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A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers' coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.
1. An apparatus for counting coins comprising:
an input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user;
a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher;
a coin discriminator configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of coins from the input region, the coin discriminator being configured to discriminate between acceptable coins and unacceptable coins;
at least one coin receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the acceptable coins from the coin discriminator; and
a communications facility configured to transmit information from the coin counting apparatus to a remote computer, wherein the information is related to a status of the coin receptacle.
2. The apparatus of
3. The apparatus of
4. The apparatus of
5. The apparatus of
6. The apparatus of
7. The apparatus of
8. The apparatus of
9. The apparatus of
10. The apparatus of
11. The apparatus of
12. The apparatus of
13. A method for counting coins in a coin counting machine, the method comprising:
receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in an input region of the coin counting machine;
receiving a request for a redeemable voucher;
discriminating at least a portion of the received coins with the coin discriminator to distinguish acceptable coins from unacceptable coins;
transferring at least a portion of the acceptable coins to a coin receptacle; and
communicating information from the coin counting machine to a central computer, wherein the communicated information is related to a status of the coin receptacle.
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
positioning the coin counting machine in a non-bank retail location; and
dispensing a redeemable voucher for an amount related to the acceptable coins,
wherein the voucher is redeemable at a point of sale in the retail location in exchange for products sold in the retail location.
17. The method of
18. An apparatus for counting coins comprising:
an input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user;
a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher;
a coin discriminator configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of coins from the input region, the coin discriminator being configured to discriminate between acceptable coins and unacceptable coins;
at least one coin receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the acceptable coins from the coin discriminator; and
a communications facility configured to transmit information from the coin counting apparatus to a central computer in the event of a malfunction of at least a portion of the apparatus for counting coins.
19. The apparatus of
20. The apparatus of
21. The apparatus of
22. The apparatus of
23. The apparatus of
24. A method for counting coins in a coin counting machine, the method comprising:
receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in an input region of the coin counting machine;
receiving a request for a redeemable voucher;
transferring at least a portion of the received coins to a coin discriminator;
discriminating at least a portion of the received coins with the coin discriminator to distinguish acceptable coins from unacceptable coins;
transferring at least a portion of the acceptable coins to a coin receptacle; and
communicating information from the coin counting machine to a central computer in the event of a malfunction of at least a portion of the coin counting apparatus.
25. The method of
26. The method of
positioning the coin counting machine in a non-bank retail location; and
dispensing a redeemable voucher for an amount related to the acceptable coins, wherein the voucher is redeemable at a point of sale in the retail location in exchange for products sold in the retail location.
27. The method of
28. An apparatus for counting coins comprising:
an input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user;
a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher;
a coin discriminator configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of coins from the input region, the coin discriminator being configured to discriminate between acceptable coins and unacceptable coins;
a voucher dispenser configured to dispense the redeemable voucher; and
a communications facility configured to transmit information from the coin counting apparatus to a central computer, wherein the information is related to the redeemable voucher.
29. The apparatus of
30. The apparatus of
31. The apparatus of
32. A system for counting coins in a coin counting machine, the system comprising:
means for receiving a plurality of randomly oriented coins in an input region of the coin counting machine;
means for receiving a request for a redeemable voucher;
means for discriminating at least a portion of the received coins with the coin discriminator to distinguish acceptable coins from unacceptable coins;
means for transferring at least a portion of the acceptable coins to a coin receptacle; and
means for communicating information from the coin counting machine to a central computer, wherein the communicated information is related to a status of the coin receptacle.
33. The system of
34. The system of
35. The method of
36. An apparatus for counting coins comprising:
an input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user;
a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher;
a coin discriminator configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of coins from the input region, the coin discriminator being configured to identify acceptable coins and determine a total of the acceptable coins comprising two or more denominations;
at least one coin receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the acceptable coins from the coin discriminator; and
a communications facility configured to transmit information from the coin counting apparatus to a remote computer, wherein the information is related to the coin counting apparatus.
37. The apparatus of
38. The apparatus of
39. The apparatus of
40. The apparatus of
41. The apparatus of
42. The apparatus of
43. The apparatus of
44. The apparatus of
45. The apparatus of
46. An apparatus for counting coins comprising:
an input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins from a user including coins of two or more denominations;
a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher;
a coin discriminator configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of coins from the input region, the coin discriminator being configured to identify acceptable coins and determine a total comprising two or more denominations;
at least one coin receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the acceptable coins from the coin discriminator; and
a communications facility configured to transmit information from the coin counting apparatus to a non-bank central computer, wherein the information is related to any one of status of the coin receptacle, operating status of the coin counting apparatus, verification of a voucher, and an amount of acceptable coins counted.
47. The apparatus of
The present application is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 10/434,384 filed May 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,316 which is a divisional of U.S. Application Ser. No. 10/119,534 filed Apr. 9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,581 which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 09/035,273 filed Mar. 9, 1998, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 08/834,952 filed Apr. 7, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,767), which is a continuation of U.S. Application Ser. No. 08/237,486 filed May 3, 1994 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,079), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 07/940,931 filed Sep. 4, 1992, now abandoned, and incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to coupon dispensing machines and coin sorting machines.
There are a variety of machines which dispense stamps, tickets, coupons, money orders, bank transactions or the like. One type of machine, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,848 to Raymond Stoken, dispenses coupons in exchange for money. A display area indicates the different coupons available as well as the specific amount of money required to obtain each particular coupon. Money is inserted into the machine via a coin slot. Control circuitry determines which coupon has been selected, the amount of money required to purchase this coupon, and if the correct amount of money has been inserted into the coin slot. The control circuitry then causes the coupon dispenser to dispense the requested coupon.
Other machines dispense other types of products. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,967 to Lawrence Smith is a money order dispensing machine. This machine is meant to be operated by a system operator, not a customer, and therefore does not require the capability to receive money. The machine prints money orders on a dot matrix printer after receiving the necessary data inputs from the operator.
Such previous devices are deficient from the point of view of a consumer with an arbitrary amount of coins, since they require the input of an exact coin value. Further, the device requires a mechanism for determining if the required amount has been deposited and for taking an appropriate action depending on whether the required amount is deposited.
A different variety of machines has been patented which sort coins. One such machine, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,848 to David Goh uses two methods to sort coins, both methods based on the diameter of the coins. In this machine the coins are loaded into a hopper. A rotating wheel feeds the coins individually onto an inclined ramp. The coins roll down the ramp with their rear surfaces resting against a support surface. Specific denominations are selected when they fall through slots of varying size located in the support surface. Specific denominations are also selected using peeler knives which are arranged at different distances from the ramp surface. These knives topple the coins from the ramp into bins. Using both techniques allows a short ramp to be employed. Another type of machine shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,122 to Yoshio Kinoshita counts the number of coins according to denomination after sorting the coins.
Devices intended for counting/sorting coins are deficient in that the monetary value remains based in the coins, i.e., there is no transfer of the value from the medium of coins to a more convenient form such as a paper form.
Furthermore, a number of counting and sorting devices are deficient for certain other reasons. Many devices, while having some form of waste control device, have been unsuccessful in completely controlling waste which may be mixed in with coins. As a result, many previous devices are only suitable for operation by an experienced or skilled operator and are not suitable for use by the general public who may be less careful about including foreign or waste material among coins. In particular, many previous devices were designed to admit coins into the counting device at such a rate that it was not possible for each coin to be individually exposed to the waste control device, i.e., such that some coins may block others from the waste control system.
Some counting/sorting devices have had complicated or ineffective control of the flow of coins so that it was difficult, or expensive to prevent unacceptably high surges of coin flow from jamming or otherwise overwhelming the sorting/counting mechanism. Some devices were designed to permit only a slow entry of coins into the counting/sorting mechanism but, in some cases, this was done at the expense of the ability to accommodate a high volume of coins and/or has resulted in unacceptably slow operation.
Many previous devices have been designed with insufficient accommodation for maintenance and/or cleaning so that it was difficult or impossible to adequately clean, maintain and/or upgrade such previous devices.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a device which receives an arbitrary amount of coins, i.e., which does not require insertion of an exact minimum amount and which converts the value of the coin from the inconvenient medium of coins to a more convenient medium. It would be further advantageous to provide a device which provides for effective and efficient waste management such that the device can be used by the ordinary consumer without resulting in jamming or damage of the machine. It would also be advantageous to provide for a device which accommodates a high volume or flow of coins without permitting surges of coin flow which can interfere with the counting/sorting and/or waste management systems, without complicated electro/mechanical machinery and, preferably, taking advantage of a gravity mechanism. It would also be useful to provide a device which efficiently and conveniently provides the sorted coins in a standard sized coin bag which is conveniently accessible.
