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.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter for sorting coin mixtures which include at least one coin denomination made of a soft metal such as aluminum, the sorter has a rotatable disc having a resilient top surface, a motor for rotating the disc, a stationary sorting head having a lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent to the upper surface of the disc and having an opening in the central region thereof for feeding coins between the opposed surfaces of the disc and sorting head, the lower surface of the sorting head being contoured to align the coins in a single file and single layer of coins, and then sorting the coins according to their respective sizes, the contoured lower surface having at least one region for pressing the soft-metal coins into the resilient pad, and at least one rotatable bearing member mounted in the pressing region of the sorting head for engaging soft-metal coins passing thereunder so as to provide a rotatable bearing surface which eliminates or reduces galling of the soft metal of the coin

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus receives coins through an opening in a guide plate onto the resilient surface of a rotating disc. The surface of the guide plate is contoured and includes portions positioned sufficiently close to the surface of the disc to press coins traveling therebetween into the resilient surface of the disc. As the coins are circulated circumferentially between the discs, the contours in the guide plate guide the coins into a single file along a first prescribed path. Coins of at least one selected denomination are displaced to follow a second prescribed path. The coins are discharged along each prescribed path at exit locations at the periphery of the plate.

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc includes a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the disc in response to a predetermined number of counted coins. The disc is driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The brake mechanism includes a first brake mechanism coupled to the motor for stopping rotation thereof, a second brake mechanism coupled to the coin disc for stopping rotation thereof, and a control mechanism for operating the brake mechanisms in a synchronous manner so as to avoid any shock loads upon the gear train due to existence of torque differentials on either ends thereof. The brake mechanisms are adapted to have substantially identical stopping times and are operated in such a manner as to be energized in a substantially instantaneous manner when the braking sequence is initiated.

Abstract: A disc-type coin sorter has a rotatable disc with a resilient top surface and a stationary sorting head positioned above the disc with the lowermost surface of the sorting head only slightly spaced from the resilient top surface of the disc. The sorting head has coin queuing device for arranging coins of mixed denominations in a single row and a single layer with selected edges of the coins aligned at a common radial position. A first guide surface engages selected edges of the aligned coins and progressively moves the engaged coins radially as the coins move circumferentially along the first guide surface. A plurality of elongated second guide surfaces spaced radially from, and facing toward, the first guide surface force coins of selected denominations past the first guide surface at selected circumferential locations. Each of the elongated second guide surfaces has a substantially constant radius from the axis of rotation of the disc so that the coins engaged thereby are not moved radially.

Abstract: A coin sorter comprises a rotatable disc having a resilient surface for receiving mixed denomination coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins, and a drive motor for rotating the disc. A stationary guide plate having a contoured surface is spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of said rotatable disc; the guide plate includes an area for queuing the coins on the disc into a single file of coins, and a guiding edge which engages selected edges of the coins in the single file and guides the coins along a prescribed path where the positions of the engaged edges of the coins are determined by the diameters of the respective coins. A sorting area discriminates among coins of different denominations and selects coins of different denominations for discharge from the rotating disc at different locations around the periphery of the guide plate.

Abstract: In the field of coin handling, and particularly coin sorting, it is important to keep different batches of coins separated from one another. A problem arises during the transfer of a batch of coins from a coin tray through an opening and into the coin sorting mechanism, because different batches of coins can inadvertently be mixed if the opening is not adequately protected. To solve this problem, a coin tray is provided that includes a coin holding portion which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the coin sorter. The coin tray pivots between a coin holding position and a coin transferring position, and has an opening therein which allows coins to pass through the coin holding portion to the coin sorting mechanism. A barrier portion prevents coins on the coin holding portion from entering the opening when the coin holding portion is in the coin holding position. The barrier portion borders the opening, and is preferably stationary with respect to the coin handling machine.