WO1999016026A1

WO1999016026A1 - Washing apparatus for gaming chips

Info

Publication number: WO1999016026A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000762
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Westmore Purton; John Maxwell Day
Original assignee: Dolphin Advanced Technologies Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-09-22
Filing date: 1998-09-16
Publication date: 1999-04-01

Abstract

A gaming chip washing machine comprises a continuous conveyor for receiving gaming chips (11). The conveyor is adapted to transport gaming chips (11) between cleaning devices (18). The machine further comprises means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution before or during contact with the cleaning devices (18). The conveyor transports the chips (11) from the cleaning devices (18) to a rinsing area (21) where a rinse agent is sprayed onto the chips (11).

Description

WASHING APPARATUS FOR GAMING CHIPS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to washing machines and more particularly to a washing machine which is adapted to wash and dry gaming chips or plaques or other thin objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming chips and plaques become dirty through use. In a casino, chips and plaques are handled frequently and often by patrons with hands which have become soiled through contact with food or beverages. Casinos therefore wash chips manually, a process which involves not merely washing but rinsing, drying and stacking. Because this job is done manually, it is considered both time consuming and expensive.

To the best of the Applicant's knowledge, the prior art in this field fails to contain a single practical, commercial device which is adapted to high speed or continuous chip washing and drying and which does not deteriorate chips in the process. No prior art device is know which washed chips individually and therefore reliably. The present invention is therefore believed to represent a major contribution in this art and is requested that the specification and claims be read in this light.

OBJECTS A D SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative to manual gaming chip washing.

It is another object of the invention to provide a washing machine having a conveyor for carrying gaming chips individually through a cleansing area.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device which includes a chip dryer.

It is another object of the invention to provide a washing machine which is adaptable to automatic chip input feeding or automatic chip output stacking.

It is another object of the invention to provide a chip washing machine which may operate continuously.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a chip washing machine which is automatic.

In preferred embodiments, the invention provides a chip washing machine in which the conveyor, cleansing brushes and rotating dryer stand are all driven from the same motor.

Accordingly, there is provided a chip washing machine having a conveyor, the conveyor receiving chips from a feeder then moving the chips from a washing station to a rinsing station and then to a drying station.

There is also provide a gaming chip washing machine comprising a continuous conveyor for receiving gaming chips, the conveyor adapted to transport gaming chips between opposed cleaning devices, the machine further comprising means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution before or during contact with the scrubbing surfaces, the conveyor transporting the chips from the scrubbing surfaces to a rinsing area where fresh water is sprayed onto the chips.

Preferably, in the gaming chip washing machine the conveyor comprises a plurality of carriers, each adapted to hold a single chip, the carrier being no thicker than the chips, the conveyor maintaining a positive engagement with each chip through the scrubbing surfaces and the rinse area, the conveyor releasing the chip after the rinse area.

Preferably, the cleaning devices comprise opposed rotating disks, each disk having bristles on an interior surface, the disks rotating in the same direction and partially submerged in a bath of cleansing solution.

The gaming chip washing machine may further comprise a drying chamber which receives chips from the conveyor after the rinse area and outputting chips automatically at the conclusion of drying.

Preferably, the drying chamber comprises one or more magazines, each magazine comprising a rotating drying tray having formed therein a plurality of radially arranged slots for receiving individual chips in a vertical orientation, the chips being supported from below by a stationary support tray, the support tray having a radially oriented slot formed therein in registry with the slots of the drying tray through which a chip may fall when positioned above it, the drying chamber having heating elements located below the one or more magazines and an exhaust fan located above the one or more magazines, a lowest magazine feeding, from its support tray slot, an output slide which exits the drying chamber.

Preferably, the conveyor and one or more magazines are synchronized so that a drying tray slot is in position and ready to receive a chip each time a chip is released from the conveyor.

Preferably, the conveyor and drying chamber are synchronized by a toothed belt which drives both, the drying chamber being in the same cabinet as the conveyor.

Preferably, the scrubbing disks are also driven by the toothed belt.

Preferably, the toothed belt drives a sheave which in torn operates a Geneva mechanism, the Geneva mechanism intermittently rotating a sprocketed disk which drives the conveyor.

In some embodiments the disks are partially submerged in a bath containing a cleansing solution, the bath being periodically and automatically drained and replenished.

