Apparatus for receiving and distributing cash

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing cash. In particular, the present invention provides a novel coin processing apparatus which can be used as the coin processing portion of an apparatus for handling the inflow and outflow of a variety of cash.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The use of automated cash systems such as automated teller machines (ATM) and other automated cash handling systems has become prevalent in the last several years. These systems are used for the deposit and withdrawal of cash, by tellers in banks, and to deposit and distribute currency in a retail setting.

0003A customer using an ATM will typically have a card or token with an identifying numerical sequence thereon that is inserted into the ATM, permitting the customer to deposit or withdraw funds from a bank account without interacting with a human teller. One substantial advantage of the ATM is the capability to transact bank business outside normal banking hours. A typical ATM will include a mechanism to dispense cash notes stored within the ATM in response to a customer's request. In order to maintain an accurate record of the customer's account, many ATMs also include a mechanism to detect and count cash notes dispensed. However, many ATMs do not include a mechanism to count and conform deposited cash. In addition, many ATMs do not include mechanisms to recycle and dispense deposited cash.

0004Other types of automated banking machines are used to count and dispense cash. These machines are often used by tellers or customer service representatives in banking and other transaction environments. Other automated distribution systems are used in retail settings (<i>e.g</i>., to give change to customers making purchases with cash).

0005Automated cash machines are typically used in retail and bank settings where space is at a premium. Most currently available systems are large and take up considerable space. What is needed is a cost-effective, small profile system with cash recycling capabilities.

0006The present invention provides a coin processing apparatus that can be used in apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of cash.

0007The inventive cash processing apparatus can be used in a system configured to direct inflow and outflow of input coins and notes, wherein the system automatically separates input coins and notes into different denominations and wherein the system reuses the input coins and notes as the output coins and notes. In some systems, the coins and notes comprise coins and notes issued by greater than one country. In some systems, the coins and notes comprise coins and notes of greater than one denomination. In other systems, the coins and notes comprises cash of greater than four denominations.

0008<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP0911769A1"><text>EP 0911769A1</text></patcit> discloses a coin receiving and dispensing apparatus comprising a plurality of storage hoppers arranged in a rectangular array beneath a circular coin sorter. The coin sorter comprises an annular coin sorting gauge plate provided with apertures of different radial width, and a rotor provided with arms for carrying coins, that have been inserted into the apparatus, around the gauge plate so that they fall through the gauge plate into the appropriate storage hopper according to their diameter. Each storage hopper is provided in its base with a rotary coin dispensing disc formed with four coin-receiving through holes, and when a coin dispensing disc is turned to eject one or more coins, cam-operated ejector pins eject coins radially from the coin dispensing disc holes on turning of the disc.

0009A differential speed coin sorter has been described in patent specification No. <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US4304247A"><text>US 4304247</text></patcit>. First and second spaced co-axial discs are provided with coin-receiving peripheral openings, the discs being separated from each other by a fixed ring member provided with an opening to permit coins to pass from the peripheral openings of the first disc to the peripheral openings of the second disc, the first and second discs rotating in unison, and a third co-axial disc rotating at a higher speed than the first and second discs. Coins falling in the peripheral openings of the second discs are urged outwardly by the relative motion of the second and third discs to contact a rim member formed with openings of graduated width for sorting the coins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0010According to the present invention we provide an apparatus for processing coins comprising: a first planar member having a hole therein, wherein the hole is configured to accept at least one coin; a second planar member having a cutout therein, wherein the cutout is configured to accept at least one coin; and at least one coin storage unit; characterised in that the first and second planar members are each moveable between at least first and second positions, wherein in the first position the second planar member forms a floor for the hole in the first planar member and wherein in the second position the hole in the first planar member and the cutout in the second planar member align so that a coin contained in the hole in the first planar member travels through the cutout in the second planar member into the at least one coin storage unit.

0011The first and second planar members are preferably disc shaped, and preferably the first and second planar members rotate about a common axis.

0012Preferably the axis is a vertical axis and the first and second planar members are in a horizontal orientation, and the coins are transported in a horizontal orientation.

0013The at least one coin storage unit is preferably tube shaped and the coins are stored in a horizontal orientation.

0014In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a coin detection unit. In still other embodiments, the first planar member horizontally moves coins past the coin detection unit.

0015The apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of coin storage units for different denominations of coins, wherein the first and second planar members are moveable between a plurality of positions to align the hole in the first planar member with the cutout in the second planar member with the plurality of coin storage units.

