Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.

Abstract: Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.

Abstract: Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for document processing comprises an optical sensor including a light source, a light detector and an optical element. The optical sensor is adapted so that, during operation of the apparatus, at least a first portion of light from the source that enters the optical element travels along paths in the optical element so as to be re-directed by total internal reflection toward the detector and wherein the total internal reflection is maintained when the optical element is wet. Signals form the optical sensor may be used to determine, for example, the state of a document storage cassette or the location of a document with respect to the cassette.

Abstract: A bill acceptor module may receive configuration data from at least one of an interface board, a programming tool, a plug-in memory, a memory on a currency cassette, and a host machine, store the configuration data in a memory, and process signals according to the configuration data to enable operation of the bill acceptor module with a host machine. The operation of the bill acceptor module may include communication with a currency cassette.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A bill acceptor module may receive configuration data from at least one of an interface board, a programming tool, a plug-in memory, a memory on a currency cassette, and a host machine, store the configuration data in a memory, and process signals according to the configuration data to enable operation of the bill acceptor module with a host machine. The operation of the bill acceptor module may include communication with a currency cassette.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting strings attached to bills or other forms of payment in a currency validator. In one implementation a string fraud detector uses polarized light to detect a string. In another implementation, polarized light and light in a different range of wavelengths are used to detect a string.