Abstract: The invention relates to a banknote processing machine wherein the bank notes located in the transport path, after being tested and classified, are delivered from the transport path by means of suitably controlled switches. Deflecting means following the switches and causing rotation and a change of moving direction of the sheets feed the bank notes to the stacking pockets of the stacking units of the bank note processing machine. The entrance ports of the stacking pockets are preferably aligned perpendicular to the direction of transport.

Abstract: In a high-speed sorter, single documents such as banknotes are successively withdrawn from a stack and tested according to various criteria. Banknotes which are authentic but no longer fit for circulation are fed to a cutting means (a shredder) and destroyed therein. The shredder, which has a simple construction and is designed for a high banknote throughput, consists of two cutter blocks including overlapping cutter disks which work into one another with little play in spaced relationship and are provided along their periphery with notches, and which slit and crosscut the banknotes. A suction plant prevents back-ups from forming, cleans and cools the cutting means.