Method and apparatus for conditioning coins prior to discrimination

An apparatus for issuing a redeemable voucher, the apparatus comprising:

• means for receiving a user request for a redeemable voucher
• input means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user;
• means for separating debris from the plurality of coins received from the user, the means for separating defining an interior space having at least a first opening sized to let dirt and other non-coin items exit the means for separating to the exclusion of any one of the plurality of coins;
• motive means operably coupled to the means for separating and configured to move the means for separating to cause at least some of the plurality of coins to exit the interior space;
• and
• coin discriminator means configured to receive the plurality of coins from the means for separating, the coin discriminator means including at least one coin sensor configured to discriminate at least one coin denomination.

A method for issuing a redeemable voucher, the method comprising:

• receiving a randomly oriented plurality of coins in a coin input region;
• receiving a user request for a redeemable voucher;
• transferring the plurality of coins from the coin input region to a debris separation device positioned to receive coins from the coin input region, the debris separation device having a plurality of holes sized to prevent passage therethrough of the smallest coin of the plurality of coins;
• moving the debris separation device to agitate the plurality of coins and permit non-coin matter within the debris separation device to pass through one or more of the plurality of holes and exit the debris separation device;
• and
• transferring the plurality of coins from the debris separation device to a coin discriminator, the coin discriminator including at least one coin sensor configured to discriminate at least one coin denomination.

An apparatus for cleaning coins, the apparatus comprising:

• a coin input receptacle configured to receive a plurality of coins in random orientation;
• a debris separation device having an at least generally U-shaped cross-section and having a first opening configured to receive the plurality of coins from the coin input receptacle, the debris separation device further having at least a first wall forming an interior surface and an exterior surface, the first wall having at least one second opening smaller than the first opening and sized to prevent passage therethrough of the smallest coin of the plurality of coins;
• and
• a driver operably coupled to the debris separation device and configured to move the debris separation device and agitate the plurality of coins.