0016A coin is preferably transported to a preselected coin storage unit, and the storage unit is preferably preselected by a coin detection unit.

0017Preferably a coin to be outfed from a coin storage unit is lifted by a drive component through the cutout and placed into the hole of the upper planar member; wherein the upper planar member rotates with the coin positioned in the hole until the coin is deposited in a coin outfeed tube.

0018In one embodiment all the coins that are to be outfed during a particular transaction are accumulated in the outfeed tube.

0019In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a cup enabling users to feed in more than one coin at a time. In still other preferred embodiments, the level at which a coin is stored in the coin storage component is lower than the level at which a coin is being fed out of the apparatus.

0020In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an opening for the inflow of coins configured to accept a plurality of coins. In other embodiments, the system further comprises a single opening for the inflow and outflow of coins. In preferred embodiments, the coins comprise coins of greater than four denominations. In other preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least four of the coin storage compartments. In still other preferred embodiments, the apparatus is configured in a countertop so that coins move through an opening in a countertop during the process of inflow and storage.

0021A novel coin and note processing apparatus will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The coin processing portion of the coin and note processing apparatus constitutes a coin processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and is described by way of example only.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

0022<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001"><b>Figure 1</b></figref> shows an expanded view of the coin and note processing apparatus.</li><li><figref idref="f0002"><b>Figure 2</b></figref> shows a detailed schematic of the note processing portion of the apparatus.</li><li><figref idref="f0003"><b>Figure 3</b></figref> shows an expanded view of the note belt transport and motor of the apparatus, and</li><li><figref idref="f0004"><b>Figure 4</b></figref> shows an expanded view of the apparatus comprising a view of the coin processing portion of the apparatus connected to the note processing portion of the apparatus.</li></ul>

DEFINITIONS

0023To facilitate understanding of the apparatus, a number of terms and phrases are defined below: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>As used herein, the term "user interface terminal" refers to a terminal (<i>e.g</i>., a computer screen and a computer processor) functionally linked to a cash handling system of the present invention. Such terminals are used for communication with users (<i>e.g</i>., for inputting the value of cash deposited or withdrawn) and other systems (<i>e.g</i>., central communications servers or other cash distribution systems). In some embodiments, communication occurs over the Internet. Consequently, some user terminals further comprise web servers.</li><li>As used herein, the terms "computer memory" and "computer memory device" refer to any storage media readable by a computer processor. Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, computer chips, digital video disc (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), hard disk drives (HDD), and magnetic tape.</li><li>As used herein, the term "computer readable medium" refers to any device or system for storing and providing information (<i>e.g</i>., data and instructions) to a computer processor. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, DVDs, CDs, hard disk drives, magnetic tape and servers.</li><li>As used herein, the terms "processor" and "central processing unit" or "CPU" are used interchangeably and refers to a device that is able to read a program from a computer memory (<i>e.g</i>., ROM or other computer memory) and perform a set of steps according to the program.</li><li>As used herein, the terms "money" refers to any medium which can be exchanged for something of value. Examples of money include, but are not limited to, notes, coins, money orders, and cashier checks.</li><li>As used herein, the term "cash" refers to notes and coins.</li><li>As used herein, the term "denominations" refers to notes and coins of different value (<i>e.g</i>., one dollar, five dollar, quarters, dimes, etc.).</li><li>As used herein, the term "currencies" refers to money of different countries (<i>e.g</i>., euros, pounds, pesos, kroner, francs, dollars, etc.).</li><li>As used herein, the term "notes" refers to paper money.</li><li>As used herein, the term "coins" refers to metal money.</li><li>As used herein, the term "monetary substitute" refers generically to tokens (e.g<i>.</i>, casino chips) issued by a non-govemmental institution (e.g<i>.</i>, a casino) that have a monetary value.</li></ul>

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0024The present invention provides a coin processing assembly for use in a novel system for receiving and distributing a variety of cash. Currently available systems for the inflow and outflow of cash have several disadvantages relative to the novel systems.

0025For example, the Cross International HT 8000 (Cross International Technologies) is able to accept multiple denominations of notes but recycle only one denomination of notes and is relatively expensive THE FACT - Asp (Fujitsu ICL Financial Services Division) is able to accept six denominations of coins and three denominations of notes but is only able to recycle two note denominations. Diebold markets the CashSource Plus 400P. This is primarily a cash dispenser, where the merchants may refill the unit themselves with in-store-cash.

