Abstract: Processing data derived from currency items includes measuring samples of currency items of classes to produce feature vectors in a first space and mapping the feature vectors to a second space in which there is a clearer separation of the classes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cashless transaction processing system implementing a VEND ASSIST mode of operation to effectuate a cashless vending transaction. The VEND ASSIST mode allows a computing platform 802 to oversee, control, and authorize by way of a system 500 the vend selection and sale price of a user selected vend item prior to fulfilling the user's request. The cashless transaction processing system includes a system 500 and a computing platform 802. The system 500 initiates a vending session when certain commands from an interconnected computing platform 802 are received or in response to presentation, by a user, of valid payment identification data. Computing platform 802 data communicates a VEND APPROVE or VEND DENY response to a system 500 initiated REQUEST VEND APPROVE data communication. A vend cycle is then initiated or preempted as appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for stacking flat mailings, in which the thickness of each individually conveyed mailing that is to be stacked is detected within a main control loop. The underfloor belt is displaced away from the stacking location by a distance that corresponds to the measured thickness minus a specific distance by means of a stack support for the arriving mailing. The stacking force is measured at different heights in the area of the stacking roll in a static correcting control loop and is re-regulated by moving the underfloor belt within set point values established for the allowed stacking force ranges once each mailing has reached the stop.

Abstract: A sheet supply apparatus supplies a sheet to an image forming apparatus. The sheet supply apparatus includes a sheet loading device for loading the sheet, a sheet stacking device for stacking the sheet to be loaded on the sheet loading device, a sheet feeding device provided at a front end of the sheet loading device in a sheet supplying direction for feeding the sheet loaded on the sheet loading device, a sheet carrying device provided at a rear end of the sheet loading device in the sheet supplying direction for carrying the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking device into the sheet loading device, a sheet detecting device for detecting whether an image is formed on at least one side of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading device, and a supporting device for supporting the sheet loading device to be extractable from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.

Abstract: A stream of successive sheets of paper, foil or the like is converted into a series of piles at a stacking station where successive sheets are caused to descend onto a pallet which is adjacent a monitoring device serving to transmit signals denoting the levels of successive uppermost sheets of a growing pile. Such signals are processed by a unit which controls one or more valves in a pneumatic elevator for the discharge end of the endless flexible conveyor which supplies successive sheets to the stacking station. The elevator ensures that the distance between the discharge end of the conveyor and the uppermost sheets of the growing pile remains within a preselected range. This contributes to the accuracy of stacking of sheets on their pallet.

Abstract: A platesetting system and method comprising a pair of dual capstan rollers that receives a recording medium and records an image on the received medium as the medium is transported through the system. The system and method advantageously enable at least a portion of the image to extend from a leading edge of the medium to a trailing edge of the medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic kits that house and deliver a carrier for an analyte, such as a test strip carrying an blood glucose analyte used by persons afflicted with diabetes in order to determine their blood glucose levels.

Abstract: An article storage container, comprising a bin for storing in an a columnar manner, articles to be dispensed from a dispensing end of the bin. A plurality of article supporting intrusions positioned in a spaced manner along at least a portion of the length of the bin function to provide load bearing support for articles stored in the bin. Sectional bins, bin sleeves and macro bins are also disclosed for facilitating rapid, accurate and efficient loading of articles into an article dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.

Abstract: A conveying arrangement for sheet quires, includes at least two successively arranged conveying devices of which a front conveying device as seen in a conveying direction has a lower speed than a rear conveying device. At least one ionization device electrostatically charges the sheet quires. An area of the front conveying device includes a suction device for administering suction air to the sheet quires in at least one region of the sheet quires.

Abstract: A system for screening fluid-borne material from a fluid that carries particulate matter along with the material, e.g. for screening usable fibers in papermaking or tissue making white water that also contains waste material such as fines and ash. The system employs a flexible and pliable screen to which the fluid is applied. The screen is supported in a suspended manner from a frame. The fluid is directed onto an inside surface defined by the screen, and the location at which the fluid strikes the screen is varied so as to result in bending and flexing of the screen due to the flexibility and pliability of the screen material. In this manner, the configuration of the screen drainage passages is continuously altered, to provide a self-cleaning action that prevents the screen passages from plugging or blinding over. In one form, the screen is generally frustoconical, and the fluid is applied to the inside surface of the screen in a manner which results in rotation of the screen.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the same which are excellent in durability and exhibit excellent sheet transportability while allowing saving of space, in which a large number of curled sheets can be stacked in an aligned state. In the sheet treating apparatus, a delivery sheet holding-down member is provided in an upper roller of an FD upper roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a stream of sheet-like products, such as printed magazines and newspapers, whereby the orientation of the products in the stream is changed to facilitate subsequent processing. The products are conveyed in an imbricated stream, or in a non-imbricated stream, and sections of adjacent products are combined into stacks which are conveyed away from the trailing products once the stacks are formed. The stacks are then further processed so that the products in each stack are disposed in a reverse order in relation to their original order, i.e. last in/first out.

Abstract: A rock separator for attachment to the boom arms of a tractor or skid steer having a bucket sieve and an apron. As the rock separator is pushed over the ground, the apron grid scoops soil and rock over the apron and into the bucket sieve. Openings through both the apron and the bucket sieve allow dirt and smaller soil particles to pass back onto the ground while retaining larger rocks. Wheels on the bucket sieve for engaging the ground as the rock separator is pushed along the ground allow for easy control of the depth and angle of attack of the apron into the ground.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for controlling paper pickup in an image forming system. The method comprises (a) setting a number of re-attempts of pickup of paper and a number of no-load operations of a transfer belt, respectively, and (b) performing a paper pickup operation repeatedly in accordance with the set number of re-attempts of pickup of paper and the set number of no-load operations of the transfer belt when paper pickup is not successfully performed.

Abstract: A media qualification device configured to sort media sheets according to one or more detected media characteristics. The media qualification device comprises a media sensor, an unusable media path and at least one usable media path. Qualified media sheets may be passed to a sheet-fed device for image processing. Qualified media sheets may be sorted among a plurality of usable media paths according to media grade. The media qualification device may further comprise an input/output device configured to select media grade parameters.

Abstract: A sheet separator for an automatic document feeder of the invention is capable of separating an outmost sheet from a stack. The separator includes a separating roller driven by a driving device, a friction roller, a first shaft, and a force-applying mechanism for pushing the separating and friction rollers against each other. The friction roller has a first rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by the separating roller, a stationary state when the separating roller feeds a first sheet, and a second rotating state, in which the friction roller is driven by a second sheet fed by the separating roller. The first shaft is inserted into the friction roller to provide a damping torque for stopping the rotation of the friction roller.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus includes a coin hopper and a coin ramp positioned below the coin hopper. A coin separator mechanism is located between the coin hopper and the coin ramp. The coin separator mechanism includes a separating wheel having a plurality of coin receiving apertures and a wheel housing which supports the separating wheel. The wheel housing includes a set of apertures arranged in order of increasing size for sorting the coins by diameter. A coin support surface is provided on one of the separating wheel and the wheel housing and a coin rolling surface is defined on the wheel housing.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring grouped resources. A system and method of monitoring resource units in a stack is provided. The system and method includes providing a group of resource units and determining a thickness of one or more of the resource units. The system and method also includes indicating when the group of resource units reaches a predetermined size after one or more of the resource units has been moved from the group.