GB2543482A

GB2543482A - An apparatus and method for processing coins

Info

Publication number: GB2543482A
Application number: GB1517917.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott-Brown Simon
Original assignee: Scan Coin AB
Current assignee: Scan Coin AB
Priority date: 2015-10-09
Filing date: 2015-10-09
Publication date: 2017-04-26
Also published as: GB201517917D0

Abstract

A coin processing apparatus 100 comprises a coin feeder 102 arranged to transport coins along a coin path 104. The apparatus also comprises a sensor 106 arranged to detect the presence of a coin 108 being transported along the coin path 104 at a sensing region 110 on the coin path 104. The apparatus also comprises a dispenser 112 arranged to dispense a lubricant in response to detection by the sensor 106 of the presence of the coin 108. The sensor may be used to detect multiple types of coins. The invention dispenses lubricant in response to detection of a coin by the sensor. This improves lubrication for coins that require it and reduces the occurrence of blockages; but reduces unnecessary lubrication for coins that do not commonly cause blockages.

Description

An apparatus and method for processing coins

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing coins.

The term ‘coin’ is used herein to include any type of monetary token or token having value, metal currency, plastic or non-metallic token, a counterfeit coin, a component of a composite coin, or a washer for example. The coin may be disc shaped or generally disc shaped, or may be any other desired shape or generally planar form, such as square, oblong or oval for example.

Generally a coin processing machine or assembly is used for detecting, sorting and counting coins. Such machines are required to operate quickly and accurately in order to efficiently process large numbers of coins. They must therefore process coins with minimal stoppages caused by blockages and jamming of coins in the apparatus. The coin processing rate can be, for example, 10 to around 100 coins per second and any stoppages in operation will have a significant impact on the number of coins the machine is able to process in a given time.

One cause of blockages in a coin processing machine is one or more coins adhering to a surface within the machine and being prevented from moving freely. Typically, an oxide layer (formed by grease transferred to the coin surface whilst being handled during everyday use) on coins being processed acts as a lubricant preventing coins from adhering to other surfaces. Some coins, such as aluminium coins, pure nickel, nickel-coated, bronze, stainless steel etc. coins are more chemically reactive than others. In the case of some coins, aluminium coins for example, this oxide layer is easily worn from the coin as it travels through the machine. This is especially a problem when coins are moving at high speed through the apparatus and experience greater levels of friction and wear. As the oxide layer is worn away or removed, a coin (again especially those made from aluminium) will be more susceptible to processes such as cold welding and galling. These processes can cause a coin to adhere to the surface on which it is travelling and cause a blockage in the machine. If a machine becomes blocked it is common for the machine to have to be shut down whilst an operator removes the blockage. The blockage can also sometimes be removed by running the machine temporarily in reverse so that coins travel in the opposite direction and release the blockage. Both of these interruptions lead to reduced efficiency. However, in some cases the blockage can lead to permanent damage to components in the machine.

Existing methods for reducing adhesion include providing an inert layer on the surface(s) of the apparatus. Such an inert layer must be smooth, hard wearing and non-reactive. Such an inert layer can be provided in the form of a very thin coating. A variety of well-known coatings are available, e.g. titanium nitride, DLC, chrome nitride, proprietary CVD/PVD coatings, coated ceramics, hard chrome material etc. These coatings are susceptible to wear and can be an expensive solution.

An alternative method of preventing coin adhesion is to provide a lubricant between the coins and surface(s) upon which they travel. Known lubrication systems dispense lubricant continuously or sporadically over time in a simple manner. It is known to dispense a lubricant in drops, or as a mist or vapour. It is known to use a compressed air feed, for example as supplied by a standard air line, in conjunction with a lubricant reservoir in order to achieve delivery of lubricant as a mist or vapour. Such systems can allow a coin processing machine to improve its reliability to process about 250 million coins before a blockage, from around 5 to 10 million coins in a system without any lubrication. In some systems, lubrication of some form (e.g. liquid or solid) is essential to provide a working system.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to reduce the occurrence of coin adhesion in a coin processing device.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a coin processing apparatus comprising: a coin feeder arranged to transport coins along a coin path; a sensor arranged to detect the presence of a coin being transported along the coin path at a sensing region on the coin path; and a dispenser arranged to dispense a lubricant in response to detection by the sensor of the presence of the coin.