0026CashGuard makes a product that recycles notes and coins. However, the user must sort the notes into different slots in the machine by hand. The users may also feed in only one coin at the time, as opposed to inputting a batch of coins that are automatically separated and sorted. De La Rue makes the TwinSafe II system. This unit recycles notes up to 8 different denominations, but is not capable of handling coins.

0027In contrast, the novel cash handling system described herein is able to accept and recycle multiple denominations of cash (<i>e.g</i>., notes and coins), as well as currencies from multiple countries. The apparatus is much easier to use, due to the combination of both coin and note recycling, and through the countertop operation procedure. Novel design features result in an apparatus that is less than 30% of the size of currently available apparatus. Such an apparatus is uniquely suited for a variety of retail, public, and banking settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NOVEL APPARATUS

A. Cash Handling Apparatus

0028<figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figures 1-5</figref> show the novel cash handling apparatus. Referring to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, an apparatus 100 of the present invention is a generally cylindrical or pipe-shaped apparatus. The apparatus comprises a slot 110 for the inflow and outflow of notes and a transport belt component 115 (not shown in its entirety, refer to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> below for a schematic depiction). The apparatus further comprises a note detection component (not shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>) configured to confirm the integrity and value of deposited notes. The apparatus additionally comprises a note direction changer component (not shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>) configured to direct notes into, out of, or past one or more note storage components (not shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>). In further preferred embodiments, the apparatus 100 further comprises a coin recycling unit 120 for providing inflow and outflow of coins from the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 further comprises an upper surface 125, which in preferred embodiments can be a countertop as described in more detail below.

0029<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> provides a detailed view of preferred embodiments of the apparatus . The cash handling apparatus 100 comprises a single transport belt component 200 for the transport of notes. The transport belt component 200 provides a single track 205 for the transport of notes. The transport belt component 200 comprises five coacting belts 210, 215, 221, 222 and 223. Notes are held between the belts 210, 215, 221, 222 and 223 as they are moved along the belt transport component 200. The belts 210,215,221,222, and 223 are comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited, to rubber. The transport belt component 200 is controlled by a plurality of crowned wheel/belt pulleys (e.g., 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235) and is driven by a wheel 240. The transport belt components and pulleys also form what is referred to as a note sorting device.

0030<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows a side view of the motor and wheel assembly. The wheel 240 (i.e., a driving belt pulley), which is preferably steel or plastic, contains a shaft 300 (preferably steel or plastic). A motor 310 turns the shaft 300, which turns the wheel 240, thus driving the movement of the transport belt 215. Any suitable motor may be utilized, including but not limited to, those manufactured by Sonceboz and Mabuchi. The crowned wheel/belt pulley 315 contains a shaft 320 to allow for the crowned wheel to turn. As can also be seen, a wheel 272 (preferably made of rubber) is turned by the shaft 271, which is driven by the motor 273.

0031Referring back to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, the crowned wheel/belt pulleys (e.g. 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235) direct the transport belt component 200. The belts 221, 222, and 223, also turn on crowned wheel/belt pulley assemblies (e.g., 235). The belts 221, 222 and 223 also serve to direct the belt transport component 200.

0032Still referring back to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, notes are deposited through the single opening 250 and travel along the transport belt component 200 to a detection component 255. An example of a note 260 between the two coacting belts 210 and 215 is shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>. Any suitable detection component may be utilized in the apparatus. In some embodiments, the detection component 255 is a magnetic sensor (<i>e.g</i>., including but not limited to, magnetic sensors similar to those described in <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5960103A"><text>U.S. Patents 5,960,103</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US6047886A"><text>6,047,886</text></patcit>). In some arrangements, the magnetic sensor is controlled by computer software and a computer processor. In some preferred arrangements, the computer processor and software are integrated with the cash handling apparatus via an integrated circuit board (i.e., the same software controls the apparatus also controls the magnetic sensor).

0033In other arrangements, the detection component is similar to the bill testing arrangement described in <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US5975273A"><text>U.S. Patents 5,975,273</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US5533627A"><text>5,533,627</text></patcit> are utilized to determine the authenticity and value of deposited notes. In still other arrangements, the detection component is similar to the sensor unit described in <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6074081A"><text>U.S. Patent 6,074,081</text></patcit>. In yet other arrangements, the detection component is similar to the illumination device and sensor described in <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US6061121A"><text>U.S. Patent 6,061,121</text></patcit>. In still further arrangements, the detection component is similar to the detector described in <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US6101266A"><text>U.S. Patents 6,101,266</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US5923413A"><text>5,923,413</text></patcit> or the document sensor described in <patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="US6241244B"><text>U.S. patent 6,241,244</text></patcit>.

