
flashing, green light 442 flashing - There is an error. The coin box 12 data
was not
collected successfully for some reason, the coin box 12 has not been
initialized, etc.
Removing the coin box 12 and placing it back on the receiving platform 1 14
restarts the
data collection process. (4) Red light 440 off, green light 442 off - If there
is a coin box 12
on the collection pad, this means that the software is in the middle of
collecting data from
the coin box 12 and scale 108. Both lights 440, 442 should only be off for a
few seconds.
If there is no coin box 12 on the receiving platform 1 14, and both lights
440, 442 are off,
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the software is not ready to collect data. The operator must enable the data
collection
capabilities.
If there are data entry errors when setting up the machine database within the
software or the denomination of a machine 10 was changed without updating the
machine
database within the software, the displayed denomination will not match the
coins in the
coin box 12. If this is the case, the "denomination override" button 444 is
used to allow
the operator to change the denomination information to match. When the green
light 442
is on and the coin box 12 is still on the receiving platform 1 14, the
operator can push the
"denomination overrride" button 444 to cycle through the available
denominations. When
the correct denomination is displayed, the coin box 12 can be removed from the
receiving
platform 114. Removing the coin box 12 commits the collected data and locks in
the
denomination selection. When pressed, "reset" button 446 resets the displays
438.
Still referring to Figs. 22-25, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the
mobile cart 102 includes a removable controller portion 448 that can be
interchangably
usable on separate mobile carts. Preferably, the removable controller portion
includes the
scale 108, the front panel 436, any other inventorying apparatus 104 (such as,
without
limitation, the receiving platform 1 14), and the on-board CPU 106. In the
event of failure,
the CPU 106 can be connected to some type of backup medium, such as a floppy
disk, hard
drive, external ZIP drive or internal FLASH memory card connected to the CPU.
In another
embodiment, the CPU can transmit the data to a printer or via an RF
transmitter unit (or
other wireless transmitter) that can send the information to a remote computer
(such as
remote CPU 121 ). The backed-up information is recorded every time a new coin
box 12 is
placed on and removed from the receiving platform 1 14.
The removable controller portion 448 is constructed as an integral unit. This
integral
unit is preferably fitted to the mobile cart 102 using alignment screws, and a
floating
connector system, which preferably allow the unit to be inserted or removed
from the
mobile cart 102 in a single movement. However, it will be understood that the
removable
conroller portion 448 can be secured to the mobile cart 102 by any known
method. For
example, the mobile cart 102 can include slide rails, such that when the
removable
controller portion 448 is placed thereon and slid into place, proper
electrical connection is
made; or, the removable controller portion may be hinged to the mobile cart
102. A single
removable controller portion 448 carries all power and data signals required
to run all the
components of the system.
The CPU 106 can be located in a drawer 450 having a handle 452, as shown in
Fig.
25. The drawer 450 can be included in embodiments with or without the
removable
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controller portion 448. The drawer 450 can be locked, thereby preventing
access to the
CPU by unauthorized personnel, but providing easy access to authorized
personnel. For
example, the CPU 106 can be locked inside drawer 450 and the operator (who may
not be
authorized to access the CPU 106) can use the front control panel 436 to
perform an
inventorying or drop operation. However, for ease of access to the CPU 106, an
authorized
operator can simply unlock and pull out the drawer 450.
With reference to Fig. 13, the mobile cart system 100 is preferably operated
as
follows. The mobile cart 102 is transported adjacent to a host machine 10
designated for
coin/token collection. The mobile cart operator extracts the coin box 12 from
the host
machine 10 and places the coin box 12 on the receiving platform 1 14 of the
mobile cart
102 in the manner previously described with respect to installation within a
host machine
to achieve full electrical contact between respective sets of electrodes.
Aggregate
coin/token weight is measured by the calibrated scale 108 after adjusting for
coin box tare
weight, and this information is transmitted to the on-board CPU 106 via data
link 107. Also
inputted to the on-board CPU 106 is collection time and date information,
mobile cart
operator identification, coin box identification and other accounting
information gathered
from the host machine. According to the invention, and to overcome the prior
art problem
of lost or unaccounted coins, coin/token data transferred to the on-board CPU
106 from the
coin meter 125 is compared with corrected data recorded in the on-board CPU
106 obtained
from the calibrated scale 108. a significant discrepancy calculated between
the calibrated
scale 108 and coin meter 125 causes an alert to be sounded to the mobile cart
operator
and/or casino operator. The measured discrepancy is further recorded to the
remote CPU
or data collection system 121 for analysis. A paper bill counter (not shown)
can be used
instead of the coin meter 125 during collection of paper money or scrip. After
weighing and
accounting of collected moneys information, the contents of the coin box 12
are transferred
to the appropriate hopper 122, 124, 126 for secure retention prior to return
transport of the
mobile cart to a coin/token collection facility during which time data
collected in the on-
board CPU 106 is preferably downloaded to the remote data collection system
121 for
subsequent analysis, reporting, and storage.
