Feeding mechanism for dual coin sorters operating in parallel

A coin processing machine includes a hopper that empties into a coin splitting chute with divergent spouts to deliver a half batch of coins to each of two coin sorters operating in parallel. The receptacle is disposed on a counter top to discharge coins along a coin feeding path from the receptacle to the coin splitting chute. Feed control elements extend into the coin feeding path and are responsive to signals from the coin sorters for controlling the delivery of batches of coins to the coin splitting chute. In a first embodiment a trap door at the bottom of the hopper is operated to feed a second batch of coins into the coin sorters while a third batch is dumped into the hopper from a hinged inspection tray. In a second embodiment, larger batches of coins are carried from the receptacle to the hopper by a motor-driven conveyor to which power is interrupted in response to an excess flow of coins which is sensed within the coin sorters.