Abstract: A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dynamically assigning document parameters to output receptacles of multiple output receptacle document evaluating devices. Documents are directed into individual output receptacles based upon their document parameter or parameters. For example, according to one embodiment a currency evaluating device comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of currency bills, a plurality of output receptacles, a transport mechanism, and a processor adapted to control the operation of the device. The processor is programmed to determine the denomination of a bill and determine if an output receptacle is associated with the denomination of the bill. If an output receptacle is not associated with the denomination of the bill, the processor is programmed to associate an output receptacle with the denomination of the bill and cause the bill to be transported to an output receptacle associated with the denomination of the bill.

Abstract: A currency identification system identifies currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems. The device includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the identity of a bill, the discriminating unit retrieving characteristic information from the bill. Furthermore, a memory stores master characteristic information associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying; the memory storing master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill from each of at least two currency systems. A signal processor compares the retrieved characteristic information with master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill. The signal processor generates an indication of the identity of said bill based on the comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.

Abstract: A document handling system is configured for processing a variety of different documents. The system includes an input receptacle for receiving a stack of documents, a standard sensor for scanning at least one non-color characteristic of the bills in the stack, a color sensor for scanning the color characteristics of the bills, and an output receptacle for receiving the bills after they have been processed. A transport mechanism is included for transporting bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past the sensors to the output receptacle. An operator interface is provided for displaying information to an operator and inputting information to the system. A processor is also included for processing the data gathered from the sensors to evaluate the bills.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clamping device for a coin bag that receives coins from a coin exit region of a coin processing machine. The clamping device includes a mounting structure that is located at the coin exit region. The mounting structure has first and second outer surfaces that are generally angled with respect to a vertical line. A holder member movably mounted with respect to the mounting structure between an opened position and a closed position. The holder member has first and second inner surfaces generally opposing the outer surfaces of the mounting structure when the holder member is in the closed position. A bag receiving region is defined between the first inner and outer surfaces and between the second inner and outer surfaces. The bag receiving region decreases in size when the holder member is moved from the opened position to the closed position where the bag is clamped tightly between the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A software loading system for a funds processing station for recording and reconciling financial data, the software loading system comprises a resident memory containing an initial software code to be executed by the controller; and a flash card having a flash card memory containing a second software code. The flash card is adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the funds processing machine. The resident memory is adapted to erase the initial software code and store the second software code in response to the flash card being electrically coupled to the funds processing machine. The resident memory is adapted to retain the second software code in response to the flash card being thereafter removed from the funds processing machine.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A coin sorter have a rotatable disc means for rotating the disc, a stationary sorting head having a feed opening for receiving coins to be sorted, and a lower surface parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom, the lower surface of the sorting head forming an annular recess for receiving coins passing beneath the inner edge of the sorting head, a spiral channel for guiding those coins radially outwardly as the coins are carried along the lower surface of the sorting head by the rotating disc, the lowermost surface of the sorting head forming a region between the inlet end of the spiral channel and the annular recess so that coins traversing the region are pressed into the resilient pad, the lower surface of the sorting head also forming a ramp where the outermost wall of the annular recess meets the region for pressing coins whose outer edges are close to the outer wall into the resilient pad, the outer wall of the annular recess extending radially inwardly from the inne

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The sorting head has an opening in the central region thereof for feeding coins between the opposed surfaces of the disc and sorting head, and the feed opening has a center that is offset from the center of rotation of the disc so that coins deposited on the disc at the side of the opening spaced farther away from the center of the disc are carried under the sorting head by rotation of the disc.