Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passage of superposed sheets, e.g. currency notes, along a feed path (76) includes a mechanism which has a pair of cooperating rollers (12, 14) and which is arranged to generate an output voltage whose magnitude varies in response to the passage of an item (single or multiple sheet) between the rollers (12, 14). This output voltage is applied to an A/D converter whose outputs are sampled at regular intervals while an item is passing between the rollers (12, 14). A data processing means generates a first digital value representative of the sum of these outputs. From this digital value is subtracted a value representative of the sum of the outputs of the A/D converter over the corresponding part of the cycle of the rollers while no sheet is passing between them. A determination is thereby made as to whether or not said item comprises a single sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card reader system (10) including a detector (58') for determining a predetermined irregular mode of operation of the reader system. The invention is characterized by a card invalidation device (21, 24, 26) operable to render a card (2) permanently non-usable in response to the detection of the predetermined irregular mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stack transport device for transporting a stack of bank notes (14) through a large angle, such as 90 degrees, without shearing. The device comprises belts (10, 10',12 and 12') driven at identical speeds; a pivoted support (26) over which the belts (10,10',12 and 12') pass; and a drive (38) to pivot the support (26) through the angle, when the stack (14) is supported by a portion of the belt means (10, 12) which is in turn supported by the support (26).

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) receives a user's identifying card from a card user and deactivates the card in accordance with at least one user selectable condition. The ATM comprises an input device for entering data to the ATM and a card reading mechanism for receiving the card from the user. The input device is a keyboard associated with the ATM. Control means deactivate the card in accordance with the at least one user selectable condition when the card is received by the card reading mechanism and the user enters certain data on the input device. The control means include a local processor which is located at the ATM and which can communicate with a remote processor located at a bank site. The certain data may include information corresponding to at least one time period during which the card is to be deactivated. Alternatively, the certain data may include information corresponding to at least one ATM at which the card is to remain activated, with the card being deactivated for all other ATMs.