The present invention provides an apparatus which can receive a number of unsorted coins. The coins are sorted and counted to determine a total value. The user is issued a voucher for an amount related to the total value.
The present invention offers a valuable service to the retailer in whose store this machine is placed as well as to the actual user. People tend to collect coins at home, finding that carrying large quantities of coins is unwieldy and impractical. Furthermore, spending coins normally requires either placing the coins singularly into product dispensing machines or counting the coins out by hand. This invention allows the user to periodically exchange excess coins for cash vouchers. The user need not first count the coins since the present invention automatically counts the coins. The advantages to the retailer are numerous. First, although the voucher is exchangeable for cash or merchandise, most customers are likely to purchase goods at the store where they exchange their coins. Second, by offering a convenience to their customers, retailers gain the goodwill of these customers. Thus, the present invention provides a voucher issuing machine in which the amount of the voucher is not preset, and also allows coin sorting by a typical consumer.
In one embodiment coins are placed in a hinged hopper tray or "coin tray" built into one of the machine's surfaces. To activate the process the user presses a "start" button (preferably a "soft" button) and then lifts one edge of the tray, causing the coins to fall down a chute to the high speed coin sorting and counting mechanism. Preferably, the hopper tray is configured to be angled downward and away from the chute or "transfer tray." Thus, the hopper, in the lower position, and the transfer tray form an angled or peaked structure which the coins must travel over in order to enter the transfer tray. Preferably, the angles of the transfer tray and hopper are configured such that, as the hopper is lifted, the coins travel over the peak substantially in a single layer such that there is little or no substantial overlie or blocking of a coin travelling over the peak by other coins. After travelling over the peak, the coins pass through a gate or slot. The gate or slot is preferably opened or closed by a solenoid control mechanism.
A waste control system includes a fan, a magnetic system, and various types of perforations in the hopper and the transfer tray. Preferably, the fan blows in a direction from clean-to-dirty, over the top of the hopper, thus blowing each coin individually as it passes over the peak. In one embodiment, there is a split-path or dual path for the cleaning airflow, one path being over the peak and another path being up through the hopper perforations. Preferably, the magnet is configured at or near the peak such that each coin (or waste item) is exposed to the magnet without being blocked by other coins or items. Coins are counted and sorted by denomination and then dropped into standard-sized coin bags. In one embodiment, as the coins are counted, the total monetary value is displayed on a video screen as well as the number of coins counted within each denomination. A controller prints and dispenses a cash voucher to the user via a slot in the machine's surface.
Besides exchanging cash vouchers for coins, one embodiment of the invention dispenses manufacturers' coupons from a separate slot redeemable for various bargains. These coupons are dispensed at no cost to the user. Preferably, this coupon dispenser can operate either in conjunction with, or independently from the coin sorter and voucher dispenser. A second type of coupon to be dispensed in one embodiment are store coupons. In one embodiment, these coupons are good only for specific bargains unique to that store (or chain of stores). For example, the store manager may have a surplus of a particular item and therefore wish to offer a "two-for-one" bargain for a limited time. Selected products and bargains may also be promoted on the video display. These promotional techniques have the advantage of being easily alterable; thus an individual store manager can tailor the store coupons/ads depending upon factors such as the time of day (e.g., midday grocery store shoppers versus after work shoppers versus late night shoppers) while the chain store owner can vary the store coupons/ads depending upon a particular store's location and needs (e.g., deli shop versus bakery shop versus floral shop).
Generally, in the prior art, coins are either inserted into a machine singularly, or in the case of large commercial sorting machines, by trained personnel. In the present invention, non-trained personnel will dump large amounts of coins into the hopper tray. These untrained users are likely to empty their personal containers, such as old cans or bottles, directly into the hopper without first inspecting the coins. Thus lint, tokens, liquids and various other objects will probably accompany the coins into the machine. Therefore, a method of waste management is used to insure that the machine is not damaged during use.
In one embodiment, the user dumps coins into a hopper tray which doubles as an inspection area. The bottom of the hopper tray is perforated, thus allowing small foreign objects to fall through the perforations instead of entering the coin sorting mechanism. While the coins are in the hopper, the user has an opportunity to remove large foreign objects. The perforations also permit a flow of air, preferably in a direction up through the bottom of the hopper tray and away from the peak and/or the machine, to blow light material off the coins. After inspecting the coins, the user first presses a "go" button indicating the wish to use the machine, and then lifts one edge of the hinged tray, causing the coins to fall down a waste management chute. If desired or needed, the user can guide coins out of the hopper and over the peak by hand. The chute leads to the coin sorting and counting mechanism. In one embodiment, when the "go" button is pressed, the coin sorter starts, the coin counter is initialized, and a fan within the waste management chute is activated. The fan blows light weight debris, such as lint and dust, out of the chute and away from the coin counter/sorter mechanism. The bottom surface of the waste management chute is a grooved and porous plate which allows any fluids dumped into the machine to be removed from the coins and collected. This helps to avoid possible damage to the machine. Magnetic strips are placed preferably along the entrance and exit areas of the chute, to extract any magnetic or magnetically susceptible items, such as magnetic tokens and/or foreign coins which may have been included with the coins.
In one embodiment, the device includes features to prevent undesired surges in the flow of coins, e.g., to prevent or avoid jamming and to assist in waste management. The peak configuration between the hopper and the transfer tray described above, contributes to controlling the flow of coins into the hopper tray since the configuration provides that the coins will be moved over the peak in single layers or planes thus, avoiding excessive coin flow surges. The coins, after travelling over the peak, pass through a gate, having a height adjusted to further assure that coins travel down the transfer tray in single layers or planes. Preferably, the gate can be closed or opened, e.g., by a solenoid-controlled gate so that movement of items down the transfer tray is blocked until the desired time (e.g., until the user has pressed the "go" button and/or has initially lifted the hopper). Further, the pivoted hopper tray, because of its angle in the lower or resting position, provides for self-clearing since, when the hopper is lowered to its resting position, the coins tend to fall away from the peak and the chute, back into the hopper and do not continue to move over the peak in normal conditions.
Preferably, the apparatus is controlled by an intelligent controller, e.g., a computer such as a 486-class computer, and is provided with multiple resources and capabilities for interaction with the user, with the store owner or other manager of the apparatus and with maintenance services and/or personnel. In one embodiment, the computer includes a sound board for providing aural communication as well as video communication. In one embodiment, the computer includes a modem for remote communication to, for example, a central or a regional (out of store) location, e.g., for downloading information such as new coupons, additional video or audio displays, sales or other promotional information and the like. In one embodiment, the modem can also be used for communication with maintenance services or personnel, for example, for diagnosing malfunctions, downloading modifications or upgrades to the software and the like. Preferably, the computer can retain and transfer statistical information such as information relating to customer usage of the sorter/counter, customer usage of dispensed coupons and the like.
In one embodiment, the device is configured for ease of construction, maintenance, and cleaning. For example, in one embodiment, the device is configured so that all major components can be fully exposed, (e.g., by opening doors) without being obstructed by cross-bracing or other supports. Preferably, many components are mounted on rails or rollers so that they can be fully or partially withdrawn for cleaning and/or maintenance.
The depicted embodiment includes a number of interacting systems, as shown in
In some cases, it has been found that the configuration depicted in
In one embodiment, it has been found useful to provide a material to fill the crack 1424 around the edge of the coin tray. Providing this material has been found useful in preventing coins from falling into the crack and preventing pinching of user's fingers. In one embodiment, a stiff-looped material such as that sold under the tradename Velcro™ (preferably, using only the loop material and not the hook material) has been found useful, although other materials such as felt, rubber, plastic and the like may be used.