The normal sequence of events for collecting data from a coin box 12 is to
remove
the coin box 12 from the receiving station 1 14, if there is one. The red
light 440 on the
panel 436 should be lit. Next, a coin box 12 from a host machine 10 is placed
onto the
receiving platform 114. Both lights 440, 442 should go out for a few seconds
and then the
green light 442 will come on. When the green light 442 is on, the panel 436
also displays
the denomination of the machine 10 from the database. If the denomination is
incorrect,
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it can be changed as described earlier. Next the coin box 12 is removed from
the receiving
platform 1 14 and the collected data is stored in a session database. The
green light 442
goes off and the red light 440 comes on indicating that the software is ready
to retrieve
data from the next coin box 12.
The machine denomination from the database and the denomination from the front
panel are both saved in the session database. Since changing the denomination
also
changes the drop count calculated from the coin weight, both the machine
denomination
drop count and the front panel denomination drop count are saved in the
database. This
information can be viewed and manipulated by exporting the session data.
With reference to Fig. 14, the present invention further includes mobile
apparatus
200 having a self-propelled tow vehicle 202 for towing one or more serially-
linked wheeled
coin collection carts 204, 206, 208. Alternatively, the mobile apparatus may
be configured
for operation along tracked or untracked pathways, configured for manual
transport by tow
handle 209, or self-propelled under automatic robotic delivery system control
to deliver
inventoried moneys to a remote count room or other receiving facility.
The tow vehicle 202 includes inventorying apparatus 210 for receiving a coin
collection box 12 from the host machine 10 in structural and electrical
connection with a
receiving platform 212 of the tow vehicle 202 in the manner previously
described with
respect to the mobile cart 102. Aggregate coin/token weight is measured by a
calibrated
scale (not shown) in the manner previously described, and this information is
transmitted
to the on-board CPU 214 by wired or modem connection. After inventorying of
moneys
collected in coin collection box 12, moneys segregated by denomination are
transferred to
secure receptacles 216, 218, 220 provided in coin collection carts 204, 206,
208,
respectively, for secure retention prior to return transport of the mobile
apparatus 200, or
individual coin collection carts 204, 206, 208, to a coin/token collection
facility.
The coin box 12 is reinstalled in the host machine 12, and reinitialized for
subsequent
use after transfer of moneys to the secured containers provided in the mobile
cart 102 or
mobile apparatus 200 of the invention. Thus, according to the invention, only
a single coin
box 12 is required for each host machine 10, eliminating the need to provide a
replacement
coin box which was previously required when one coin box was removed to a
coin/token
collection facility. Furthermore, secure collection and accounting of
collected coins/tokens
is achieved without requiring transport of collected coins/tokens to a remote
location for
counting.
Referring to Figs. 15-17, another embodiment of the present invention is shown
wherein the coin collection system includes a programmable scale 300 for
determining the
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contents of the coin box 12. In a preferred embodiment, the programmable scale
300
includes a floor 302 and a projection 304 projecting upwardly from floor 302.
Projection
304 has an inclined lateral wall 306 which gives projection 304 a tapered
configuration
wherein the top is smaller than the bottom. Wall 66 of the coin box 12 has an
inclined
surface 68 that complements and closely cooperates with tapered projection
304.
In a preferred embodiment, a weighing device, preferably a calibrated scale
308, is
located in or on the floor 302 or the projection 304 projecting upwardly from
the floor 302.
The calibrated scale 308 is in electrical communication with a memory device
310, which
is similar to memory device 34 as described above. Preferably, the memory
device 310 and
the calibrated scale 308 are a unit.
