Abstract: A current boosted positive feedback logarithmic transresistance amplifier is provided for currency validators. The amplifier has a photo-diode capable of producing a current in response to light, connected to an operational amplifier having both a positive and a negative feedback branch. A logarithmic density amplifier having a feedback resistor and a log diode connected in shunt with the resistor as a dynamic feedback to the amplifier is connected to the positive feedback branch of the current boosting amplifier by way of the log diode. The summing action at the inputs of the current boosting amplifier result in a current at the log diode that is a direct multiple of the current in the photo-diode.

Abstract: A cassette cash box for a currency validator prevents unauthorized removal of cash therefrom and evidences any attempt at such removal. The cash box is totally enclosed but for a front panel which has a window through which a punch can move. A continuous sleeve is maintained within the cash box, having a window corresponding to the window in the box itself. When the cash box is to be removed and replaced with a new one, a torsion spring within a barrel causes the continuous sleeve to rotate and lock in a position such that the sleeve window is at the rear of the cash box and a continuous sheet of material covers the cash at the window in the front panel of the box. The sleeve is constructed of a metallic or plastic film which readily evidences tampering or any attempts to make access to the currency within the box.

Abstract: A coin payout system for a currency validator is presented. The system includes a bulk coin hopper having a pair of rotating discs at the bottom thereof. The discs each have a hole passing therethrough, with the holes of the two discs being in periodic registration with each other to pass coins from the bulk hopper to a dispensing area. One of the discs is caused to rotate at twice the speed of the other disc to accommodate the transfer function.

Abstract: A cassette cash box for currency validators is presented. The cash box is received by the housing of a currency validator and retained thereby by only a mechanical locking interconnection. Received within the cash box is a counter which is optically coupled with a microprocessor in the currency validator housing. Each time a piece of currency is placed in the cash box, the optical coupler receives a signal which increments the counter. At any point in time, the count in the counter corresponds to the amount of currency maintained by the cash box. At regular service intervals, the cash box is removed and replaced with an empty one. The removed cash box is returned to an authorized service area where the count in the counter is compared with the amount of currency in the cash box. The counter is accessed and read by an application thereto of a special numeric code, known only to authorized personnel. In like manner, the counter is reset by the application of another specific secret code.

Abstract: Transport system for a currency validator in which an infeed belt makes frictional engagement with a vertical belt and is driven by a bite generated therebetween. The bite exists at an area of directional change in a note path such that a piece of paper tendered as valid currency changes its direction of movement from horizontal to vertical in that area. Maintained in that area is a magnetic reading head which arcuately engages a third belt. As the note passes along the note path, it is urged between the third belt and magnetic reading head such that it makes arcuate engagement with the reading head to increase the resolution and accuracy obtain thereby.

Abstract: A bulk coin hopper has an angled rotating disk positioned at the bottom of a chamber. A circumferential edge of the rotating disk communicates with an exit slot, from which coins are ejected. Overlapping such disk at the opening is a dispensing disk which is adapted for engaging coins carried by the first-named disk and ejecting the same from the slot.

Abstract: A vertical slot-type currency validator has a note path which includes pressure elements for urging the bill into proper registration with a magnetic reading head within the path. The slot acceptor further includes an optical interrupt and restricting tab which is operative to indicate a bill has actually been stacked while preventing unauthorized attempts at removal of the bill. Further, a sensor is provided at the top of the note path to assure that the note has actually reached the full end of the path and is properly aligned for punching into the stack. A pair of side rails are provided for vertical transport of the bill, such side rails being slightly angled inwardly toward the center of the note path and including ball rollers which facilitate movement of the bill in any direction, and particularly into a stack under control of a punch. The punch includes a rubberized pad overlaying a rigid back plate for efficiently removing the bills for the rails.

Abstract: A detection system for utilization with a paper security or currency validation apparatus wherein a correlation is made between reference patterns and cross hatch lines located in the portrait background on the paper and the presence of one of two paper currencies is determined. Fundamentally the invention consists of a single reticle which contains a lens whereon are located the cross hatch references for two different paper currency denominations. Within the reticle assembly are located two photosensitive cells, one for each reference pattern. Each photosensitive cell is connected to its own authenticating circuitry which validates the presence of a specific paper currency note. Should the tested paper pass the authenticity test of one authenticity circuitry, the other is disabled. Should the tested paper fail both authenticating tests, it is rejected.

Abstract: A magnetic reading head is provided in a tray acceptor for determining the presence of magnetic characteristics in a paper tendered as a valid currency or note. Fundamentally, the invention comprises a spring assembly, receiving a magnetic reading head, which is adjustable to position the reading head in sensing engagement with the paper maintained in the tray and offered for validation. The magnetic reading head provides a series of pulses corresponding to the presence of magnetic characteristics in the paper to a capacitor which charges upon the receipt of each pulse. When the tray reaches a set position, the charge on the capacitor is sensed, and a determination is made as to whether the paper has sufficient magnetic characteristics to constitute a valid note or currency. A time delay circuit is provided such that the magnetic sensing function can be performed only once during a preset time period.