As shown in
The lower portion 1430 of the transfer tray has a lower surface 1406 having a plurality of grooves running lengthwise, as depicted in
The perforations in the lower part of the transfer tray 1430 and the funnel and spout 1438 form part of the waste control system 1304. The perforations in the upper portion of the transfer tray 1428 and the coin tray or hopper 1206 also are part of the waste control system 1304 since these perforations allow dense waste material with a size smaller than the perforations to fall through the perforations and thus to be separated from the coins. Materials falling through these perforations and the material output from the spout 1438 are collected in a waste tray 1602, as seen in
The perforations in the hopper 1206 and upper transfer tray 1428 also can provide a second function in a waste control system. In this second function, a device is provided for blowing air upward through the perforations so as to blow lightweight material off of the coins and away from the counter/sorter. Preferably, one or more fans are provided for this purpose. The fans can be controlled by the control I/O system 1308, e.g., to become activated upon pushing the activate or go button 1215. Preferably, the air flow is configured to flow in a countercurrent fashion, i.e., to blow in a direction from the clean region towards the dirty region, i.e., from the region of the counter/sorter towards the transfer tray and coin tray. In one embodiment, two separate fans are provided. One fan provides flow through the perforations in the bottom of the hopper and the upper portion of the transfer tray 1428, 1402. Another fan provides for air flow through the open gate 1432 and over the peak 1414. This flow is useful in individually cleaning the coins as they pass, in a single layer, over the peak 1414 since, in this configuration, each coin will be individually subjected to the air flow. In one embodiment, the second fan is configured in a box structure 1440 to provide more efficient air flow up the transfer tray 1432 and over the peak 1414. The channeling of flow through the open gate 1432 and/or similar structure produces a convergence or "wind tunnel" effect so that a relatively high air velocity is provided at the peak 1414 for efficient cleaning of the coins.
Coins which are output from the coin holding/transfer system 1302 are provided to the counting/sorting system 1306. A coin hopper 1604 receives the coins from the transfer tray 1430 and provides these coins to the counter-sorter mechanism. A number of counter-sorters can be used. In one embodiment, Skycam Model 640 is used. Other sorter-counters include those sold by Brandt, Inc. and Hitachi, Ltd. As depicted in
The counter/sorter outputs the coins, according to various denominations of the coins into a plurality of coin bags 1608 positioned in one or more rolling, removable trolleys 1610 a, 1610 b. In the depicted embodiment, the coin bags 1608 are standard sized coin bags to facilitate disposition of the coins, such as deposit with a bank. Preferably, the sorter is configured to place up to a predetermined amount of coins of a given denomination into particular bags so that each bag, when filled by the sorter, will contain a known amount of coins. Once one bag is filled with a given denomination, the sorter can begin placing that denomination of coins into a second bag. Alternatively, the counter can output coins to one of a plurality of bags designated for that denomination coin without keeping track of how many coins have been placed in which bag. As shown in
In one embodiment, the apparatus provides for restricted access to the counted coins, i.e., the coin bags, such as by a mechanical and/or electronic lock which restricts access. In one embodiment, the coin bags will normally be accessed only by authorized money transfer agencies, such as a armored car service and would not normally be accessible by, for example, store personnel. Preferably, store personnel are able to access the interior of the device such as by opening doors, as depicted in
Operation of the counting/sorting system 1306 is controlled by the control I/O system 1308. In one embodiment, the counting and sorting system is activated in response to the user pushing the activate or "go" button 1215. The counting/sorting system 1306 also provides information back to the control and I/O system 1308. The control and I/O system receives information regarding the results of the counting process, in particular, information relating to the number of coins and/or value of coins which have been counted. Preferably, this information is displayed on the screen 1218, along with instructions, advertising, attraction displays and the like. Preferably, the counting/sorting system also provides information to the control and I/O system 1308 regarding its status, such as a detected jam or other malfunction or the empty state of the hopper or counter/sorter.
In one embodiment, the microprocessor can respond to a detected jam in such as way to, in many cases, clear the jam automatically (i.e., without requiring intervention by, e.g., store personnel). In one embodiment, the apparatus temporarily suspends flow of coins into the counter, e.g., so as to accumulate a number of coins in the hopper 280. After coins are accumulated in the hopper, the microprocessor suddenly permits the accumulated coins to enter the counter so as to, in many cases, use the sudden flow of coins for a means for dislodging a jam. In this way, it is possible to use the microprocessor-controlled flow of coins to achieve clearing of at least some types of counter jams without having to perform any substantial modification on the coin counter, e.g., by using software.
The control and I/O system, after a predetermined period has elapsed, following an empty state signal from the counting/sorting system, can output a signal to the voucher/coupon system 1310 to issue a voucher, optionally after verifying with the user (e.g., via the keyboard) that all desired coins have been input into the system. The voucher/coupon system 1310 then outputs a voucher related to the value of the coins counted by the counting/sorting system. In one embodiment, the voucher has a value equal to the value of the counted coins. In another embodiment, as an inducement for using the counting/sorting system, the voucher may be for an amount greater than the counted amount. In one embodiment, the excess amount may be usable only at the retail location where the apparatus 1200 is installed. In another embodiment, as a means of deriving income from the counter/sorter system, the voucher may be for an amount less than the counted amount such as by deduction of a fixed service fee or a percentage service charge.
In the depicted embodiment, the voucher is output by a printing system. Preferably, the printing system is a non-impact printing system so as to reduce the amount of noise generated by the system. The non-impact system can be a thermal printing system, laser printing system, inkjet system or the like. If the noise can be tolerated, an impact system can also be used.
The voucher is redeemable, preferably, at the retail location where the apparatus 1200 is installed. In one embodiment, the voucher is redeemable only for merchandise purchased at the retail location where the apparatus 1200 is installed. In another embodiment, the voucher can be redeemed either for merchandise or for the cash value of the voucher. In still another embodiment, the value of the sorted coins can be transferred to one or more accounts held by the customer, such as by an electronic transfer of the amount to these customer's bank account. In one embodiment, the apparatus 1200 includes a magnetic card reader, e.g., for reading a magnetically-encoded bank card to facilitate transfer of the funds to the user's bank account.
Preferably, the apparatus 1200 also has the capability for outputting coupons or other marketing or advertising material. In one embodiment, coupons are output whenever a voucher is output, both to provide an inducement for using the sorter/counter and to encourage the user to employ the voucher for purchasing goods, rather than obtaining cash equivalent.
Although, preferably, the vouchers are printed within the apparatus 1200, it is also possible to dispense pre-printed vouchers and/or coupons. Preferably, the vouchers and/or coupons include security devices to guard against counterfeiting.
In one embodiment, the voucher dispensing system can be run independently of the coupon dispensing system. This can be achieved, for example, by having independent voucher printers and coupon disperses, each controlled in response to the control and I/O system. Preferably, coupons are dispensed to a user whenever the user uses the device 1200 for counting coins and receiving a voucher. Preferably, the coupon dispensing system can be used independently from and simultaneously with the counting/sorting and voucher dispensing system. For example, the device can be configured such that while a first customer is waiting for the device to finish counting and sorting coins, a second user can request and receive coupons from the machine. In one embodiment, coupons are dispensed in response to the user inserting a coin in a coin slot. Preferably, the device is configured such that any coin inserted in the coin slot is immediately returned to the user, along with at least one coupon. Thus, the coin slot used in conjunction with the coupon dispenser is a means for informing the apparatus 1200 that a user wishes to receive coupons. Other items for requesting coupons (or providing other user I/O) could be used such as a push button, keyboard, handwritten input or handwriting recognition, voice recognition and the like.
In one embodiment, vouchers and/or coupons include printed information relating to items available for sale in the store in which the apparatus 1200 is installed. In one embodiment, the apparatus 1200 can be programmed and, as needed, updated to include information specific to the particular store location. For example, the voucher and/or coupon can be printed including a "shopping list" format which includes information regarding the location, in this particular store, of items for sale. For example, the coupons can be printed including information about which aisles the products for which the coupons apply are located in.
Communication can also be provided through one or more non-modem communication lines such as the depicted serial communication lines 1832, 1834. In the depicted embodiment, one of the serial communication lines 1834 is connected to the coin counter/sorter 1836 or "scan coin" assembly. This communication line 1834 can be used, for example, to communicate to the data processor 1812 the numbers or value of coins which have been counted or to communicate commands from the data processor 1812 to the sorter/counter 1836 such as commands to commence operation.
Serial communication line 1832 can be used for a number of purposes, such as for providing for service communications. In one embodiment, a serial I/O port is provided to enable connection of the data processor 1812 to another computer such as a laptop or other portable computer. In this way, service personnel can communicate directly with the central data processor 1812, such as for purposes of performing maintenance or diagnostic services, uploading new data or programming, downloading data such as statistical information and the like. In the depicted embodiment, the serial lines 1832, 1834 are controlled through a serial communication board 1838 of a type known in the art. In the depicted embodiment, the serial communication board 1838 also communicates with an input/output (I/O) board 1842. The I/O board 1842 is configured to receive and transmit communications from and to the user or other personnel. In this regard, the I/O board is connected with a key pad, such as a standard 12-key numeric keypad 1844 and one or more key switches 1846, such as key switches for "Go," "Cancel," and the like. In the depicted embodiment, the I/O board 1842 can provide audio output, e.g., via a piezo beeper 1848 and/or an activatable light, such as a light for informing store personnel that service is needed. A reset switch 1852 is provided for issuing a hard reset command to both the data processor 1812 and the I/O board 1842. A PC power supply 1854 receives power from an external power supply such as 630 watt, uninterruptable power supply 1856 and provides conditioned power to the processor 1812 and hard disk drive 1822.
