Abstract: A banknote drive arrangement adjacent a banknote inlet repositions and drives a banknote into a banknote processing pathway for validation. The drive arrangement includes two drive rollers preferably spaced either side of a longitudinal axis of the pathway and adjacent to the banknote inlet. Each drive roller is separately controlled to allow different rotational speeds thereof (and forward and rearward movement Of a banknote) to allow shifting of a received end portion of a banknote before receiving the entire length of the banknote. This arrangement is preferably used with a sensing arrangement for sensing misalignment of an inserted banknote and if sensed, using the different rotational speeds to correct misalignment and preferably center a banknote in the processing pathway.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A banknote validator/dispenser having a plurality of banknote accumulators includes a computer control module that stores banknote receipt and dispensing transaction history information. The computer control module uses this information as part of a statistical analysis used to vary an operating procedure of the banknote validator/dispenser. In one embodiment, the operating procedure is associated with a decision whether to accept a transaction requiring the dispensing of change from banknotes stored in the banknote accumulators. This decision includes an assessment of the ability to accept future transactions if the current transaction is accepted. In a different embodiment the operating procedure is associated with a change in the denomination of banknotes being accumulated.

Abstract: An improved eddy-current sensor for a coin validator uses a thin ferrite plate having a suitable aspect ratio for two coils. One of them serves to generate magnetic field and the other serves to produce a voltage if there is a coin with eddy-currents in it. The first coil is short cylindrical one and is placed in the middle of the biggest surface of the plate. Its axis is perpendicular to the plate surface. The second coil is wound around the plate with a half coil at one end of the plate and an opposite half coil at the opposite end of the plate, plate symmetrical about center of the plate. The sensor is positioned in the pathway of the coin validator such that the moving direction of movement of the coin is along the pathway perpendicular to the axis of the first coil and makes with the largest axis of the plate an angle about 45 degrees.

Abstract: An improved optical sensor for a banknote validator uses an aspherical lens having a planar wall as a combination radiation plug for a port in the pathway and a focusing arrangement. Emitters and receivers are closely positioned on a common support and generally located at the focal point of the lens. The radiation reflected by a banknote is focused and received by the receiver. The lens also serves to collimate the produced radiation of the emitters for scanning of the banknote.

Abstract: An induction head for sensing a magnetic strip or other magnetically permeable security structures includes an exciting coil associated with an electrically conductive concentrator, which produces a primary field and induces a responsive secondary field in the concentrator. The concentrator has an endwall and sidewalls defining a central cavity. The endwall has a narrow measuring gap dividing the endwall into two opposed sections. The sidewalls are also interrupted adjacent the measuring gap to cause a concentrated current of the secondary field to pass along the gap. This concentrated current can be monitored for a change in induction due to the presence of an elongate magnetic strip or other magnetically permeable security structure which is moved past the measuring gap.