Abstract: A security validator particularly adapted for use by the blind. The validator includes sensors testing both top and bottom portions of a note to determine its authenticity and its denomination. Upon completion of the sensing operation, a voice recording or other audible indicia is emitted, indicating both the denomination and validity of the note. The invention also includes various devices for urging the note toward the sensor to assure high resolution data gathering. Additionally, testing of the note begins on the "green edge" of the note to assure that data is gathered from proper positions along the note.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for securing the cabinet of a security validator. A latch handle is maintained within a recess within a latch housing. The handle is pivotal about an axis and moves within an opening in the latch housing, transversing a slot within the housing. A lock cylinder has a plate connected thereto and adapted for positioning within the slot to engage and maintain the handle within the recess and slightly depressed therein. The handle is spring-biased to normally urge it from the recess. A freely rotatable disc is positioned before the lock cylinder to prevent unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying upon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered.

Abstract: A note receptacle for currency validators is presented which is capable of receiving notes of two distinct widths, while offering both such notes to the validator in proper registration for testing. The invention includes two distinct note paths, one beneath the other, which note paths blend together into a final note path which communicates directly to the slot of a currency validator. Side rails are provided along each note path for purposes of alignment and registration.

Abstract: A remote authorization apparatus for full-serve, self-serve vehicle fuel dispensing pumps. A transmitter carried by a station attendant may be activated to cause the emission of a radio signal. This signal is sensed by a receiver which actuates an associated control assembly to enable the reset mechanism in the fuel pumps for a preset time interval during which a customer may begin dispensing fuel. When the timed enabling signal ends, the pump or pumps which have begun service may continue, while all other pumps are returned to an inactive state. Other pumps may be enabled in the same manner by emission of the radio signal from the transmitter should other customers desire to use the self-serve vehicle fuel pumps, while previously authorized pumps are dispensing.

Abstract: A dual stacker for slot acceptors, capable of receiving and separately stacking securities of at least two denominations. The invention includes a receptacle beneath the note path of a slot acceptor. A punch plate is operative for reciprocating movement through such receptacle. On each side of the receptacle are stacking plates, one for each denomination of bill to be handled. When a bill is sensed as being valid, and a determination is made as to the denomination of the bill, the punch plate is appropriately positioned on one side of the receptacle or the other. The bill is then dropped into the receptacle and the punch plate passed therethrough to move the bill on to the appropriate stack. The invention also includes bill retaining bars to prevent the bills from springing outwardly from the stacks. These bars are removable for easy access to the stacks by an operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing tests for determining the validity of a paper purported to be a valid instrument is presented. Fundamentally, the invention comprises a tray for receiving a paper offered as a valid instrument and maintaining the same in sliding relationship between a light source and reticle. A photocell is operatively connected to the reticle and senses light passing from the light source and through the paper and reticle. The output of the photocell is applied to an operational amplifier having a dynamic feedback network and the output of this amplifier is characteristic of both a grid pattern upon the paper and the optical density thereof. This output is then passed to an amplifier circuit which establishes an optical density domain and is operative to pass a signal only if the paper falls within such domain. This output is then passed to appropriate integrating and comparator circuitry to ultimately determine the validity of the paper.

Abstract: In the field of security validators, slot acceptors have been known which transport paper offered as a valid security past a testing station. Previously known acceptors have been susceptible to defeat by mosaics, stringing, shocking, photocopy duplication, and the like. Additionally, known acceptors have operated in an analog mode, relying uon rudimentary test functions. The invention herein overcomes the problems of the prior art by presenting an acceptor having a note path (18) characterized by changes of direction (22,24), and which is secured at each end by means of unique gate assemblies (78,98). A plurality of sensors (148-152) are positioned along the note path and are controlled to take a multitude of data samples from the paper as it passes along the path. The data is digitized (236) and used for solving complex transforms, the results of which are compared against results obtained from known valid securities to determine the authenticity of the paper offered.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the authenticity of paper having colored areas thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes, each emitting light of a different wavelength, are provided in juxtaposition to a paper having areas thereon which are reflective with respect to the light from the various diodes. A single photodetector is maintain closely adjacent the paper for receiving light reflected therefrom. A sequential timing circuit controls the illumination of the diodes such that the photodetector senses the light reflective characteristic of the paper with respect to each of the various wavelengths of light in a mutually exclusive manner. The outputs of the photodetector are passed to a sample and hold circuit which, at the end of a test cycle, maintains data relative to the light reflective characteristics of the paper for each of the various wavelengths of light.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for determining the authenticity of paper purported to be valid currency or the like. The invention includes a sliding tray which is adapted for receiving the paper. Maintained above the tray are a light source and three photocells. The light source casts light upon the paper as the tray is passed thereunder and light is reflected from the paper's surface onto two of the photocells. Appropriate filtering causes each of the two photocells to respond to different wavelengths of light reflected from the paper, these wavelengths corresponding to colors known to be present along the path traveled by the paper as it passes under the photocells. The outputs of the photocells are thus indicative of the presence and relative positions of colored areas upon the surface of the paper. Circuitry is included to receive and compare the outputs of the photocells with each other and with the output of a reference photocell, thereby determining the authenticity of the paper.