In some preferred embodiments the carriers are linked together to form a continuous chain. Preferably the carriers are oriented vertically and the conveyor is transported about two sprocketed wheels having horizontal axes.

In some preferred embodiments the cleaning devices are in the form of differential belts.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution comprises wetting nozzles which are positioned to dispense onto the chips or belts.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the opposed scrubbing surfaces comprise an arrangement of three belts, the first and second belt opposing the third belt, the third belt running at a speed which is between the speed of the first belt and the second belt.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the conveyor comprises a continuous and perforated belt, the perforations being sized to receive chips.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution comprises a bath of cleansing solution in which the scrubbing surfaces rotate.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the conveyor is adapted to transport the chips through the rinsing area, the rinsing area having spray nozzles located on each side of the conveyor and dischargeable onto the chips carried by the conveyor.

In some embodiments it is preferred that sensors are located adjacent the input and output of the machine, the sensors delivering a signal which indicates the input and the output of a chip, the signal used by an electronic controller to provide a log of the input and output of chips, or a display indicative of the input and output of chips, or a printout indicative of the input and output of chips.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the electronic controller further comprises a data entry device which may be used to authenticate a machine operator prior to allowing the operator to use the machine. In some embodiments it is preferred that the cleaning devices comprise pressurized liquid spray nozzles.

In some embodiments it is preferred that the cleaning devices comprise opposed counter- rotating cylindrical rollers which have scrubbing surfaces on their exterior.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a chip washing machine according to the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 2a, b and c are elevations of cleansing mechanisms.

Figures 3a and b are plan views of the magazine's chip drying tray and chip support tray.

Figures 4a and b are cross sectional views of the chip drying tray and support tray showing the restraining clip.

Figure 5 is a schematic elevation of the rear of the device showing the drive belt mechanism and other features of the invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a chip washing machine according to the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a positive drive belt conveyor.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the belt illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a cross-section of a belt useful for cleaning chips and the like.

Figure 10 is cross section of a differential zone employing a belt of the type shown in Figure

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a first and preferred embodiment of the chip washing and drying machine 10 of the present invention, chips 11 are loaded individually and vertically into a conveyor 12 The chips may be introduced onto the conveyor by a chip feed mechanism 13 which is synchronized with the conveyor The feeder 13 is synchronized to deposit a single chip into each carrier 14 of the conveyor 12. The chips fall into position under the influence of gravity

The conveyor includes a plurality of carriers 14, each one adapted to maintain a chip in a vertical position. Each carrier has a semi-circular recess for receiving a chip and is pivotally connected to each of the adjacent carriers 14 by pins and links 15. The carriers 14 are preferably thinner than or at least no thicker than the chips 1 1 The loop of linked carriers 14 forms an endless chain which is driven by a sprocketed drive wheel 16 and over an idler wheel 17 The drive wheel is synchronized by a Geneva mechanism 88 (see Figure 5) to position an empty carrier 14 in registry with the feed mechanism's output of chips. The Geneva mechanism provides for a dwell interval during which time a chip is loaded into a carrier The chips are prevented from falling out of the carriers by side plates which position the conveyor laterally (not shown) and an outer race 20 which prevents the chips from falling out under the influence of gravity.

The chips are therefore carried securely by the conveyor through a scrubbing station 18. The scrubbing station 18 is an example of a cleaning device and includes two opposed, rotating cleansing disks or brushes 19 which scrub the chip. The brushes 18 are preferably disk shaped and rotate at about 186 RPM around a horizontal axis. They rotate partially immersed in the cleansing solution bath 30 which is partially filled with a pH neutral solvent, soap or detergent solution etc. The brushes comprise a backing plate into which are set bristles, preferably natural bristles or other bristles which do not soften in water. As shown in Figure 2a, the side plates of the conveyor are absent and in effect replaced by the opposed brushes 19 in the scrubbing station so that the brushes make full contact with the chips as they pass through. Non-woven mildly abrasive pads may be used in place of bristles. In the previous examples, the non-woven pads and bristles are considered examples of scrubbing surfaces as would be other abrasive or mildly abrasive media including non-abrasive surfaces when used in conjunction with an abrasive cleansing liquid.