The power supply 1556 preferably provides a source of power directly to the I/O board 1842. Preferably, the data processor 1812 and/or I/O board 1842 include non-volatile memory sufficient to permit orderly shut down of the system in the event of a power failure without loss of vital data or programs. Preferably, the uninterruptable power supply 1556 provides sufficient power to permit orderly shut down and termination of processing in the event of failure of the power source such as interruption of power through the power cord extension 1858. The power supply 1856 also preferably provides power directly to the monitor 1814, counter/sorter 1846, and, via 24 volt and 5 volt power supplies 1862, 1864, to the I/O board 1842.
The I/O board 1842 is used to control portions of the waste control system, such as the dirt removal fan 1866, portions of the counter/sorter mechanism such as a vibrating coin feeder 1868 and a coin accepter or hopper 1872. In the depicted embodiment, the I/O board 1842 controls the coupon dispenser 1872 and, via a voucher printer controller 1874, a voucher paper feed 1878, and a voucher printer/cutter sub-assembly 1882.
In operation, the user who wishes only to receive a coupon will indicate such by an input device which can be, e.g., a button, to be pushed by the user. In one embodiment, the user can activate the coupon feeder by inserting a coin into the dummy coin slot 1220 which will be returned via coin return slot 1221. The button or other input device transmits a signal to the processor 1812 indicating that the user has expressed a wish for coupons. In response, the data processor 1812 sends a signal to the coupon dispensing unit 1874 to dispense a predetermined number of sheets of coupons (such as a single sheet) into the hopper 1222. In one embodiment, the microprocessor will stop or delay the dispensing of coupons if more than a predetermined number of requests for coupons have been input during a short period of time. This is to prevent, for example, mischievous depletion of the coupons. In one example, if the microprocessor detects three coupons requests within a predetermined period of time, such as ten seconds, the microprocessor will suspend any dispensing of coupons for a period of time, such as thirty seconds.
Although in the depicted embodiment, the input device for requesting coupons is relatively simply (such as a single request button), it is also possible to provide a more sophisticated interface, such as allowing the user to request specific desired coupons from a menu.
A user who wishes to employ the coin counter/sorter will initially place coins to be sorted into the coin tray 1206. In response to instructions displayed on the screen 1218, the user will then push the start or "Go" button 1215. Preferably, some or all of the buttons activated by the user are "soft" buttons, i.e., in which the location, indicator, legend or other meaning of the activation button is indicated on a changeable video display (such as, for example, an arrow on the display pointing to the button which the user should push to activate the device). Upon receiving an indication that the "Start" button 1212 has been activated, the data processor 1812 outputs a plurality of commands to initiate the counting/sorting operation (some of which are output via the I/O board 1842, as shown in
As the user lifts the tray, coins will pass, with a limited depth, preferably in a single layer, over the peak 1414 and into the transfer tray 1428, 1430. While passing over the peak, they will be cleaned by a blowing mechanism as described above. Passing down the transfer tray they will pass by the magnet, as described above, to separate for example, magnetic bus tokens and the like from coins. Foreign material and liquids will either be blown off the coins and out of the machine or will fall through the perforations and into the dirt tray. The coins passing down the transfer tray will pass into the coin hopper 1634 for movement, by a vibrating coin feeder connected to the output of the hopper, to the counter/sorter mechanism 1212. The counter/sorter mechanism counts the coins and a running total is stored in memory, either in the counter/sorter mechanism 1212 or the control I/O mechanism 1308. Preferably, the computer 1812 presents a running total of the value of the coins on the screen 1218 during the counting process. After being counted, they are sorted according to denomination and placed in coin bags 1608, also according to denominations. The counting/sorting mechanism 1306 informs the computer 1812 when coins are no longer input into the mechanism. After a predetermined amount of time has passed following cessation of coin flow, such as about 10 seconds, the computer 1812 will cause the screen 1218 to display a message to the user asking whether the user has input all desired coins. Once the user has verified that all desired coins have been input, the computer 1812 controls the voucher/coupon system 1310 to output a voucher in an amount related to the value of the coins which were counted, preferably an amount at least equal to the value of the coins that have been counted. In one embodiment, the computer 1812 also causes one or more coupons to be dispensed 1874 so that the user can receive both a voucher in the value related to the value of the coins and one or more coupons.
After the voucher amount is calculated the voucher is printed 1910. Preferably, the voucher includes a number of items of information in addition to the amount of the voucher. These additional items of information can include one or more of the location or other identifier of the machine at which the counting was done, the location or other identifier of the store or other place where the voucher may be exchanged for cash or merchandise, the time and date of the transaction, the total amount counted, the number coins of each denomination counted, the number of rejected coins or other items, and a transaction control number. Preferably, the control number is unique, at least to the particular location and date or time in one embodiment, the voucher is printed with a scannable code such as a bar code. This permits easy exchange of the voucher, e.g., by scanning the bar code e.g., at a grocery or other retail check out stand in the same way universal product code (UPC) bars codes are scanned.
The apparatus records, preferably using a computer and recording onto a non-volatile media, information regarding the transaction. In one embodiment, the information which is recorded includes the information noted above that can be included on the voucher, such as the voucher amount, a control number, numbers of coins counted and time of transaction 1920.
Preferably, the apparatus also determines the amount that has been deposited in the various coin bags. This permits the apparatus to output a signal or notification when the bag capacity is nearly full, to enable armored car personnel or other personnel to retrieve the full bags and replace those with empty bags 1922 as described more fully below. As noted above, the apparatus, in one embodiment, will also automatically dispense one or more coupons 1924 at the conclusion of a counting transaction.
The printing of various information on the voucher 1910 and the recording of various information about the transaction 1920 serve a number of useful functions. Providing information on the voucher gives the user an extra opportunity to verify accuracy and/or acceptability of the count and, potentially, detect any malfunctions that may have occurred. The information is also useful to store personnel in verifying accuracy and authenticity of the voucher. Store personnel may be able to detect an inaccurate or unauthentic voucher if, for example, the voucher indicates a transaction time during which the store was not open, or indicates similar inconsistencies. Furthermore, store personnel can, if suspicious, check the information printed on the voucher against the information recorded in the device (as described more fully below) to further check authenticity.
The recording of information 1920 is useful for a number of reasons. First, the information is useful in facilitating the removal of coin bags for deposit, e.g., in a bank, as described more fully below. The information is useful to store personnel in verifying particular transactions or detecting malfunctions. The information is useful to the counting machine operating company to verify amounts counted and amounts deposited in the bank and to help determine the source of errors if there is a discrepancy between amounts removed from machine and amounts deposited in the bank. For example, the recorded information is useful to both the operating company and the store personnel to diagnose malfunctions or to become aware of servicing or maintenance needs of the apparatus.
In the depicted embodiment, the machine can detect an access, or attempted access and will record the time of this event 2002. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a key switch which, by inserting and turning the key, can change the machine from a run mode to a store access mode and/or an armored car access mode. Preferably, the keyswitch is configured to provide a signal to the microprocessor upon changing the mode to permit the apparatus to detect the access or attempted access and to record the time of the event.
After the attempted access is detected (such as by the turning of a keyswitch) the apparatus is preferably configured to receive an authenticating input such as a personnel identification number (PIN), preferably in response to a prompt output by the device, and the identification is then recorded 2004. The procedure followed thereafter depends upon whether the access is by store personnel or armored car personnel 2006.
In one embodiment, the types of access and information available to store personnel are limited. For example, the store personnel may be permitted to review information relating to the various transactions that have occurred in the counting device 2008. The device may display the most recent transaction and may print receipt of a command (e.g., through a key board) to scroll to previous or later transactions. In some embodiments, the store personnel now may be permitted to review status information (e.g., total amounts counted, amounts removed by armored car carriers, amount of coupons in the device, full/empty status of coin bags, etc.) or may be permitted to review problem reports (jams, paper or coupon misfeeds, power outages and the like 2010).
In one embodiment, the device can output (either in run mode or in store access mode) instructions regarding how to repair minor problems or service or maintain the device, such as instructions clearing a jam, replenishing the supply of coupons, paper, ink and the like 2012.