0034Counterfeit notes are returned to the user. In some arrangements, the user is also given a confirmation (<i>e.g</i>., on a user interface terminal or via a printed receipt) of the amount of cash to be deposited.

0035Following confirmation of the integrity (e.g., whether or not the note is counterfeit) and value of the deposited notes, notes are directed further down the transport belt to one of a plurality (<i>e.g</i>., 4) of storage components 265. One of the storage components will now be described in more detail. Notes are directed into a storage component 265 via a note direction changer component 270. In some arrangements, the note direction changer component 270 comprises a wheel 271 (made of rubber in some preferred embodiments) and a shaft 272 driven by a motor 273. The direction of notes is changed by turning the currency around the wheel 271. To deposit notes into the storage component 265, the wheel 271 is turned in the opposite direction of the main belt 210.

0036In some arrangements, the storage component 265 comprises first 266 and second 267 film storage drums and note storage drum 268. As notes are transported into the storage component 265, they are encased between first 276 and second 277 sheets of plastic film or foil or any other suitable material. The first 276 and second 277 sheets of plastic film are spooled on the first 266 and second 267 film storage drums, respectively. The plastic film 273 encasing the notes is wound around the shaft 269 in the note storage drum 268 until the drum is full. Each film storage drum 266 and 267 contains a shaft (<i>e.g</i>., comprised of steel) 280 driven by a motor 285 (See <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>). In some arrangements, the note storage drum 268 is capable of holding at least 100 notes. Each note storage drum 268 holds one or more types of notes. In some arrangements, greater than one of the drums 268 holds the same type of cash. For example, a more commonly deposited denomination may be contained on two or more drums and a less commonly deposited denomination or type of cash may be contained on only one drum. The amount of notes and note identifying information (<i>e.g</i>., value and issuing country) stored on each note storage drum is stored in memory by the integrated software element.

0037The apparatus is configured to recycle deposited cash from all of the storage components 265. When a user wishes to withdraw cash or change is given, the amount to be dispersed is relayed to the cash handling apparatus (<i>e.g</i>., via a user interface terminal and keypad or automated). Cash is removed from one or more (depending on the value and identity of the cash to be dispersed) storage components 265 using the motor (also referred to generically as drive components) 285 connected to the storage component 265 and the motor 273 connected to the currency direction changer component (also referred to a rotating note direction changer) 270. The motor 285 is reversed and notes are spooled out of the drum 265. In arrangements utilizing the cash direction changer wheel 271 shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, the wheel 271 is reversed (i.e., it is turned in the opposite direction of the main belt) by the shaft 272 and the motor 273. Cash is spooled out of the plastic film/foil 273 and onto the belt component 205. Cash is then transported along belt 215 and out the opening 250. In some arrangements, the user is then provided with a receipt indicating the value of the dispensed cash.

0038The cash handling apparatus of the present invention is also configured for the in-and outfeed of coins. <figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> shows a view of the inventive coin recycling unit (also referred to as a coin processing unit) 120 of the apparatus. All coins 405 are deposited in the coin receiving unit 410 in the cover 412. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the coin receiving unit 410 is generally cup-shaped. The bottom of the coin receiving unit 410 has therein an opening 407. An upper rotating planar member, preferably an upper rotating planar disk 415 forms a floor for the coin receiving unit 410 and rotates about an axis (not shown). The upper rotating disk 415 has therein a hole 420 therein for receiving coins. In preferred embodiments, the hole 420 is generally, but not limited to a circular shape. Coins are separated by gliding one at the time into the hole 420 in the rotating disk 415. The upper rotating disk 415 is preferably designed so that only one coin at a time is removed from the opening 407 in the coin receiving unit 410. The coin is then transported by the upper rotating disk 415 past a sensor 422 that identifies the coins and causes the coins to be sorted. In preferred embodiments, the sensor 422 is a magnetic sensor and the coin is transported along its horizontal plane to the sensor 422. The coin is then transported by the rotating disk 415 to a position directly above one of a plurality of storage compartments e.g., 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, and 431. An apparatus of the present invention may comprise one or more storage compartments. Preferably, the coin is also kept in a horizontal orientation for this step.