The invention advantageously dispenses lubricant in response to detection of a coin by the sensor. As some coins (such as aluminium coins) are particularly prone to causing a blockage in the machine, whereas other coins are less prone to causing a blockage, it is advantageous to dispense the lubricant intelligently on a ‘per coin’ basis. This improves lubrication for coins that require it and reduces the occurrence of blockages; but reduces unnecessary lubrication for coins that do not commonly cause blockages.

The sensor may be arranged to detect the presence of a first type of coin. This allows the dispenser to dispense lubricant in response to the presence of certain types of coin, but not to the presence of other types of coin.

The first type of coin may be a coin made from a predetermined material. As coins made from certain materials are more likely to adhere to a surface(s) within the processing machine, the dispenser advantageously dispenses lubricant in response to the presence of such coins. In particular, the material may be aluminium, which is more prone to cold welding and more likely to cause a blockage in the machine.

The first type of coin may be a coin having a predetermined size. If it is known that coins of certain sizes are more likely to cause a blockage then the dispenser is advantageously arranged to dispense lubricant accordingly in response to the presence of such coins.

The dispenser may be arranged to detect when the apparatus is idle (not processing coins) and to not dispense lubricant during detected idle time. The dispenser may be arranged to stop dispensing lubricant after no coins have been detected for a threshold idle time period. The dispenser may be arranged to dispense lubricant after the apparatus is switched on, only after a first coin has been detected (i.e. instead of in response to the apparatus being on, as may be the case with prior machines). Advantageously, lubricant is used more efficiently as a result.

The coin processing apparatus may further comprise a controller in communication with the sensor, the controller being arranged to keep a record of coins being transported along the coin path. The controller may record the number of each type of coin detected by the sensor so that lubricant can be dispensed accordingly. This is particularly useful where a mixture of coins are being processed, and where different coins require different levels of lubrication.

The dispenser may be arranged to dispense the lubricant at a particular dispensing position. The location at which the lubricant is dispensed may be chosen to provide effective lubrication throughout the coin processing apparatus. Lubricant may be provided in a particular position where the coins are likely to adhere to a surface causing a blockage.

The dispensing position may be on the coin path at a position downstream of the coin being transported. The lubricant may be dispensed at a position on the coin path which the coin has not yet reached as it travels along the coin path. The coin path is therefore lubricated before the detected coin arrives at that position. The dispensing position may coincide with a position at which there is a relatively high likelihood of cold welding. This helps lubricate a particular position on the coin path that is known to be a likely position at which a subsequent blockage may be initiated. The coin may also act to spread lubricant along at least some of the coin path after the coin has passed through the position at which the lubricant is dispensed.

The dispensing position may be on the coin path at a position upstream of the coin being transported. The lubricant may be dispensed at a position on the coin path over which the detected coin has already travelled. This helps lubricate the coin path for the passage of subsequent coins after the detected coin. For example, if a particularly abrasive type of coin has been detected, it may be useful to provide some extra lubrication for coins subsequently travelling along the coin path.

The dispensing position may be at the position of the coin being transported. The lubricant may be dispensed at the position (or the predicted position) of the coin that triggered the dispenser. This lubricant may be dispensed directly onto the coin so that the lubricant is spread at least along some of the coin path. The lubricant may be dispensed when the coin is at a particular position on the coin path that is known to be a common place where cold welding or blockages occur.

The dispensing position may be at any one or more of these locations in combination.

The dispenser may be arranged to dispense the lubricant as an atomised spray. This advantageously provides a small volume of lubricant that can cover the coin path and provide adequate lubrication whilst reducing the overall amount of lubricant required.

The dispenser may comprise a peristaltic pump. Such a pump is suitable for supplying a small and controlled burst or pulse of lubricant. In other embodiments, other types of pump or systems may be used.

The coin feeder may comprise a driven hopper disc having a first surface arranged to receive coins thereon, wherein the first surface is inclined from horizontal and comprises a vacuum mechanism arranged to pull coins onto the surface. The driven hopper disc transports coins such that they travel along the coin path in an ordered fashion and reach the sensor in a desired manner, for example in series or one at a time. This ensures that the coins are correctly identified by the sensor and reduces blockages within the machine.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of processing coins comprising: transporting coins along a coin path; detecting the presence of a coin being transported along the coin path at a sensing region on the coin path; and dispensing a lubricant in response to the detection of the presence of the coin.