After the store personnel has finished the store access procedures desired, the store personnel will return the machine to "run" mode and the machine will detect and record the end of access by store personnel 2014.
In cases in which the accesses is by an armored car personnel, typically for the purpose of retrieving coin bags, e.g., for deposit in a bank, several items will be printed by the machine. Preferably, the printing will be performed by the same printer used for printing vouchers, and will be under the control of the microprocessor. One item which may be printed is a receipt for the armored car personnel which memorializes the amount of money which the armored car personnel is retrieving from the device 2020. Preferably, the receipt will be also imprinted with a control number.
Preferably, the machine will also print bank deposit slips for use when the retrieved money is deposited into the bank 2022. In one embodiment, the money will be deposited in two or more accounts. For example, in one embodiment the transaction fee (described above in connection with
In one embodiment, the apparatus will also print tags 2024 to be attached to the various coin bags that are being removed. The tags will preferably indicate the denomination of coins in each bag and the number of coins of that denomination. Preferably, the coin bag tags will also be imprinted with a control number. In one embodiment, the same control number is used for all of the printed items 2020, 2022, 2024. The printed items 2020, 2022, 2024 may also contain other information such as store location, machine identifier number, time and date and the like.
Preferably, the apparatus will record pertinent information, such as by using the computer to record information on non-volatile media. The information recorded can include one or more of the beginning balance, the number and types of coin bags removed, the denomination and number of coins in each bag removed, the amounts of the respective deposits, the control number or numbers and the ending balance 2026.
In one embodiment, armored car personnel are also used to provided service and/or maintenance to the machine. In one embodiment, the machine can provide requests or instructions for providing such service, such as by requesting or instructing the armored car personnel to load additional or new coupons, to replenish the supply of paper, ink and the like 2028. After the armored car personnel have finished their tasks, they will close the machine and return the machine to run mode. At this point, the machine will detect that the armored car access has ended and will record the ending time of the armored car access 2030.
In addition to accessing information by obtaining it directly at the site of the counting machine, the apparatus is also configured for providing information from the field location of the machine (or "remote location") to, for example, a central location such as offices of the owner/operator of the machine. Remote access can also be performed in connection with other entities such as a bank or an accounting firm. In one embodiment, the communication can be performed using a communication device such as modem board 1826. Communication can also be performed over a local area network system, over a wireless communication system (such as a wireless LAN or a cellular telephone communication system, or by a cable communication such as an interactive television or video communication system.
In some cases the machine may experience a malfunction which it determines can not be or was not cleared automatically and which can not be or was not corrected by store personnel. In this case, the device may initiate access to the central location to report such a malfunction, thus permitting the central location to dispatch service personnel to correct the situation.
The remote device may initiate a call to the central location in order to inform the central location that maintenance needs to be performed, such as loading additional or new coupons, loading papertape, ink and the like 2208.
Initially the coins are placed in coin tray 120 where small foreign objects fall through perforations in the bottom of the tray and the user can remove large foreign materials prior to coin sorting. When the user is ready to begin the sorting process, they must push "go" button 115. Button 115 initializes the coin counter, activates the coin sorter, and activates the fan within the waste management chute. If the system does not detect coins within a predetermined period of time, both the coin sorter and the fan are deactivated. The user next raises the edge of tray 120. The tray is hinged on the right side and acts as a chute to funnel the coins into the kiosk. User directions, transaction information, store bargains, and advertisements appear on video screen 130. Screen 130 can also be used to show attention getting displays in order to attract potential users. Once the coins are admitted into the kiosk and the go button has been pushed, the waste removal and coin sorting process begins. During the coin sorting process, coins which do not meet predetermined physical criteria are rejected and returned to the user via chute 165. In one embodiment, as the coins are counted the video screen displays both the total monetary value and the number of coins collected within each denomination.
At the conclusion of the sorting process, the user is asked to either accept the stated coin value and continue the transaction, or cancel the transaction. This selection is made by pushing one of two buttons 150. If the user continues the transaction, then the coins in the escrow tray 105 are dumped into a depository and the user is issued a voucher through slot 160. In one embodiment, the voucher is worth the value of the counted coins and is redeemable at the retailer's cashier for cash or credit towards purchases. Store coupons, printed by the voucher printer and good towards store bargains, are dispensed with the cash voucher. Manufacturers' coupons are dispensed through an adjoining slot 165 at no cost to the user. If the user cancels the transaction the coins are returned in area 170. The upper back portion 140 of kiosk 100 is a display board where advertisements and notices can be placed. Display board 140 can also be used to indicate what coupons the machine is currently dispensing.
The internal layout of kiosk 100 is shown in
The outside of the waste management system 230 is visible in this diagram. Liquids fall through the porous, grooved bottom plate of system 230 while lint and other fine materials are blown away by a small fan located in the chute. Liquids are collected in a waste receptacle. At the end of system 230, the coins are funneled into the coin counter and sorter 280. This is a commercially available sorter. Several manufacturers make suitable machines, although in one embodiment a Scan Coin Model 109 with a modified hopper is used. The counter accepts mixed coins and is able to detect foreign coins and slugs. Rejected coins are returned to the user through chute 165.
In one embodiment of the kiosk, two different printers are used. Printer 270 is used to print the cash vouchers and the store coupons. Printer 270 can be, e.g., an Epson TM267 printer. Besides containing the amount of the voucher, the voucher will also contain other information such as store name, transaction number, bar codes, etc in order to make counterfeiting difficult. Special papers and inks can also be used to discourage counterfeiting. In one embodiment, a separate printer 295 makes a continuous record of each transaction. This printer is an Epson RP265. In a second embodiment printer 270 serves a double function. Besides printing the vouchers, upon command by store personnel this printer prints out all of the pertinent transactional information. CPU 290 also stores this information.
In one embodiment, VGA screen 250 is a Super VGA monitor; CPU 290 is a Belmont, 386, 40 MHz CPU; and high capacity sheet feeder 260 is a modified 1000 sheet feeder manufactured by Gradco, model number HCF-1000. Warning light 255 warns store personnel when either printer is low on paper, the sheet feeder is low on paper, or there has been a system malfunction.
The flow chart of
The flow chart of
If the user decides to accept the stated value and continue the transaction then they are asked whether they would like to donate, in whole or in part, the value of the coins to a charity (step 553). If the user does not wish to donate to a charity then a cash voucher is issued (step 577) and the transaction ends (step 595). If the user wishes to donate to a charity, then the user is asked to chose to which charity they wish to donate (steps 557, 560, 565, and 570). If they do not wish to donate to any of the listed charities, then the transaction ends (step 595) and the coins are returned (step 573).
After choosing to which charity they wish to donate, the user is asked if they wish to donate the total value of the coins (step 580). If the user wishes to donate the total amount then a receipt is issued which states the amount and the charity (step 583). CPU 290 records the amount donated and the charity (step 583) so that when the coins are removed from kiosk 100 the proper amounts can be deposited to the appropriate charity organizations. If the user selects to donate only a portion of the total amount, they then enter the amount to be donated (step 587). At this point a receipt for the donated portion is issued, a cash voucher for the remainder of the total amount is issued, and CPU 290 records the amount donated and the charity for later disbursement of funds (step 590).
In operation, computer 290 determines when power should be supplied to either the coupon dispenser stepping motor 645 or the escrow tray stepping motor 650. This input is supplied via interface 610. This signal is received by either input selector 655 or 660. In one embodiment, this signal is digital. Depending upon the signal, the selector determines the length of time the stepping motor will be operated. For example, one signal from interface 610 will cause the coupon dispenser (motor 645) to dispense only a single sheet of coupons while a different signal will cause two sheets of coupons to be dispensed. Similarly, one signal from interface 610 will cause the escrow tray (motor 650) to rotate in one direction thereby returning coins to the user, while a different signal will cause the opposite motor rotation thereby depositing the coins into the coin receptacle. The power drive units 665 and 670 supply, upon command, sufficient power to operate stepping motors 645 and 650.
In light of the above description, a number of advantages to the present invention can be seen. In the typical installation, a user will receive a combination of both a voucher which can be spent by the shopper on store merchandise, and free coupons which provide incentive for shopping for items in the store by providing a discount on those items. Typically, the shopper will conduct the coin counting operation prior to doing shopping and thus the shopper will be armed with both an incentive for purchasing items in the store and the wherewithall (in the form a "spendable" voucher) to do so.
As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, the same printer could be used to print both the vouchers and periodic maintenance reports. Accordingly, disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the following claims.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
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Is there a way to get MySql indexing to speed up queries involving greater and less than operators on date columns?