The programmable scale 300 is provided with electrically or inductively
coupled
contacts and circuitry configured for achieving a desired electrical
connection of electrodes
50, 52, 70 of the coin box 12 in the manner previously described. Preferably,
programmable scale 300 includes electrodes 312, 314 on a top surface
(preferably
projection 304) thereof. It will be understood that electrodes 312, 314 are
similar to
electrodes 54, 56 as described above, and therefore all teachings with respect
to electrodes
54, 56 are equally applicable to electrodes 312, 314. Electrodes 312, 314 are
preferably
arranged serially, such that they align with electrodes 50, 52, so that when
coin box 12 is
placed on programmable scale 300 proper contact and mating of electrodes 50,
52, 312,
314 is made.
An additional electrode 316 may be disposed upon projection 304 and connected
in
common with electrode 314. This arrangement assures that coin box 12, which is
of
symmetrical construction, may be placed on programmable scale 300 with end
wall 72
facing either to the front of programmable scale 300 or to the rear thereof.
When coin box 12 is placed on programmable scale 300, and contact is made
between electrodes 50, 52, 312, 314, memory device 310 is in electrical
communication
with memory device 44 of coin box 12 and is programmed to extract the data
stored in
memory device 44, such as coin box identification (including empty weight of
the coin box),
coin operated machine identification, time/date stamp, type of contents (coin
denomination)
and the weight of one item of the contents, number of items of contents (as
determined by
the coin meter 125 of the machine), among others, without limitation.
It being recalled that coin box 12 has a memory device 44, circuitry 46 is
provided
to transmit signals to memory device 44. Circuitry 46 is connected to
complementary
circuitry 318 in programmable scale 300, which complementary circuitry 318 is
in turn
connected to memory device 310. Final connections are made by electrodes 50,
52 of
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circuitry 46 and electrodes 312, 314 of circuitry 318. Programmable scale 300
includes a
cable 320 for transmitting the data collected by and stored in memory device
310 to a
remote data storage device, such as central computer 24. Cable 320 may be
regarded as
a further component of circuitry 318, and performs the function of
transmitting
communication signals between memory device 310 (and any associated
microprocessor,
which may be included in programmable scale 300) and external computer 24 and
its
associated memory device (not shown apart from computer 24). It being recalled
that
memory device 310 is in communication with calibrated scale 308, memory device
310 can
communicate data from the calibrated scale 300 and memory device 44 to central
computer
24 approximately simultaneously.
In operation, when coin box 12 is placed in the predetermined position on
floor 302
of programmable scale 300, such that desired electrical connection is made
between
electrodes 50, 52, 312, 314, calibrated scale 308 measures the weight of the
coin box 12
and its contents (for example, coins). The extracted weight data is then
stored in memory
device 310. At approximately the same time memory device 34 extracts the data
stored
in memory device 44, therefore uniquely identifying the coin box 12 (and the
coin operated
machine 10 from which it came). The data is then transmitted via cable 320 to
central
computer 24, or to an on-board CPU 311 on programmable scale 300, for
processing.
Computer 24 includes a software program for storing and processing the data.
Processing by the computer program can include the following: The weight of
the
empty coin box 12 (which is stored in the coin box 12 memory device 44) is
subtracted
from the total weight of the coin box 12 plus the coins therein, as measured
by the
calibrated scale 308, thus providing the weight of the coins. The computer
program has
also been provided with the weight of one coin (from memory device 44).
Therefore, the
total number of coins contained in coin box 12 can be determined by dividing
the weight
of the coins by the weight of a single coin. This number can be compared to
the meter
readings of the coin operated machine 10 (stored in memory device 44) to
determine any
discrepancies. Because the coin denomination is also known, the total value of
the contents
of the coin box 12 can be determined also. Therefore, after placing the coin
box 12 on the
scale 300, the operator can almost instantaneously determine whether there are
any
discrepancies between the meter readings and the actual contents of the coin
box 12. In
a preferred embodiment, a significant discrepancy calculated between the
programmable
scale 300 and coin meter 125 causes an indication, such as a light or alarm,
to be activated.
All data is then stored in the computer database for desired use. It will be
understood that
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data downloading may occur concurrently with a weighing operation, or
subsequently
thereto.
It will be understood that the scale 300 can be employed in all embodiments of
the
present invention described above, such as when electrodes 50, 52 are included
on end wall
72 or projection 60 is omitted. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate
modifications
to incorporate the scale 300 with various embodiments of the coin operated
machine 10.
It will be further understood that projection 304 can be omitted, and floor
302 can be a flat
surface upon which coin box 12 can be placed.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments
described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of
the
following claims.
23
