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 low profile banknote stacker/dispenser uses a central diverting switch provided intermediate two opposed banknote stackers. The stack of banknotes is passed from one banknote stacker to the other banknote stacker, and the central switch allows a new banknote to be added and aligned with the banknote stacker. The banknote stacker is then passed in the opposite direction for the addition of a further banknote to the banknote stacker. This oscillating modular design is space efficient and cost effective.

Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.

Abstract: A combination banknote validator, banknote accumulator, banknote storage cassette and banknote dispenser is designed in a modular manner and the accumulator and banknote dispenser cooperate to additionally define part of a processing pathway therebetween. The banknotes can move in either direction along the processing pathway and preferably several accumulators are located along the pathway. The banknote dispenser is of a rotary design and stacks banknotes on the surface thereof and dispenses a stack of banknotes through a discharge opening.

Abstract: The banknote validator has an efficient drive path for moving banknotes through a validating head past a series of sensors. A series of sets of drive rollers are commonly connected by a gear train and efficiently move the banknote in a manner to avoid jamming of the banknote during feeding of the banknote and during ejection of the banknote from the inlet. The configuration of the banknote pathway, the mounting of the sensors, and the drive arrangement cooperate to provide a cost effective and effective validator.

Abstract: A capacitance sensor measures a coin to determine geometrical parameters thereof and to allow assessment of different geometrical parameters of a coin which influence the measured capacitance. In a preferred arrangement, a mechanical arrangement alters the capacitance between two electrodes as a function of the diameter of the coin. This assessment is used in combination with a further measured capacitance which is a function of coin diameter, coin thickness and surface relief of the coin. The initial evaluation of diameter is useful in determining the separate influences of coin thickness and surface relief. The invention is also directed to the method of coin evaluation.

Abstract: A banknote drive arrangement comprises a series of drive rollers which allow initial pivotting of a banknote during insertion of a banknote into a validator and also provide positive drive of a banknote out of the validator if the banknote is refused. The banknote drive arrangement includes at least two drive rollers which are always active and cooperate with respective passive rollers which are notched. The passive rollers lock against rotation in an infeed direction and freely rotate during ejection of a banknote.

Abstract: A banknote cassette includes a generally rectangular casing for receiving and storing banknotes in a stacked manner. The case includes a foldable handle, movable from a storage position to a locked operating position with the handle maintaining the locked operating position. In a preferred aspect, the foldable handle includes two opposed handle segments which cooperate with each other during movement of the handle segments from the storage position to the operating position.

Abstract: A simple method and apparatus for contactless rapid and inexpensive motion checking of flat objects, preferably of currency papers. The objects need not be identical in size, thickness, surface appearance, configuration nor deterioration. The checking is carried out by detecting of airflow oscillation under unexpected stoppage of testing object or air movement around the object especially on its front and back edges.

Abstract: The modular validator includes a frame body which acts as an intermediary for releasably securing and releasably electrically connecting a series of modular components. In particular, a releasable power interface cooperates with the frame body and a releasable validating head. The frame body allows each of the components to be separately removable and also provides electrical connection between the validator and a host device.

Abstract: The modular validator includes a frame body which acts as an intermediary for releasably securing and releasably electrically connecting a series of modular components. In particular, a releasable power interface cooperates with the frame body and a releasable validating head. The frame body allows each of the components to be separately removable and also provides electrical connection between the validator and a host device.

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: A combination banknote validator, banknote accumulator, banknote storage cassette and banknote dispenser is designed in a modular manner and the accumulator and banknote dispenser cooperate to additionally define part of a processing pathway therebetween. The banknotes can move in either direction along the processing pathway and preferably several accumulators are located along the pathway. The banknote dispenser is of a rotary design and stacks banknotes on the surface thereof and dispenses a stack of banknotes through a discharge opening.

Abstract: A winding device for storing banknotes and dispensing banknotes previously stored comprises a driven winding drum adapted for rotation in a first direction to wind received banknotes on said drum and rotatable in a second opposite direction to dispense previously stored banknotes. The winding device includes tapes which are applied to both sides of each banknote as the banknote is wound on the drum, the tapes being staggered in relation to each other for allowing more space-efficient winding around the drum.

Abstract: A cassette for receiving and storing banknotes advantageously uses a movable guide in combination with a movable actuator which each move toward the other for stripping of a banknote received in the guide and adding the stripped banknote to a stack of banknotes.

Abstract: A capacitor sensor for assessing dielectric properties of currency paper uses a transmitting dielectrode on a first side of an evaluation channel and a receiving electrode on the same first side of the evaluation channel. A passive electrode is located on the opposite side of the evaluation channel and overlays with the transmitting and receiving electrodes. An electronic processing arrangement is connected to the transmitting and receiving electrodes and evaluates the signals for changes in the capacitance coupling of the electrode. This coupling is directly related to the properties of the paper passing between the passive electrode on one side and then transmitting and receiving electrodes on the other side.

Abstract: A banknote centering device uses a clutch arrangement to limit inward movement of side engaging plates used to center a banknote. The clutch also allows a fixed cycle motor to be used for both inward and outward movement of the side engaging numbers. The resistance of the banknote to buckling in the slot is sufficient to cause the clutch to slip. The device is rugged, easy to produce, and has proven very reliable.

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: A banknote centering device uses a drive arrangement to accelerate two opposed side plates and the inertia of the side plates causes the banknote to be centered. The resistance of the banknote to buckling stops the side plates. A separate drive for the side plates accelerates the side plates and stalls when a banknote is centered. Preferably, the current for the drive of the side plates is variable to adjust for changing conditions.

Abstract: An acceptor for evaluating banknotes, or other paper forms of payment, that includes a replaceable sensor module which communicates in a standardized manner with a central processing unit. The sensor module includes a series of sensors and the signals of the sensors under go primary processing by the sensor module to correct for at least individual characteristics of the sensor module. The central processing unit can be updated if required for different applications. This arrangement adds considerable flexibility in maintenance of the acceptor as well as changing the application of the acceptor.