Postgres handles these operators a little bit better than MySql, but may not actually solve this problem.
Using millis instead of dates would give the DB the best chance of handling this scenario.
We are using Git's subtree merge facility instead of submodules to stay synced to a different repository for part of our project. How do we push changes back to that repo?
See Tim Connor's blog post "Git sub-tree merging back to the subtree for pushing to an upstream". Early in that post is a pointer to an article describing the the subtree merge operation. Tim goes on to explain how to push your changes back through the chain.
Some cloud environments leave the names of temp files visible even when their contents are not accessible. Be sure to use obfuscated names for your temporary files!
The "Headless" gem allows you to easily set up an alternate "display" that allows programs to execute in a headless environment. See this blog post about how to use Headless to run Selenium tests on a CI box: http://www.aentos.com/blog/easy-setup-your-cucumber-scenarios-using-headless-gem-run-selenium-your-ci-server
Ccrb will bog down to painfully slow levels if more than a couple of CC Tray clients are pinging it repeatedly during a build.
Cron will not honor your .rvmrc file unless you do some work to set up the environment. If you set up your cron job like this:
0 6 * * * /bin/bash -l -c 'echo /home/someuser/.rvm/bin/rvm rvmrc trust ... && cd ...
the -l & -c parameters cause bash to load your environment as if your were logging in before running the specified commands. Someone also mentioned that rvm-shell can be used as a solution to this problem.

subset: commoncrawl


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NEW YORK, NY - Cal State Northridge men's and women's track & field opened the 2013 indoor season Saturday at the NYU Team Challenge at the Armory Track Center.
In the first meet of the season, the Matador women scored 122 points while the men earned 60 points.
CSUN had several event winners on the women's side as Ashley Henry won the high jump, Jenna Yowell won the pole vault, Marissa Rossi won the long jump and Jakayla Daniels claimed the shot put. Henry cleared a top height of 1.70 meters to win the high jump by .05 over Brigit Roemer of The College of New Jersey. Yowell cleared a top height of 3.55 which is a personal indoor best. Katrina Wilbanks was third (3.25) followed by Briana Tucker (3.25). Newcomer Rossi led a trio of Matadors in a sweep of the top three spots in the long jump. Rossi posted a best of 5.73 followed by Shawnta Barnes (5.40) in second and Jealinda Mills (5.38) in third. Daniels claimed the shot put with a top throw of 12.52 while was .20 better than teammate Mariah Counts (12.32) with Monique Griffiths in fourth (11.92).
Other top performances on the women's side included Barnes finishing second in the 60 meters in a time of 7.69 after running 7.67 in the prelims. In the 200 meters, Marie Veale placed second (25.57) followed by Hafsatu Kamara in fourth (25.89) and Le'Shel Vines in fifth (25.94).
For the Matador men, Darquis Rucker led the sprinters with a second-place finish in the 60 meters. Rucker ran 6.96 in the final after clocking 7.01 in the prelims. Isaiah Cantu also posted a second-place finish in the 500 meters running 1:04.95 followed by teammate Robert Thomas in fourth (1:05.61). In the 400 meters, Khalid Jones took second in a time of 48.70 and in the 200 meters, Jordan Taylor was third in 22.35.
Senior Tucker Weathers was a bright spot for the throwers as he placed second in both the shot put and weight throw. Weathers posted a best of 15.36 in the shot and 15.54 in the weight. Derion Taylor also finished in the top-five in the high jump with a top height of 1.89 meters.


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Home » Prime Beef
Our dry aged USDA PRIME 109 RIB, graded in the top 1% of all beef in the United States, is one of our favorite cuts of beef. Well marbled and expertly aged, the Prime 109 is the muscle that the classic Prime Ribs are cut from. And it is no wonder they are so popular; try imagining any holiday table without one! Dry aging concentrates the flavor of this exceptional beef to that exquisite complex point the connoisseurs relish. Roasting slowly brings out the complexity of the dry aging, and offers you a crispy outside, juicy and tender inside, perfect rib of roasted beef.
Aging: DryOrigin: USA Grade: PrimeBreed: Angus Bone: Yes Weight: 12-14 lbs.
Chart for Roasting Standing Rib, 4- or 7-rib Roast
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Since I am actually a girl, the best thing about Action Man (or GI Joe if you're from across the Pond) during my childhood was that I could use him to simulate dolly snogging with my
This was useful in as far as it went, but he was a little too big to start copulating with my Pippa dolls. I mean, ouch. (I resorted, in their case, to cutting off their long hair and drawing felt-tip stubble on to them so that they could serve as pseudo boyfriends for Pips and pals). This is not painting me in a positive light so far is it? Anyway, ploughing on….
I am guessing the Action Man was snaffled from my big brother's box of toys. He would have been far too distracted by his seven storey Matchbox carpark (which had been crudely constructed up the stairs in a bid to take out any adult who needed the loo) to notice a missing dolly.
My particular favourite AM was this guy. He of the Eagle Eyes. He could look left. He could look right. But for God's sake, don't attack him from behind, or he's royally screwed.
Loving these awesome vintage toys that bring back so many wonderful memories. Anyone else out there who used to play with Action figures?!!


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I'm not reading anything at the moment, but I just finished up Hearts in Atlantis. Even more than the master of horror, King is the master of bringing on the water-works, am I right??
This message board is only an archive. Click here to go to the current message board.
I'm not reading anything at the moment, but I just finished up Hearts in Atlantis. Even more than the master of horror, King is the master of bringing on the water-works, am I right??
Off with Book 6 of the Dark Tower series, though whenmy "just go with it" attitude wavered like a thinny!
Susannah sprouted legs after arriving in New York
Highly recommend White Horse by Alex Adams.
Have any of you read any of Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley series of books? I read the first one, A Great Deliverance, which was really very good, and immediately bought the second in the series for my Kindle. Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as good as the first, IMO. I just wondered if any of her later books are better. Some of the Amazon reviewers seem to think so.
Also came across a series of books with a character named Inspector Adam Dalgliesh by P.D. James and wanted to ask if anyone had read these. I thought, if I read them, I would picture our John D as the main character...keep him alive in my heart...since their names are similar.
Mr. Murder by Dean Koontz
False Memory by Dean Koontz
I've read many of Elizabeth George's books. For me, it was hit or miss. Although I can't name actual books, there were storylines and characters that were good, and then there were ones that bored me beyond words. She has a lot out there. Just try to find the ones that look the most interesting to you and keep reading.
I've also read a lot of P.D. James and Adam Dalgliesh. I like him.
Love Alison Weir books on Henry and his wives. Good choice!
I just finished reading a Zombie anthology edited by Christopher Golden with a slew of great authors--21st Century Dead. Now, Zombies are not my monster of choice, I don't watch the Zombie shows or the Zombie movies (Although I did see Zombieland and liked that one). You may wonder if I don't like Zombie books, why did I choose one? Well, I belong to LibraryThing and they have a program on there where you can put in for free books in exchange for a review. I put in for this one because I like short story collections very much. I believe that a short story can tell you a lot about an author and his skill and style before you move onto their novels. An author's writing has to be wicked tight to pull off a really good short story.
Also, there were a number of authors in the bunch who I've read other stuff by them and really liked. I was curious how all these authors would interpret Zombies and make them their own.
I really like this group of stories. They included typical Zombie behavior and some very fun and unique views of same. I recommend it.


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Quick Links
Shop All Jewelry
NLZ11148 In Stock Absolutely No Delay on Personalization!
One of our more adorable pendants, this Pink Enamel Sterling Silver Baby Shoe Pendant is a must have for the new mom, or any shoe fashionista! The petite pendant measures .5 inches tall by .25 inches wide, and weighs 2.8 grams. The pink enamel pairs nicely with the sterling silver bow on the top of the shoe and the silver sole. Either way, this is a cute little pendant that will surely bring out the "aww" in your wardrobe!
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.


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Monday, July 15, 2013
Whether it was a lucky guess or something he truly foresaw, Goose Creek Post 166 Juniors coach Mike Knight had pinpoint precision in prognostication.
After a one-run loss in June dropped the Post 166 Juniors to 2-2, Knight liked the fight he saw in his team and told them he didn't expect them to lose another game.
Post 166 made Knight a prophet of sorts after winning nine straight on its way to the League 1 title on Thursday, defeating Summerville Green 9-4 at Cane Bay High School.
"We were 2-2 and both of the games we lost were by one run (2-1 and 8-7)," Knight said. "We were down 8-0. We came back and scored seven runs and had the tying run at third base. I told them if they continued to play hard and work hard in practice to get better, that we wouldn't lose another game."