The bath 30 which wets the brushes 19 is drained owing to the action of a valve 31 and drain pump 32. At a pre-determined interval, the valve 31 is opened allowing the dirty cleansing solution to drain. Immediately thereafter, fresh cleansing solution 32 is introduced with fresh water from a fill line 33, thereby replenishing the bath 30. The replenishment interval may be set according to time or according to the number of chips washed (as determined by a chip counting mechanism as discussed below). Typically, the bath is replenished after about 2000 chips have been washed.

In alternate embodiments (Figures 2b and c), the scrubbing action of the disk-like brushes may be replaced by cleaning devices of other kinds. Opposed cylinders 210 having outer surfaces with bristles 211 may be used to scrub the chips as shown in Figure 2b. Preferably the cylinders are counter rotated so that the forces on the chip are balanced. Where the cylinders 210 are mounted on vertical axes, cleansing solution must be introduced from drips, sprays or other delivery systems. If the cylinders are mounted on horizontal axes, the bottom cylinder may be partially immersed in a cleansing bath 30. As shown in Figure 2c, a pressurized spray of water or of cleansing solution or solvent may be delivered from nozzles 220 directed toward the chips held by the conveyor 12. Where nozzles are used to cleanse the chips instead of scrubbing pads or bristles, the chips must be supported by perforated side plates 221 which admit the pressurized spray 222. After simultaneous cleaning or scrubbing on both sides of the chip by the rotating brushes 19, the chips are rinsed while conveyed past fresh water spraying nozzles 21, still restrained by the continuously moving conveyor and the race 20. Rinse agents other than fresh water may be used. Rinse agents using volatile solvents or surfactant are suggested. In the rinse area, the side plates are provided with numerous openings or slots to allow the rinse water to reach the chips. It is preferred that two or more nozzles be positioned, in sequence, on each side of the conveyor 12. The rinse water is captured by a trap 22 which drains continuously through a rinse water drain line 23. The trap may formed integrally with the bath 30. The drain pump 32 is operated continuously to drain the trap 22.

After rinsing, the chips fall into the drying chamber 40 which is preferably, but not necessarily integral to the conveyor housing unit 50. The drying chamber 40 includes a rotating stand 41 having a central rotating vertical shaft 42 and a number of round magazines 43. The entire drying chamber is contained in a housing 70. Each magazine comprises a round chip drying tray 44 and underneath it, a round chip support tray 45. In preferred embodiments, the rotating shaft 42 is synchronized with the conveyor so that the chips leaving the conveyor are received, one at a time, by the radially disposed slots formed in the uppermost rotating drying tray 44. Any number of magazines may be used. The example shown in Figure 1 uses three.. A fan 71 draws air up through bottom vents 72. Air entering the vents 72 passes over heating elements 73 then over the chips in the magazines 41. The air in the chamber 40 is temperature controlled by temperature sensors 200 to about 40 degrees centigrade, which prevents damage to the chips and any decals which are applied to the chips. The sensor 200 located above the heating elements 73 and below the bottom magazine is also used to detect excessive heat build up so that the heating elements may be switched off by the electronic controls if required.

As shown in Figure 3 a, each chip drying tray 44 has a number of radially disposed slots 46. In a preferred embodiment the tray 44 has 60 slots indexed at, for example, 6 degrees. The slots are wide enough and long enough that a chip may fall through them, but for the chip support tray 45 beneath it. To help guide the chips into the slots 46 and to help keep them upright, pairs of lateral supports 47 are positioned in each slot 46. The lateral supports 47, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b are preferably stainless steel wires which flare outwardly 48. Preferably there is little or no gap between flares 48 of adjacent slots 46.

The chip drying trays are affixed to the rotating shaft 42 while the chip support trays are not. The chip support trays 45 include a single radial slot 49. The slot 49 is located m this example (with reference to the direction of rotation of the shaft and drying trays 44) 6 degrees behind the position into which chips are introduced from above. As the drying trays 44 rotate in unison, the uppermost tray is loaded with chips, one in each compartment. The stationary support tray 45 prevents the chips from falling except when a chip is rotated over the single slot 49 in the support tray. In this example, the slot spacing allows the chips on any level to travel about 354 degrees of rotation about the central shaft before falling through a slot 49. This happens at each magazine level providing the desired residency time in the drying mechanism for each chip. The lowest level magazine dispenses chips to an output slide 60 which may be used to supply an output stacking mechanism or a bin.

