Abstract: A coin validator apparatus includes an inclined coin chute interconnecting the coin outlet gate with a coin rejection outlet via a validation sensor module and a coin diverter mechanism, the coin chute defining a coin transport path and including a radially outer curved guide wall, such that in operation a coin exiting the coin outlet gate and traversing the coin transport path is subjected to a centripetal acceleration that constrains the coin to follow and abut the contour of the radially outer curved guide wall between the coin outlet gate and a coin diverter sensor disposed downstream in the coin transport path.

Abstract: A mechanism for separating single coins from a plurality of coins provided within a coin dispensing apparatus. The mechanism comprises a housing defining a coin dispensing path, coin transport means for urging coins along the coin dispensing path; and first and second biased coin stripping members located adjacent each other and disposed successively in the coin dispensing path at an outlet of the coin dispensing mechanism. The first and second stripping members together comprise a double outlet gate and each member is movable independently of the other by each urged coin to effect, in use, alignment and stripping of coins being dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to allow the collection of data relating to at lease one parameter of an item of currency and which data can be used to generate a new or updated dataset for the same and which can be used by validation apparatus for said items of currency. The collected data is transmitted from a location which is remote from that at which the new data set is generated and the new dataset is transmitted to the said remote location and/or other locations so as to allow the new or updated dataset to be used by the apparatus.

Abstract: A dust arrester includes a housing with air inlet and air outlet, wherein the ambient air containing dust particles can be introduced into the housing via the air inlet and discharged from the housing via the air outlet. The dust arrester further includes a water trough placed in the bottom of the housing and a chaos effect generator including a nozzle and a material. The nozzle can spray water supplied from the water trough. The water sprayed interacts with the material to generate a chaos condition, so that the dust particles can be removed from the introduced air under the chaos condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in the handling of banknotes, tickets and/or vouchers. The apparatus allows the same to be inserted into the apparatus through an aperture and to then be fed to storage or a printing apparatus. The apparatus allows the dispensing of bills, tickets or vouchers and the same are dispensed through the same aperture thereby reducing the size of the apparatus as only one aperture and feed means is required for inserting and dispensing which is in contrast to known apparatus which have an aperture for inserting and a separate aperture via which the banknotes, tickets or vouchers are dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing/dispensing notes such as bills of monetary value, wherein the notes are stored between opposed webs wound onto drums, and notes having different characteristics may be stored on the same drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the validity of a banknote wherein a light source illuminates a banknote through a slit as it is transported along a note path, the emitted light being detected at different wavelengths to generate a plurality of images such that a three dimensional matrix can be created, for comparison against matrices of authentic banknotes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for reclaiming solar energy in buildings, comprising a fluid inlet header pipe, a fluid outlet header pipe and a plurality of heat collector panels connected to the two pipes at ends thereof respectively. Fluid with a lower temperature from the fluid inlet header pipe enters into the heat collector panels, where it is heated to a higher temperature by the solar energy stored therein, and then discharges from the system via the fluid outlet header pipe for energy reuse. The heat collector panels are mounted on the inner surface of the cladding panels of the building, so that the outer appearance of the building will not be negatively influenced by the system.

Abstract: The invention provides an air purification system in form of tubing, by which particulates of various sizes in the air flow can be collected. The system comprises an air inlet, an air outlet and a particulate removing unit located therebetween, the particulate removing unit including a tubing array of material having low dielectric constant, when an air flow passes through the system electrostatic effect is created between the air flow and the tubing material so as to remove the particulates entrained within the air flow. The invention also provides a method for removing particulates from air flow using the electrostatic effect created between the air flow and said material.

Abstract: A process for reducing the carbon content of ash from a burner comprises heating a carbon-based fuel in the presence of a fuel improver in a burner. The fuel improver comprises at least one metal oxide selected from the group comprising: iron oxide, calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide and aluminium oxide. The average particle size of the fuel improver is reduced to give a particle size in the range 1 to 100 micron.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the provision of receipt, validation and collection of banknotes or tickets which are input by a user, typically as payment for a service which has or is to be provided. The apparatus allow for the accurate location of the banknote or ticket as it passes through the apparatus and the accurate validation of the same. In one embodiment a printer assembly is provided which a lows the apparatus to print tickets and to pass the same in the reverse direction to input banknotes or tickets, to be provided to the user as, for example a credit which can be cashed subsequently by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus which allows the validation of banknotes to be performed. The apparatus includes a housing having a banknote receiving portion and a banknote acceptance portion and a banknote path formed through said portions. The banknote receiving portion and the banknote acceptance portion include seamless banknote aligning means forming the banknote path, so as to align the banknotes in use. The apparatus can also include a circuit board comprising the banknote sensing and validation means and the banknote path is arranged to intersect a major plane of the circuit board.

Abstract: A banknote validator for determining the value and authenticity of a banknote is provided. The banknote validator includes a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, and a non-return gate. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic circuit and an electronic circuit. The optical sensor includes a trapezoidal light guide, a broadband light source for illuminating a banknote via the light guide, and sensors for detecting light reflected from the banknote. The non-return gate includes banknote-guiding means for guiding the banknote along a banknote path and for controlling the direction of the banknote's travel based on its acceptability.

Abstract: The optical sensor (305,306) comprises a trapezoidal light guide (34, 104), a broadband light source (350) fo illuminating a banknote via the light guide (34, 104) and sensors (351, 352, 353) for detecting light reflected from the banknote via the light guide (34, 104). Filters (354, 355, 356) are arranged in front of the sensors (351, 352, 353). The light guide (34,104) is inclined relative to the banknote path (6).

Abstract: A dehydrated hydrogel incorporating a plasticiser and fibers which have provided cations for cross-linking the dehydrated hydrogel.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus, such as a banknote stacker, comprises a carriage (23) that collects sheets by gripping their leading edges with jaws (35, 36) and transports them to a stack (6). The carriage (23) has a pair of driven wheels (32, 34) that push back the stack (6) so that the new sheet can be deposited. The wheels (32, 34) are driven so that their points of contact with the top sheet in the stack (6) have zero velocity relative to the top sheet of the stack (6). Thus, the top sheet in the stack (6) is not crumpled as the carriage (23) passes over the top of the stack (6).

Abstract: A wound dressing beneficial for use on high exuding wounds comprising a breathable film having an increased MTRV capability and an absorbent layer having high fluid holding capacity located on the film side remote from the wound. The dressing is further characterized by a low profile suitable for use under garments. The dressing may further comprise a third layer located on the film side proximal to the wound that is alternatively either absorbent to further control moisture levels at the wound site, or alternatively promotes the production of exudate to facilitate the flushing of the wound. The dressing may also comprise a compressive element on the side of the absorbent layer remote from the wound to provide compressive therapy capability.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly (28) comprising a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, and a gas reservoir unit (1) adapted to be housed substantially within the container body (22). The gas reservoir unit (1) is adapted to be charged with a gas under super-atmospheric pressure whilst the reservoir unit (1) is outside of the container (22), and to retain the gas prior to insertion of the unit into the container body. A gas reservoir unit containing one or more chambers is also described.

Abstract: The note path of a banknote validator has a U-shaped transverse cross section. A transverse strip of the note path is illuminated by light from a light transmitting station by means of a unitary light guide which has an arcuate portion conforming to the transverse cross section of the note path. Light reflected from a banknote, within the note path, is captured by the light guide and guided to a light receiving station. The light guide is shaped such that a transverse strip of the note path is substantially evenly illuminated. The U-shape of the note path also assists the insertion of notes into the validator, as an inserted note is caused to bow during insertion thereby increasing its rigidity.