Thursday's victory gave Post 166 the league's tournament title and a spot in the American Legion Juniors state tournament in Rock Hill. It begins July 20.
Knight said his team has been building for this moment.
"Two years ago, we were the youngest team around," Knight said. "We took our whippings. That year we might have won two games. Last year, we went .500. I knew we had a shot this year."
Post 166 used a five-run fourth inning to take control in the championship game. It loaded the bases with nobody out and got an infield single from Tyler Knight to make the score 2-1.
Justin Walker, who also drove in a run in the second inning, forced in the next run when he was plunked by Summerville starter Gabe Crowder. Andrew Preston knocked in two more runs with a single to right field and Bryce Jonason's ground out made it 6-1.
Post 166 added three more runs on RBIs in the fifth inning by Jamison Mobbs, Knight and Preston.
Jonason threw the final five innings to get the victory on the mound. B.J. Thompson tossed the first two frames for Post 166.
Mobbs leads the team in hitting this summer, sporting a .500 batting average with 10 extra-base hits. He's followed by Jon Bowman (.461), Kyle Keys (.333), Asher Smith (.333), Preston (.323), Thompson (.294) and Knight (.289).
Mobbs and Jonason have three pitching wins apiece, while Justin Walker has two.
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Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series: Physical Properties Data Interpretation
Presenter: Evan Zabawski, CLS
Where: STLE University, live webinar event broadcast to your computer
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 12-1:00 p.m., with optional Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $39 for members, $59 for non-members
The fourth module of this series will transition over to correct interpretation of the changes found in the physical and chemical properties of the oil, such as viscosity, FTIR (soot, oxidation, nitration and sulphation) and checks for fuel, water and glycol.
Evan is a Fourth Class Power Engineer with a diploma in chemical engineering. Evan has previous experience as a manager of a tribological lab before moving into the field of power generation fluid maintenance. He has been a member of STLE for over 12 years and is Chair of the STLE – Alberta Section, and also an instructor of the Condition Monitoring course at STLE Annual Meetings. Evan is Editor of STLE's TLT Magazine, and served as the Editor for The STLE Alberta Section's Basic Handbook of Lubrication - Third Edition. He has published several technical papers and is also a member in good standing of API and ASTM.
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As owner of Cindy Cole Fine Homes and one of the
Specializing in the luxury waterfront niche market, Cole says she lives by the simple philosophy that "you only get better at things by doing them over and over again."
Cole continually ranks as one of the area's top real estate agents. Prior to opening her own brokerage in 2012, Cole achieved the ranking of
"First, you have to treat people the way that they want to be treated," she told The Sun. "We are very attentive to our clients, who are typically very high net worth, very savvy and have high expectations."
When working with potential clients, Cole says that Realtors in the luxury market are typically faced with different scenarios than those who are working with military buyers or first-time homebuyers. One of the first questions she asks a client is how they prefer to communicate, whether it's directly or through representatives.
"It's important to cater to these individuals in the same way they are accustomed to being catered to in all of their business and personal endeavors," she said. "My team is highly experienced."
"Our listing clients receive exposure online in mediums such as the Dupont Registry, Wall Street Journal and Unique Homes. We are constantly looking for innovative marketing techniques specific to luxury properties."
In the luxury market, there are typically three types of buyers, Cole says. The first is the "investment buyer" who will purchase a property with plans to sell it in a limited number of years for a maximum return on investment. The complete opposite is the second home buyer who will purchase a home exclusively for enjoyment, Cole said, and would more than likely retire in the home. The third type of buyer is someone who purchases a home to use for a period of time and also rents it out as a vacation rental.
One misnomer about the luxury market is that buyers have so much money they don't care about the price of a home.
"They are hugely cost sensitive," she said. "They typically want to know as much about a home as possible, such as insurance costs, costs of operation, rental histories and flood zones. We make sure that we know everything there is to know about one of our luxury listings and we also make that information readily available to potential buyers and Realtors."
Given her reputation and experience, Cole was recently selected to sell the Tom Christ-designed home at 376 Rue Caribe, which was originally built in 1994 and recently redesigned by Christ. The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom home boasts nearly 5,000-square-feet and features direct beach access, a heated infinity pool, three fireplaces, and is on the market for just under $4 million.
As the market continues to show activity, Cole says there are plenty of signs pointing to a recovery. Inventory scarcity in the luxury market seems to be driving prices up a bit. To learn more about 376 Rue Caribe or Cindy Cole Fine Homes visit www.cindycolefinehomes.com or call 850-502-6344.
"It is an excellent time to sell a home," Cole says.


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Heat washes over us as we step over the sill out onto the street, a strange, unfamiliar heat that bounces off the asphalt and stabs at our skin, a bright, glaring light that blinds. Heat heavy and stifling like a hand pressed over our mouths, our clothes push against our bodies slowing us down. A ramble along the river ignites rather than soothes as we search desperately for a hint of shade. We see the dogs splayed across the bows of the boats moored along the river's edge, panting in the unforgiving heat, glaring jealously at each other. No gentle breeze rolls calmly off of the water, a lover's stroll that is meant to be hand-in-hand only fuels grumblings and discontent. Too hot and sticky to touch, too oppressive to enjoy the time together.
"A real scorcher," as the old men used to say, lined up in garden chairs down the sidewalk, pushing their hats further up on their heads and swiping at their foreheads with worn handkerchiefs. This is ice-cold lemonade weather, gulped down quickly before the ice cubes can melt and begin to warm. Ice cream drips down our arms spoiling any pleasure we may have had with that first cool, creamy lick. Lazy days spent sprawled in an armchair, fanning oneself, hoping, praying that it might rain.
There is nothing sultry about this heat, no drizzle of sweat suggestively trickling down a cleavage, torrid afternoons amid crumpled sheets, the slow whirring of the ceiling fan mesmerizing, a curl of hair flicking back and forth across her face. No movie-star he-men standing in dark, Old World bars in sun-baked, far-away places, sipping whiskeys and waiting for the mysterious woman, that glamorous femme fatale, to swish through the swinging doors, pausing as all eyes slide up and down her body. No smoldering looks as he leans over and lights her cigarette, she cool and collected, he tugging at his collar and loosening his tie. No casual remark about the heat, the storm brewing in the distance, no steamy innuendos, no whispers like electric currents passing back and forth, no sidelong glances beneath half-closed eyelids, the nervous clicking of coins against the zinc bar top.
No, summer hits us without the romance, its unrelenting, unforgiving heat closing in on all sides and draining every ounce of energy, sucking us dry. Our emotions simmer just below the surface until someone says the wrong thing and we explode, boiling point finally reached and we flare up. No matter how many sweltering Florida summers I have lived through, I will never be used to the heat. I cannot look smart and glamorous with perfect hair and make-up, I have no desire to dress in more than shorts and a tank, hair yanked unceremoniously back in a clip, bare feet sliding across the parquet floors.
Windows flung open, our apartment is fairly cool, no oppressive heat keeping us from the kitchen. Only laziness. Summer laissez faire, we barely have the energy to pull ourselves up and off the sofa and drag our bloated body to the fridge where we open the door and lean into the cool and wonder if we really have the desire to eat. Well, it may be hot enough outside to fry an egg on the sidewalk, but this girl always has the energy and the desire to eat! On the otherhand, going out to the market or the grocery store is another story all together. The only attraction is the possibility to stand in the chilled meat and cheese section, put our face into the ice cream case or lean against the chilled glass windows.
So what is the attraction to Indian food? I bought my first Indian cookbook, that fabulous Indian Cooking by Madhur Jaffrey when living in hot, hot Milan, Italy and started learning the ins and outs. When we lived in Milan, there were almost no "ethnic" (read: other than Italian) restaurants in the city other than Chinese and one Indian restaurant run by an expat. So when we craved Moroccan or Cajun, French or Jewish, it had to be homemade. So while I was at it, I added what must be one of my favorite cuisines: Indian.
And it is a hot weather country, swelteringly hot, and we crave this often spicy, very flavorful cuisine mostly when it is hot. Hot inside cools the outside, I guess. Well, influenced by my wonderful fellow food bloggers and friends Deeba of Passionate about Baking and Meeta of What's for Lunch Honey? and their amazing Indian cooking, I craved. And I recently saw this gorgeous Egg Curry on Meeta's blog and just had to grab my Madhur Jaffrey cookbook off the shelf and let it all take over. I didn't have all of the ingredients for any one dish, so I borrowed, tweaked and improvised and ended up with an extremely delicious dish that was both quick and simple. Everyone loved it: JP raved and Simon not only ate it but said that it was good!