0039The apparatus further comprises a lower rotating disk 435 having an upper surface 440 and having therein a cutout 445. In preferred embodiments, the upper rotating disk 415 and lower rotating disk 435 rotate about the same axis. In preferred embodiments, the cutout 445 is generally circular in shape. The lower rotating disk 435, the upper surface 440 of which functions as a floor for the hole 420 in the upper rotating disk 415, rotates so that the cutout aligns with the hole 420 in the upper rotating disk 415 to open a passage to a preselected (i.e., by the coin detection component) storage compartment, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, or 431. The upper rotating disk 415 and lower rotating disk 435 then rotate into new positions, ready to receive or feed out new coins.

0040In order to outfeed coins, the coins are lifted by a motor (also referred to as a drive component, not shown) from a storage compartment (also referred to as a coin storage component), 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, or 431, through the cutout 445 in the lower rotating disk 435 and placed into the hole 420 in the upper rotating disk 415. Preferably, the hole 420 is configured so as to accept only a single coin. The upper rotating disk 415 then rotates, with the coin positioned in the hole 420, until the coin is deposited in the coin outfeed tube 425. In preferred embodiments, all of the coins that are to be outfed during a particular transaction are accumulated into the outfeed tube 425 prior to deposit into the coin receiving unit 410. A motor (not shown) caused the coin(s) to be transported out into the coin receiving unit 410. In preferred embodiments, the coin processing component of the apparatus communicates with the note processing component.

0041The novel cash handling apparatus incorporating the invention is configured for the deposit and recycling of a variety of currencies and denominations (i.e., processing of at least 4 note denominations and at least 5 coin denominations, including notes and coins from different countries). Unique design features including a single transport belt component 215, single magnetic sensor component 255, note direction changer 270 and a single opening 250, minimize the size of the apparatus. An additional design feature that minimizes size and complexity of operation is that the note processing component of the apparatus operates in only two dimensions. This allows the cash to remain perpendicular to the sides and panels of the device without changing planes more than once. Furthermore, the apparatus utilizes a single driving motor for the transport belt component. These unique features combine to result in cash handling systems that are useful in a variety of settings where the deposit and recycling of cash is performed.

0042It will be further understood that additional apparatuses or systems include a plurality of the individual units described above. Thus, in some arrangements, apparatuses are provided that comprise at least one, or preferably two or more, individual cash handling units. These apparatuses can be arranged in a variety of configurations. For example, the individual units can be arranged side by side, or they can be physically separate, for example arranged at each checkout counter in a store. In preferred arrangements, the individual units are networked so as to be in communication with one another to act a single device or system.

0043Of course, the coin processing unit and the note processing unit can be preferably be provided as a single unit (i.e., a cash processing unit), or optionally, as separate units. When the note and coin processing units are present in the same cash processing unit, the cash processing unit preferably comprises at least first and second opening, the first opening for the inflow of notes into the unit and the second opening for inflow of coins into the unit. The note processing unit and coin processing unit are preferably configured as described in more detail above. In preferred arrangements, the first opening is utilized for both the input and output of notes, while the second opening is used for both the input and output of coins. In some preferred arrangements, the cash processing unit is configured to process at least four different note denominations and at least five different coin denominations. The denominations can be denominations of the same or different countries. In other preferred arrangements, the complete cash processing unit is less than eight cubic feet in volume.

0044In particularly preferred arrangements, the apparatus of the present invention may be installed in a countertop of a gasoline station, bank, grocery store or any other retail outlet or other setting where handling of cash is required. The apparatus is not limited to use in particular countertop settings. Indeed, countertop is defined broadly herein to include any physical barrier between a customer or other user utilizing an apparatus and the storage components of the apparatus. In preferred arrangements, notes and coins are fed through the countertop through the single openings for notes and coins. The notes and coins are then automatically sorted by the apparatus into different denominations and stored below the countertop in the note and coin storage components. The stored notes and coins are then recycled for outflow cash and fed through the single note and coin openings, across the countertop, to the customer. In particularly preferred arrangements, the great majority of the components of the note and coin processing units (e.g., the note and coin storage components, the note and coin detection components, the transport belt components, and coin sorting components) are located beneath the plane formed by the countertop. Indeed, in particularly preferred arrangements, the components above of the plane of the countertop occupy a volume of less than 300 cubic inches. In further preferred arrangements, the placement of note and coin input/output slots are configured for the convenience of the user. In these arrangements, the note and coin input/output slots are located than ten inches apart. In still further preferred embodiments, the accumulated distance that a user's hand has to travel in order to feed in a coin, receive an outcoming coin, feed in a note, and receive an outcoming note is less than thirty inches. In some arrangements, the countertop system is positioned so that it can be utilized in a self-service manner by customers. These arrangements are referred to as an apparatus or system configured to provide self service cash transactions.