Such a method of lubricating a coin processing machine advantageously dispenses lubricant in response to the detection of a coin by the sensor. This allows lubricant to be dispensed on a per coin basis to effectively lubricate the coin processing machine without using excess or unnecessary lubricant.

Detecting the presence of a coin may comprise detecting the presence of a first type of coin.

The first type of coin may be a coin made from a predetermined material.

The first type of coin may be a coin having a predetermined size.

The method may comprise storing a record of coins being transported along the coin path and dispensing the lubricant based on information in the record. The information may relate to the number of coins that have been detected by the sensor, the type of coins that have been detected by the sensor, the number of coins of one or more different types that have been detected by the sensor, or any combination thereof. A coin type might be defined by the size or dimension of a coin, the material of a coin, the shape of a coin, the electrical or magnetic properties of a coin, or any other measurable property of a coin.

The lubricant may be dispensed at a dispensing position.

The dispensing position may be a position downstream of the coin being transported.

The dispensing position may be a position upstream of the coin being transported.

The dispensing position may be at the position of the coin being transported.

The dispensing position may be at any one or more of these example dispensing positions, or at any other suitable dispensing position.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a coin processor according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a method of processing coins according to a second aspect of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a method of processing coins according to a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

Features mentioned in the description, but not in the claims, are non-essential. Any feature claimed in one category (e.g. apparatus, method etc.) may be used, and is disclosed, in any other claimed category.

Figure 1 shows a coin processing apparatus 100 comprising: a coin feeder 102 arranged to transport coins along a coin path 104; a sensor 106 arranged to detect the presence of a coin 108 being transported along the coin path 104 at a sensing region 110 on the coin path 104; and a dispenser 112 arranged to dispense a lubricant in response to detection by the sensor 106 of the presence of the coin 108.

The coin feeder 102 is arranged to receive coins that are to be processed through an inlet 114. The coin feeder 102 is arranged to sort the coins so that they can be processed individually or as part of a continuous process. In some embodiments the coin feeder comprises a rotating hopper disc having a surface arranged to receive coins entering the processing apparatus 100 through the inlet 114. In some embodiments the surface may be horizontal or in other embodiments the surface may be inclined relative to the horizontal. In some embodiments the surface may comprise a vacuum mechanism arranged to pull coins onto the surface of the hopper disc. In some embodiments the hopper disc is flat or planar. In other embodiments the hopper disc is curved as is known in the field.

The coin feeder 102 is arranged to transport coins along the coin path 104 and deliver them through the sensing region in an orderly manner. The coin path 104 defines the route taken by the coins through the coin processing apparatus 100. The coin path 104 begins at the inlet 114 and extends through the apparatus to the coin sorter 116. The coin sorter 116 is arranged to sort the coins according to the identification of the coins determined by the sensor. In some embodiments the coin path 104 runs along a conveyor belt arranged to carry coins through the apparatus. In other embodiments the coin path may be a surface arranged to receive coins and on which the coins are able to slide freely. In this embodiment the coins may be urged along the coin path surface by centrifugal force caused by the rotating disc and are directed by alignment members which engage with the coins to guide their direction of travel. The coins are guided past the sensor in an orderly manner. In some embodiments the coin feeder may be the coin feeder disclosed in the applicant’s earlier co-pending patent application, number GB1219889.1. Other coin feeders are known to the skilled person in this field.

The sensor 106 is arranged to detect the presence of a coin 108 that is in the sensing region 110. In some embodiments the sensor 106 may be located adjacent the coin path 104 at the sensing region 110. In other embodiments the sensor 104 may be spaced from the sensing region and may remotely detect a coin 108 in the sensing region 110.

The sensor may be one of: an electric sensor arranged to detect eddy currents in the coin; an electromagnetic (e.g. X-ray or visible light sensor) sensor arranged to detect absorbed, reflected, fluoresced, phosphoresced or transmitted radiation; a magnetic sensor arranged to detect the magnetic properties of the coin, or an acoustic sensor arranged to detect a ringing sound in the coin. Further examples of sensors are described in patent application, PCT/GB2001/050940.

In some embodiments, the sensor is an existing known sensor that is used for counting or sorting coins. In such an embodiment, the dispenser may be triggered by a normal signal from the sensor that is used in the sorting and counting of coins. This allows a standard sensor to be used for both triggering the lubricant dispenser and sorting coins. This can avoid the installation of a dedicated sensor to trigger the dispenser and therefore provide a space saving and reduction of unnecessary components within the coin sorting apparatus.