Served over Rice Pilaf
For 4 people:
1 – 2 eggs per person
3 Tbs vegetable oil
3 – 4 Tbs finely chopped onion
½ tsp ground ginger (1-inch cube freshly grated if you have)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup (200 ml) light cream (a bit more if you like it creamier)
1 Tbs lime or lemon juice (I used lime)
2/3 cup (160 ml) chicken stock
2 tsps tomato paste (a bit more to taste if you like)
Finely chopped coriander
Hard boil the eggs for no more than 12 minutes then immediately run under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking. Peel and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring, until they are browned around the edges, about 2 or 3 minutes.
Add the spices and the chickpeas and stir, continuing to cook for another minute.
Stir the tomato paste into the chicken stock until smooth. Add this to the pan along with the cream and the lime or lemon juice. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth and bring up to a simmer.
Slice the hardboiled eggs in half lengthwise and gently lay on the cream sauce in the pan then carefully push them down into the sauce, spooning some of the sauce on the eggs to cover. Sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of the chopped fresh coriander (depending on how much you like coriander) and allow to very gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring gently and moistening the eggs with the sauce. The sauce should thicken a bit.
Serve with the Rice Pilaf and extra chopped fresh coriander sprinkled on top.
4 Tbs (60 g) unsalted butter
2 cups Basmati or other long-grained white rice
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cardomom
½ cup slivered or very coarsely chopped blanched almonds
4 cups (1 liter) water
1 ½ tsps salt
½ cup raisins
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottom skillet or pot. Add the rice and stir to coat all of the rice and cook for a minute or two until the rice starts to color.
Add the cinnamon and the cardamom and continue frying for 1 minute.
Add the almonds, salt and water, stir and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and allow to gently simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
The rice should be tender and moist, but not mushy.


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Devium Dash looks to replace your car audio system with your iPhone
The Devium Dash Kickstarter project is a replacement stereo system for your car with one big difference. Its brain is your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. The unique Devium Dash is composed of two parts. The body sits in your car and provides 4 x 50w to power your speakers, two 2v Maxim preamps for front and rear/sub, as well as AUX-in and a video pass-through for an in-car display. The faceplate attaches magnetically to the body and docks your iPhone or iPod touch. This means that, for example, if Apple releases an iPhone 5 with a different form factor, you don't need to replace the entire Devium Dash when you upgrade; you simply acquire a new faceplate adapter.
Once slotted into the Devium Dash, your iPhone or iPod is fully powered and you then have access to all your iTunes and streaming media, hands free Bluetooth calling, turn-by-turn navigation apps and, of course, Siri. Because the Devium Dash holds your device in landscape orientation, they are planning several custom apps such as a phone dialer and substitute "home screen" with app shortcuts to make the experience better. They're also teasing a kit that will let your iPhone or iPod touch communicate with your car's on-board computer.
Toss the CDs, chargers, and FM transmitters and show off your awesome piece of technology. Get your phone out of the cup holder, your pocket, or the unsightly windshield mount. Now there's a place for everything. Dash, patent pending, is the convergence of the car stereo and your smartphone. Today's smartphones provide a level of connectivity, accessibility, and usability that has not been possible in the car audio market Dash doesn't require that you learn a new interface to use your stereo. You already know how to use your phone to access your music, your navigation app, your phone calls, and the incredible number of other apps in your phone's marketplace.
Obviously the downside is that you have to remove your existing in-car entertainment system to fit the Devium Dash. They maintain this is no more difficult than installing a GPS unit, so if you are happy enough to do that, and the Devim Dash is compatible with your car model, then installation should be pretty simple.
Mobile devices like the iPhone and iPod touch are taking an increasingly important role in automotive technologies. Several prominent systems like Microsoft Sync and OnStar now interface with iOS apps, and electric cars like the Chevy Volt and Focus Electric provide for even higher levels of remote control. For people who have older cars, however, mobile device integration has been extremely limited. While focused on entertainment and travel assistance, products like the Devium Dash open the door to the next generation of driver experience.
The Kickstarter project has so far attracted pledges of over $20,000 which is just under the half way mark before it gets funded. It still has 45 days to run so we will keep a close eye on it to see if it makes it.
The Devium Dash is expected to ship in July, 2012.
Source: Kickstarter via @adora
Devium Dash - Daily-use Demo from Paul Lizer on Vimeo.
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Reader comments
Devium Dash looks to replace your car audio system with your iPhone
nice product, but would be better if the iPhone had a landscape home screen option.
I like it
You must include devium radio in one off your giveaways. I would tattoo imore to the inside of my lower lip for this prize
Bye bye live radio. You would have to use an app like iHeartRadio and hope your favorite station is supported.
With the death of unlimited data, streaming becomes a very expensive proposition unless you don't do it to much. While it would be cool to be able to stream XM/Sirius or other stations while driving, the current pricing structure limits its viability.
That sai, this is a cool product; unfortunately it won't work in my car which has a proprietary bus. Fortunately, there are rumors that some manufacturers are looking to similar iPhone based solutions.
While this may seem like a cool idea, I doubt it would take off for a few reason. As someone said earlier, what happens if the next gen iPhone has a different form factor? While it may not be "safe", lots of people still check their texts, emails, etc while driving. Having to pull out the iPhone every time to do that and interrupt the music would suck. The screen size is not ideal for a car stereo these days. Most new cars with a premium audio system have 6 or 7 inch touch screen in them. Lastly, this idea is far from new. Pioneer has an app radio that uses the iPhone (or Android phone on the newer model) for everything. The only difference is that the iPhone plugs into a cable. I doubt the specs on the Devium Dash would even be worth comparing it to the pioneer model. Pioneer App Radio http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio/AppRadio+2+(SPH-DA100)
Re: "what happens if the next gen iPhone has a different form factor?"
Chris wrote: "if Apple releases an iPhone 5 with a different form factor, you don't need to replace the entire Devium Dash when you upgrade; you simply acquire a new faceplate adapter."
Re: "Having to pull out the iPhone every time to do that and interrupt the music would suck. The screen size is not ideal for a car stereo these days."
One word: "Siri."
As mentioned once already Pioneer pretty much makes this already except you plug your phone in (and of course, throw it in a cup holder). I have seen and used the Pioneer AppRadio in person (I even installed the app on my phone to try it out for myself) and it has an absolutely beautiful screen that puts other in-dash NAVs to shame. Best part is it's only like $400. I would buy one if it wasn't reliant on having cell service for navigation. I work in a lot of rural areas where I'm lucky if I can make a phone call let alone run google maps. The main thing that I don't like about this Devium is IMO the iPhone's screen is way too small to be mounted in your dash; Google maps is hard enough to read holding it in your hand. Come out with a simple/universal way to stick an iPad in your dash and then you'd be on to something.
Great invention! 8D
The idea is nice. However, many newer cars route more functionality through the head unit than just the audio (security system, etc). Plus, I drive alot of rental cars and most new cars have iPod/iPad functionality built in. If not, then there's always an Aux input.
Also, the form factor is double DIN, which is not always the right size for a car.
My Ipod/Iphone replaced my audio like 5 or 6 years ago. Just use an aux input and a 3.5 mm cable for $6. Or do what i did and buy a 3.5 to line in adapter for iphone audio cable. I got one off of Amazon made by Fiio for about $5. Works perfect for direct iphone line in audio.
The second thing is this device is very unattractive and i don't think i'd want that facade mucking up the look of my wood grain.
i love this! definitely need to figure out the whole landscape home screen situation.
If it won't work with my iPhone in a Otterbox Defender Case, I'm not getting it.
Cool as it may be, it's too much trouble to take it in and out of a case.
Love this product. But I think there's room for improvement.
1) Make the faceplate tilt-able. Some cars have the audio system port way at the bottom of their car. Tilting the screen upward may provide better view.
2) Create an app specifically for this product. No more awkward portrait-landscape confusion. Also, make the app automatically read messages so you don't have to be distracted while driving.
DAB should be a consideration for the uk also a good selling point
I guess he is trying to push this to older car owners. My truck has a Aux plug, and my wife's Volvo has a Bluetooth connection that links her phone to her car radio. She can call up a song, or make a phone call from the touch screen. Also, it's no the most attractive thing. And if you have a phone call, what do you do?? Plus, on some cars, that would put the "radio" very low on the dash, making in not too practical / unsafe.
I'm begging for something like this. Please hurry!
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