Abstract: The invention relates to a burster apparatus (44) for separating into sheets a continuous form (22) which has transverse weakened lines and which is arranged to be conveyed along a feed path (43) through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a movable burster rod (82) which extends across the feed path, and a clamp member (96) operable to clamp the continuous form (22) with a weakened line aligned with the path of movement of the burster rod. By means of cams (70) and link members (92), the rod (82) is arranged to be moved through the feed path (43) while the form (22) is clamped, the rod being inclined relative to the feed path. During this movement, the rod (82) progressively bursts the form (22) along the aligned weakened line from one edge of the form to the other, thereby effecting a reliable bursting of the form even if the weakened line is improperly formed.

Abstract: A note checking apparatus for indicating whether normal single notes, double notes or notes having local attachments of folds are passing therethrough includes two rollers 10 and 12 between which the notes pass. The roller 10 has a fixed axis, and the roller 12 is supported by pivotably mounted arms 38 so that it is movable away from, and pivotable relative to, the roller 10 in response to notes passing between the rollers. Sensors 42 and 43 produce voltage output whose magnitude varies in dependence on the amount of movement of the ends of the roller 12 away from the roller 10. In order to enable the apparatus to distinguish between double notes and a single note having a central local attachment, there are provided biasing rolls 56 and 58 which, during the passage of single or multiple notes between the rollers 10 and 12, are arranged to apply to the roller 12 first a pivoting moment in one direction and then a pivoting moment in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus which may be used for loading currency notes 70 into, and removing currency notes from, a cassette 68 includes a vacuum-operated, rotating pick-up wheel assembly 16 having two pairs of pick-up wheels 18 and 22. The pick-up wheels can operate to carry notes one by one from a loading station 98 and load them into an open end of the cassette 68, or can operate to pick up notes one by one from the open end of the cassette and carry them to a release station 118. A solenoid-operated control means is provided for switching the apparatus from a loading mode of operation to a pick-up mode, and vice versa, the control means serving to control the application of vacuum to the pick-up wheels and the operation of associated elements such as note retaining pawls 74. The apparatus may be used in an automatic bank teller system.

Abstract: A double detect device includes first and second parallel and superposed rows of steel balls retained in a block, the first row being in contact with a steel roller whose axis is parallel to the rows of balls. An actuating rod is urged resiliently against an end ball of the second row. In operation, currency notes are fed between the roller and the first row of balls. The passage of a note through the device depresses the balls of the first row thereby urging apart the balls of the second row so as to move the rod. If two superposed notes pass through the device movement of the rod is sufficient to actuate a switch. The device can distinguish between multiple notes and a single note having a localized increase in thickness, since such single note does not move the rod sufficiently to actuate the switch.