0045In some preferred arrangements, the note processing apparatuses and systems of the present invention further comprise a magnetic card reader or other suitable identification device. It is preferred that the magnetic card reader is coupled with a processor that provides access to and communication with existing banking systems so that user's accounts may be credited or debited as appropriate when a transfer of notes occurs.

0046As can be seen, the apparatuses find a variety of uses. In particularly preferred arrangements, the apparatuses and systems provide for the reuse or recycling of money that is input into the system. In other words, money input into to the system by one user is stored and then is redistributed to another user of the system. It will be noted that the note processing systems are compatible with automated teller machines (ATMs, also referred to generically as apparatuses configured to provide self-service cash transactions), and can be used in conjunction with ATM machines.

0047The illustrated coin recycling unit also has many unique features (although it should be noted the present invention does not require the presence each of these particular features). The unit features a single component, the upper rotating disk 415, that 1) separates coins from a batch of coins one by one; 2) transports the coins past a detection device; 3) transports coins to coin storage unit; 4) separates coins one by one during coin outfeed; and 5) transports the coins to an outfeed component. Furthermore, the coin recycling unit exhibits a great economy of space as the coins move less than 4 inches (vertical height) from infeed to storage to outfeed. The illustrated coin recycling unit is also different from previously described coin handling systems in that separation and transportation of coins is accomplished by rotating parts. Furthermore, the illustrated coin recycling unit is different from prior art systems in that the coins are maintained in a horizontal orientation during coin separation, transportation, and storage. Additionally, separation and transport are performed with horizontally oriented components. Finally, the illustrated coin recycling unit is unique in that the coins are stored in tube-shaped receptacles and are stacked upon each other. This is in contrast to other coin handling systems wherein the coins are stored in box and fed out through the bottom of the storage box.

B. The Apparatus in Use

0048The cash handling systems finds use in a variety of commercial (<i>e.g</i>., retail) and banking settings. The following examples are illustrative and are not meant to limit the present invention. One skilled in the art recognizes that systems such as those described herein find utility in additional settings requiring the handling and recycling of currency.

0049The cash handling systems described herein find particular utility in countries where a variety of currencies are utilized. For example, the capability of the apparatus of the present invention to recycle cash of multiple countries make it particularly suited for use in European Union (EU) countries where both the Euro and the currencies of the particular country are accepted. One can envision a customer entering a retail setting (<i>e.g</i>., a grocery store) in a EU country (<i>e.g</i>., Germany) and paying for a purchase in multiple denominations of Euros, Deutsch Marks, or a combination. The Euros and/or Deutsch Marks are input into an apparatus as described. Depending on the customer's and business's preference, the apparatus provides change in multiple denominations of Deutsch Marks, Euros, or a combination. Alternatively, in a non EU country (<i>e.g</i>., in an Asian country), the customer pays for an receives change in the multiple denominations of the same currency. In some arrangements, the apparatus is run by an employee of the business. Alternatively, the entire transaction is automated, thus saving the added expense of hiring a cashier.

0050In some arrangements, the apparatus finds use in self service retail settings such as gasoline fueling stations. For example, many such stations comprise user serviced terminals attached to gasoline pumps for purchasing fuel. Such stations typically are used only for credit or debit card purchases. However, the apparatus described allows customers to purchase fuel with cash (<i>e.g</i>., notes or coins) of multiple denominations and receive change in multiple denominations.

0051The apparatus described additionally finds use in bank settings (<i>e.g</i>., as an ATM or operated by a bank teller). In particular, the apparatus finds utility in banks in EU countries. Customers in such countries may desire to deposit and obtain funds in multiple currencies. For example, a bank customer in England may wish to obtain cash in Pounds and Euros. The customer can withdraw and deposit both Pounds and Euros into a bank account (<i>e.g.</i>, via a teller operating an apparatus of the present invention or via an ATM). The apparatus described allows the teller (or ATM) to use a single cash handling apparatus for multiple cash deposits and withdraws, thus decreasing the added expense of purchasing multiple cash handling apparatuses for different currencies.

0052The cash handling system described can find use in an international airport in cash exchange applications. Travelers arriving from another country enter cash (<i>e.g.</i>, from their home country or Euros in an EU country or a combination) and receive cash of the destination country or Euros in an EU country, or a combination. The automated nature of the apparatus described as well as its capability to input and output multiple currencies, make it particularly suited for such an application.