Furthermore, the existing selection/sorting mechanism may include components, e.g. solenoids that can be used in addition to their normal selection /sorting function, as lubricant dispensers. Solenoids are particularly suitable because of their high frequency operation.

The sensor 106 is arranged to detect the presence of a first type of coin. The first type of coin comprises coins made from a predetermined material. The predetermined material may be a particular metal such as aluminium, pure nickel, nickel-coated, bronze, stainless steel etc. The detection of such coins is important because such coins are more likely to become cold welded to the coin path and cause a blockage in the apparatus and the apparatus will therefore benefit from lubrication. The first type of coin, alternatively or additionally, comprises coins having a predetermined size. The sensor 106 is arranged to determine the diameter and thickness of coins. In some embodiments the first type of coin may alternatively or additionally comprise coins of a particular denomination. Particular denominations of coins may be known to be of a dimension or material that is likely to lead to them adhering to surfaces within the processing apparatus. In yet other embodiments the first type of coin may alternatively or additionally comprise coins having a certain shape. This invention allows sensing, monitoring and dispensing of lubricant according to any property of the coin. The property may be read via the sensor.

The sensor 106 distinguishes between types of coin (e.g. coins made from different materials, having different sizes, shapes or denomination). Aluminium, pure nickel, nickel-coated, bronze, stainless steel etc. coins are particularly problematic and they have a greater tendency to cause a blockage in the machine. In a particular embodiment the sensor is arranged to detect the presence of an aluminium coin (or a number of aluminium coins) and dispense the required amount of lubricant accordingly. Where other coins are detected, that do not tend to causes blockages in the machine, no lubricant, or perhaps less lubricant, is dispensed, thus reducing unnecessary lubrication.

In one embodiment, the dispenser is arranged to dispense lubricant in response to, and only after, detecting a first coin in a batch, or a first coin after a machine has been switched on. So, if a machine is switched on and left idle for some time, lubricant is not wasted during that idle time. The lubricant may then be dispensed continuously, or in bursts at predefined intervals or in any other suitable, efficient manner. The dispenser may stop dispensing lubricant after determining that no coins have been detected for a certain/predefined period of time.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of Figure 1, the coin processing apparatus 100 further comprises a controller 118 in communication with the sensor 106, the controller 118 being arranged to keep a record of coins being transported along the coin path 104. In other embodiments, the controller is not present.

The record is a log or database of the coins that have passed through the sensor region 110 and identified by the sensor 106. In some embodiments the controller may include, or be in communication with, a memory (not shown) - the memory may be arranged to store data or information relating to the coins that have been detected. The controller 118 is arranged to store a record of coins comprising any one or more of: a number of the first type of coin; a number of a second type of coin, a number of any further types of coin; or a total number of coins (of all types). The controller 118 therefore records the number of coins of each type (e.g. size, material, denomination) as they pass through the sensor region 110. The record may be kept in the form of a database on the memory. The record may, in some embodiments, be kept until a batch of coins has been processed, or not at all, or only until its relevant information has been used to dispense lubricant.

The dispenser 112 is arranged to dispense lubricant according to information in the record of coins. The controller instructs the dispenser according to a predetermined set of rules. For example, the dispenser 112 may dispense lubricant after a predetermined number of the first type of coins has been detected, or a predetermined number of the second type of coins has been detected. The dispenser may also dispense the lubricant after a predetermined total number of coins of any type have been detected. This allows the dispenser to dispense the lubricant dependent on both the type and number of coins being processed. For example, if the first type of coins are those coins made from aluminium, lubricant may be dispensed more frequently - every single coin or every one hundred coins or every one thousand coins for example, whereas for a second type of coin made from copper for example, the lubricant may be dispensed less frequently - every few thousand coins for example. This would provide sufficient lubrication to process aluminium coins which are more susceptible to adhering to surfaces, whilst avoiding providing lubricant for copper coins, which are less susceptible to causing blockages. This reduces any waste of lubricant by tailoring its use according to the amount of lubricant required by specific coins. The problem of using excessive lubricant is also solved - excessive lubricant delivery can cause loss of machine efficiency as coins become too slippery or can result in lubricant build up in undesired areas of the machine.