In preferred embodiments, each apparatus 10 is contained within a cabinet 50. The cabinet is locked, restricting access to the interior. The cabinet access doors are equipped with safety interlock switches which automatically isolate the electricity supply when an access door is opened. As further security, the device may be provided with electronic controls 205. The electronic controls 205 receive the signal outputs of the various sensors, and may regulate the operation of the machine 10, printer 201 and display 80 accordingly. The controls are preferably equipped with a keypad 209 or other data entry device and may require the machine operator to log in with a PIN number prior to commencing operation. Sensors 100 located adjacent the conveyor 12 and the slide 60 (or other output) record the number of chips entering and leaving the machine. Colour or other sensors may also record the value of the chips and other information as required. The electronic controls allow the operation of the machine to be logged and the log to be output to a printer 201, if required. The display panel 80 may be used to display the number of chips loaded, the number delivered, error codes machine status and other information as required.

As shown in Figure 5, a central plenum 81 divides the interior of the interior of the cabinet 50 and is used to support some of the components. As shown there, a single motor 82 is used to drive the scrubbing disks 19, the conveyor 12 and the rotating shaft of the dryer 42 in synchrony. This is accomplished by providing a right angle gear box 83 which allows the motor to be oriented at right angles to the axis of rotation of the disks 19. The output shaft of the gear box 83 drives a toothed sheave 84. The sheave 84 is directly coupled to the disks 19. A toothed belt 85 runs over the sheave 84 and also over sheaves 86, 87 which drive the conveyor's Geneva mechanism 88 and another right angle gear box 89 which runs the dryer shaft 42. The drain pump 32 operates continuously. It is plumbed to drain the rinse trap, the bath (when the valve 31 is operated) and the drain pan 92 should any water accumulate there.

As shown in Figure 6, another embodiment of a gaming chip or plaque washing machine 100 comprises a hopper or other chip feed device 111 which deposits gaming chips or plaques 112 into a scrubbing conveyor mechanism 113 having a differential belt action. The conveyor mechanism 113 comprises a full length main transport 114 having a continuous main belt 117 which is driven around idlers 118 and which is supported along the chip transport area by a support plate 119.

Situated above the main belt 117 are two differential conveyors 115,116. Each differential conveyor 115, 116 comprises a continuous belt 120A, 120B, each preferably variable in speed and driven around idlers 118. The transport section of each differential conveyor 1 15, 1 16 is supported from above by a pressure plate 121. Both differential conveyers 1 15, 1 16 may be raised or lowered in the direction suggested by the arrow 122 so that the gap and therefore the pressure between the differential conveyors 115,116 and the main conveyor 114 can be adjusted. For any given chip or plaque, the gap between the differential conveyors 115,116 and the main belt 117 is adjusted so that the chip or plaque makes contact with both the main conveyor and each of the differential belts 120A, 120B. The gap is adjusted to provide an optimum transport and cleansing action. Further, the linear speed of both the main belt 114 and each of the differential conveyors is adjusted to provide an optimum cleansing action. For example, if the constant linear speed of the main conveyor 1 14 is deemed to be 1.0, then the first differential conveyor 115 (defining a first differential zone) is set to a linear belt transport speed of 0.8. Because the chip is not flipped over when cleaning both sides of the chip, the cleansing or scrubbing surfaces of the differential belt arrangement are considered opposed to one another.

Likewise, the second differential conveyor (defining a second differential zone) 116 would be set to a linear transport speed of approximately 1.2. It would be appreciated that in the first differential zone, the first differential conveyor 115 has a braking effect on the chips 112; the main conveyor 114 moves faster than the chips in the first differential zone and therefore has a wiping, cleansing or scrubbing effect on both sides of the chip, the action being more pronounced on that chip side facing the faster main belt 117. Similarly, the main conveyor 117 acts as a braking device on the chips in the second differential zone and thus the second differential belt 120B moves faster than the chips in the second differential zone and has a scrubbing effect primarily on the opposite side of each chip 12 although both sides are cleansed. In this way, chips introduced into the scrubbing transport 113 are scrubbed, first on one side and then on the other without having to be turned over. ,

The scrubbing action of the transport 113 and differential conveyors is optimised by introducing a cleansing solution such as water, water with pH neutral soap or detergent, or another solvent, at convenient points along the transport. As shown in Figure 6, solution 125 is delivered from a main reservoir 123 to one or more wetting locations or nozzles 124. The solution wets the chips and belts. Note that the chips 112 may be wet from below or above prior to entry into the scrubbing transport 113. The chips may be wet one or more times as they are transported through the differential mechanism (either top or bottom) and preferably at a location which is intermediately first and second differential zones.

