Abstract: A banknote stack receiving structure is provided in front of a banknote validator for sequentially passing banknotes to the validator in a serial manner. A first drive arrangement engages one side of an exposed banknote and urges the banknote towards the validator. A restrictive drive cooperates with the first drive and a banknote must pass between opposed rollers of the drives to move to the validator. The restrictive drive roller contacts the opposite side of the exposed banknote but may also contact an overlapping banknote. The restrictive drive rotates to feed a banknote to the validator if a single banknote is present and automatically rotates in an opposite direction if overlapping banknotes are present. This automatic direction of rotation is due to slippage between banknotes and overcoming a low torque motor of the restrictive drive when a single banknote is present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of overlapped substrates, that are at least opaque, analyses a high frequency component caused by speckle for a sudden drop therein. This high frequency component drops dramatically when overlapped substrates are present and therefore allows fast accurate recognition of an overlapped substrate condition. This is useful in many applications including banknote validators.

Abstract: An improved drive arrangement for side engaging members of a banknote centering mechanism uses a rack and pinion combination. A low torque motor drives a spur gear that engages opposed rack gears of the side engaging members. This power transfer from the motor to the side engaging member is cost effective and provides good precision.

Abstract: A banknote stack receiving structure is provided in front of a banknote validator for sequentially passing banknotes to the validator in a serial manner. A first drive arrangement engages one side of an exposed banknote and urges the banknote towards the validator. A restrictive drive cooperates with the first drive and a banknote must pass between opposed rollers of the drives to move to the validator. The restrictive drive roller contacts the opposite side of the exposed banknote but may also contact an overlapping banknote. The restrictive drive rotates to feed a banknote to the validator if a single banknote is present and automatically rotates in an opposite direction if overlapping banknotes are present. This automatic direction of rotation is due to slippage between banknotes and overcoming a low torque motor of the restrictive drive when a single banknote is present.

Abstract: A metal bezel with replaceable inserts allows for operation of a validator in one of two orientations. The metal inserts of the bezel provide an upwardly angled banknote feed path having two opposite transitions to reduce the possibility of coins being jammed in the pathway. Preferably, the metal bezel includes its own sensor and drive arrangement for moving of a banknote through the bezel to the drive of the validator.