In some embodiments, each type of coin may be given a wear rating according to the amount of wear that a particular type of coin is known to cause when being processed by the machine. The wear rating may, for example, be a value between 0 and 999 where coins causing a lot of wear (aluminium coins for example) are given a high value, and coins causing low levels of wear are given a low value. The controller 118 may be arranged to add up the wear rating for each coin detected (i.e. keep a running, cumulative total of the wear rating). When the total wear rating has reached a predetermined threshold value, or is expected to reach a threshold value, the controller instructs the dispenser to dispense lubricant. This provides an efficient mechanism for dispensing lubricant based precisely upon the coins passing the sensor and being processed through the apparatus.

The dispenser may dispense lubricant based on different recorded properties of sensed coins. Different properties may be given different weightings when deciding how frequently or in what quantity to deliver lubricant, and at which dispensing position or positions.

The dispenser 112 is arranged to dispense the lubricant at a dispensing position 120. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the dispenser is located adjacent the coin path 104 and the dispensing position 120 is on the coin path 104 at a position downstream of the coin 108 being transported. The lubricant therefore dispenses lubricant onto the coin path 104 before the coin arrives. As a result the lubricant may be spread along at least some of the remainder of the coin path 104 by the coin 108 as it continues to travel along the coin path. In other embodiments the dispensing position 120 is on the coin path 104 at a position upstream of the coin 108 being transported. This allows lubricant to be dispensed on the coin path to provide lubrication for coins following the detected coin 108. In yet other embodiments the dispensing position 120 is at the position of the coin 108 being transported. This allows the lubricant to be dispensed directly onto the coin. The lubricant will then help the coin 108 to move freely and also spread lubricant through the subsequent coin path 104.

In some embodiments the dispensing position 120 may be related to the predicted position of the coin. Once the coin is detected in the sensing region 108 there may be a time delay before the lubricant is dispensed by the dispenser 112. The dispensing position 120 may be the predicted position of the coin after the delay between the coin being detected and the lubricant being dispensed. The predicted position may be calculated from the time the coin is detected and the (estimated or measured) speed at which it is travelling. In some embodiments the dispensing position 120 is downstream of the predicted position of the coin 108. In other embodiments the dispensing position 120 is upstream of the predicted position of the coin 108. In yet other embodiments the dispensing position 120 is at the predicted position of the coin 108.

The dispensing position 120 may also be defined relative to the sensing region 110. In some embodiments the dispensing position 120 may be downstream of the sensing region 110. In other embodiments the dispensing position 120 may be upstream of the sensing region 110. In yet other embodiments the dispensing position 120 may be at the sensing region 110.

More than one dispensing position may be provided. For example, there may be a dispensing position upstream of the sensing position. Coins lubricated via a dispensing position may lose their lubricant as they pass along the coin path and so further dispensing positions may be provided. In some embodiments there are one or more dispensing positions upstream of the sensing position and one or more dispensing positions downstream of the sensing position.

In one embodiment, the predicted position is assumed to be substantially the same for all coins passing through the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the predicted position of the different types of coin expected to be processed are different and a dispensing position upstream, downstream, or at the predicted position of every possible coin is used.

In this embodiment, the dispenser 112 is arranged to dispense the lubricant as an atomised spray (i.e. the lubricant is in the form of a vapour, suspension in air or a mist). In some embodiments, the lubricant may be dispensed continuously, but variably based on the detected coins. In other embodiments, the dispenser 112 is arranged to dispense a short burst or pulse of the lubricant.

In some embodiments the lubricant may comprise an emulsion or mixture of oil and water or a single oil or a plurality of oils. In some embodiments the lubricant may be suitable or approved for use in an environment where food is handled.

The dispenser 112 comprises a peristaltic pump. In other embodiments the dispenser comprises an oil mist lubricator. In other embodiments, any suitable dispenser may be used.

In use, the coin processing apparatus performs the method 200 shown in Figure 2. The method 200 comprises transporting 202 coins along the coin path 104 through the apparatus such that they can be processed.

The method 200 further comprises detecting 204 coins by the sensor 106 at a coin sensing region 110 located on the coin path 104.

The method 200 further comprises detecting 206 the presence of a coin made from a predetermined material. In some embodiments the predetermined material may be aluminium, which is more susceptible to adhering to surfaces through cold welding as discussed above. The method 200 additional or alternatively comprises detecting 206 the presence of a coin having a predetermined size.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a history of the coins detected is recorded 210 by the controller 118 in communication with the sensor 106. The history is a record or log of the number of coins of each type detected by the sensor as described above.