In one embodiment, the reservoir 123 is partially filled until the water supply is halted by the action, for example, of a ball valve 140. At this point a pump, such as a peristaltic pump 141 delivers a measured amount of soap or detergent etc. The reservoir may contain a heating element 142 controlled by a thermostat. This cleansing solution is delivered to the scrubbing transport 113 by a pump 143. In time, the solution will become both dirty and diluted by rinse water, as will be further explained. When the reservoir 123 reaches an acceptable fill level (higher than the initial level) from the addition of rinse water, an automatic syphon 144 empties the reservoir 123 and the filling process begins again. Thus the reservoir is periodically drained and replenished so that continuous action may be maintained. Once chips 112 have exited the differential transport mechanism 113, they are fed directly and automatically on to a rinsing conveyor or slide 130. At this time they can be rinsed with fresh water from a pressurised head 131.

Chips 112 exit the slide or conveyor 130 and drop on to a second slide or conveyor 132. As the chips 112 fall from the first slide or conveyor 130 to the second slide or conveyor 132, they turn over and are rinsed again by a second pressurised nozzle 133. Now the chips have each been washed and scrubbed on both sides and have been rinsed on both sides as well. The rinse water is deposited into the reservoir 123.

After rinsing, each of the chips is exposed to a stream of heated air 134. Preferably, the air is drawn from a drying chamber 135 into which the chips 112 are fed, directly from the second conveyor or slide 132. The drying chamber 135 contains within it a conveyor 136 comprising a continuous belt which is driven around idlers. Air is drawn from the chamber 135 by the blower 136 which impinges the hot air stream 134 on the chips passing over the second slide or conveyor 132. The blower 136 lowers the pressure in the chamber 135 and draws air through the entry and exit slots at each end of the chamber. Heaters may be positioned near the entry and exit to heat air as it enters the chamber. The blower in effect lowers the pressure within the chamber 135 because the only air entry into the chamber is through the narrow gaps 145,146 through which the chips enter and exit. The drying chamber 135 may contain one or more heating elements 137 above the conveyor, within the conveyor or near the entry or exit as mentioned. As described above, other means of drying the individual chips 112 may be used.

Chips exiting the drying chamber 135 are fed by the conveyor 136 on to a stacking mechanism 139 from which the chips may be collected manually or by another conveyor. It will be appreciated that, with regard to the differential mechanism, individual adjustment of the conveyor belt speeds for both the main conveyor and the individual differential conveyors would be advantageous. For this reason, each conveyor, including the conveyor within the drying chamber 135 may be powered by its own variable speed motor or drive system and adjusted to suit the particular needs of a given washing or drying operation. Further, different chips may respond better to certain belt materials than others. It is expected that belt materials such as woven materials, woven polymers, non-woven polymers, pile belts, low expansion wool or extruded polymers may be used in the scrubbing transport 1 13.

To provide more positive chip transport through the differential mechanism, an additional conveyor may be provided as depicted in Figures 7 and 8. As shown there, a positive drive conveyor 150 in the form of a continuous belt 151, passes through both differential zones 152, 153 The belt 151 is perforated in a number of locations 154, each perforation being large enough to hold an individual chip or plaque 1 12. In this way, once a chip 112, is engaged, the motion of the belt 151 carries it through the differential mechanism regardless of the frictional effects of the main conveyor 114 or differential conveyors 115,116. Chips 1 12 are positively located within the perforations 154 by the action of one or more scrapers 155 interposed between the hopper 111 and the first differential zone 152. A first scraper creates a horizontal gap which prevents stacked chips from entering the scrubbing transport 1 13. A second scraper may be used to align incoming chips with the perforations 154 in the belt 151.

In a further embodiment as depicted in Figures 9 and 10, a specially adapted belt 160 is used as one or more of the belts 1 17, 120A, 120B found in the cleansing conveyor mechanism 1 13. The edges 161 of the belt 160 are folded over and attached so as to form a hem 162. When the belt 160 is confined within the flanges 163 of the idlers 164, the hemmed edges 161 form an upright cleansing surface 164 which can contact the rim 165 of a chip 112. It is preferred that the free edge 166 of the belt 160 be installed facing away from the chip. The precise configuration of the upright cleansing surface 164 is configurable depending on such variables as the belt material, thickness and stiffness, the width of the hem and the method of attachment of the free edge 166 to the belt body. The degree of interference or tightness between the two flanges 163 on an idler and a belt 160 will also have an effect on the characteristic of the upright portion 164. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated term or integer or group of terms or integers but not he exclusion of any other term or integer or group of integers or terms.