The method 200 further comprises dispensing 212 a lubricant in response to the detection of the presence of the coin. The lubricant is dispensed by the dispenser 112 according to the record of coins made by the controller. As described above the lubricant is dispensed at a dispensing position 120 either upstream of the coin 108 detected, downstream of the coin 108, or at the position of the coin 108.

The present invention as herein described advantageously controls the amount of lubricant applied to the coin path depending on the type and number of coins passing through the apparatus. This is particularly important for the processing of coins which have a greater tendency to adhere to surfaces within the coin processing machine due to cold welding or galling, e.g. aluminium coins. Where a mixture of coins of different materials is being processed the present invention allows the amount of lubricant dispensed to be adjusted accordingly on a per coin basis. This ensures that excess lubricant is not dispensed when it is not required (e.g. where predominantly nonaluminium coins, or other coins that are not prone to cold welding, are being processed) and that sufficient lubricant is dispensed when it is required. Over or unnecessary lubrication of the coin path wastes lubricant and can result in the machine having to be stopped more regularly for cleaning as excess lubricant builds up and can attract dirt. Maintaining the correct level of lubrication will reduce the occurrence of blockages that result in stoppages of the machine, and extend the life of the components by reducing wear.

Various modifications will be apparent to the skilled person without departing form the scope of the claims. For example, lubricant may be dispensed as a continuous delivery, or capillary action, of lubricant rather than an atomised spray.

Claims

1. A coin processing apparatus comprising: a coin feeder arranged to transport coins along a coin path; a sensor arranged to detect the presence of a coin being transported along the coin path at a sensing region on the coin path; and a dispenser arranged to dispense a lubricant in response to detection by the sensor of the presence of the coin.

2. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the presence of a first type of coin.

3. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first type of coin is a coin made from a predetermined material.

4. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the first type of coin is a coin having a predetermined size.

5. A coin processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispenser is arranged to detect when the apparatus is idle and not dispense lubricant during idle time.

6. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the dispenser is arranged to stop dispensing lubricant after no coins have been detected for a predefined amount of time.

7. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the dispenser is arranged to dispense lubricant after the apparatus is switched on only after a first coin has been detected.

8 A coin processing apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a controller in communication with the sensor, the controller being arranged to keep a record of detected coins, wherein the dispenser is arranged to dispense the lubricant based on information in the record.

9. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the record comprises information on any one or more of: • number of coins; • type of coins; and/or • number of different types of coins.

10. A coin processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispenser is arranged to dispense the lubricant at one or more dispensing positions.

11. A coin processing apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the dispensing position is on the coin path at a position that is any one or more of: • downstream of the coin being transported; • upstream of the coin being transported; and/or • at the position of the coin being transported.

12. A coin processing apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dispenser is arranged to dispense the lubricant as an atomised spray.

13. A method of processing coins comprising: transporting coins along a coin path; detecting the presence of a coin being transported along the coin path at a sensing region on the coin path; and dispensing a lubricant in response to the detection of the presence of the coin.

14. A method of processing coins according to claim 13 wherein detecting the presence of a coin comprises detecting the presence of a first type of coin.

15. A method of processing coins according to claim 14 wherein the first type of coin is a coin made from a predetermined material.

16. A method of processing coins according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the first type of coin is a coin having a predetermined size.

17. A method of processing coins according to any one of claims 13 to 16 further comprising keeping a record of detected coins and dispensing the lubricant according to information in the record.

18. A method of processing coins according to claim 17 wherein the record comprises information on any one or more of: • number of coins; • type of coins; and/or • number of different types of coins.

19. A method of processing coins according to any one of claims 13 to 18 comprising detecting when the apparatus is idle and not dispensing lubricant during idle time.

20. A method of processing coins according to any one of claims 13 to 19 comprising stopping dispensing lubricant after no coins have been detected for a predefined amount of time.

21. A method of processing coins according to any one of claims 13 to 20 comprising dispensing lubricant after the apparatus is switched on only after a first coin has been detected.

22. A method of processing coins according to any one of claims 13 to 21 comprising dispensing lubricant at one or more dispensing positions.

23. A method of processing coins according to claim 22 wherein the dispensing position is any one or more of: • a position downstream of the coin being transported; • a position upstream of the coin being transported; and/or • at the position of the coin being transported.

24. A coin processing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the drawing shown in Figure 1.

25. A method of processing coins substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 2 or 3.