Further, it should be understood that the various embodiments of the invention disclose different components and alternatives which are considered compatible with one another for the purposes of constructing washing and drying devices according to the teachings of the present invention.

Thus, the present invention has been described with reference to particular details of construction. It should be appreciated that these are provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A gaming chip washing machine comprising:

a continuous conveyor for receiving gaming chips; the conveyor adapted to transport gaming chips between cleaning devices; the machine further comprising means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution before or during contact with the cleaning devices; the conveyor transporting the chips from the cleaning devices to a rinsing area where a rinse agent is sprayed onto the chips.

2. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the conveyor comprises a plurality of carriers, each adapted to hold a single chip, the carrier being no thicker than the chips; the conveyor maintaining a positive engagement with each chip through the cleaning devices and the rinse area; the conveyor releasing the chip after the rinse area.

3. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 2, wherein:

the cleaning devices comprise opposed rotating disks, each disk having a scrubbing surface on an interior surface, the disks rotating in the same direction and partially submerged in a bath of cleansing solution.

4. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 3, further comprising:

a drying chamber which receives chips from the conveyor after the rinse area and outputting chips automatically at the conclusion of drying.

5. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 4, wherein: the drying chamber comprises one or more magazines, each magazine comprising a rotating drying tray having formed therein a plurality of radially arranged slots for receiving individual chips in a vertical orientation, the chips being supported from below by a stationary support tray; the support tray having a radially oriented slot formed therein in registry with the slots of the drying tray through which a chip may fall when positioned above it; the drying chamber having heating elements located below the one or more magazines and an exhaust fan located above the one or more magazines; a lowest magazine feeding, from its support tray slot, an output slide which exits the drying chamber.

6. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the conveyor and one or more magazines are synchronized so that a drying tray slot is in position and ready to receive a chip each time a chip is released from the conveyor.

7. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 6, wherein:

the conveyor and drying chamber are synchronized by a toothed belt which drives both, the drying chamber being in the same cabinet as the conveyor.

8. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 7, wherein:

the disks are also driven by the toothed belt.

9. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 7, wherein:

the toothed belt drives a sheave which in turn operates a Geneva mechanism, the Geneva mechanism intermittently rotating a sprocketed disk which drives the conveyor.

10. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 3, wherein:

the disks are partially submerged in a bath containing a cleansing solution, the bath being periodically and automatically drained and replenished.

11. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 2, wherein:

the carriers are linked together to form a continuous chain.

12 The gaming chip washing machine of claim 2, wherein:

the carriers are oriented vertically and the conveyor is transported about two sprocketed wheels having horizontal axes.

13 The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cleaning devices are in the form of differential belts.

14 The gaming chip washing machine of claim 13, wherein:

the means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution comprises wetting nozzles which are positioned to dispense onto the chips or belts.

15. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 13, wherein:

the differential belts comprise an arrangement of three belts, the first and second belt opposing the third belt, the third belt running at a speed which is between the speed of the first belt and the second belt, each belt having a scrubbing surface.

16. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein: the conveyor comprises a continuous and perforated belt, the perforations being sized to receive chips.

17. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the means for exposing the chips to a cleansing solution comprises a bath of cleansing solution in which the cleaning devices rotate.

18. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the conveyor is adapted to transport the chips through the rinsing area, the rinsing area having spray nozzles located on each side of the conveyor and dischargeable onto the chips carried by the conveyor.

19. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, further comprising:

sensors located adjacent the input and output of the machine, the sensors delivering a signal which indicates the input and the output of a chip, the signal used by an electronic controller to provide a log of the input and output of chips, or a display indicative of the input and output of chips, or a printout indicative of the input and output of chips.

20. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 19, wherein:

the electronic controller further comprises a data entry device which may be used to authenticate a machine operator prior to allowing the operator to use the machine.

21. The gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cleaning devices comprise pressurized liquid spray nozzles. gaming chip washing machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cleaning devices comprise opposed counter-rotating cylindrical rollers which have scrubbing surfaces on their exterior.