Abstract: A position controller for a stacker wheel in a media dispensing apparatus including a stacker wheel rotatably mounted in said apparatus with the stacker wheel having compartments located around the periphery thereof, with each compartment having spaced ends providing an entrance area to the associated one of the compartments. A transport mechanism is used for transporting media in spaced relationship along a path leading to a loading area with regard to the stacker wheel. A detector is used for detecting the presence of a leading edge of one of said media in the path at a predetermined point from the loading area and also for generating a first signal in response thereto. A slotted disc and detector are used for determining the rotational position of each compartment of the stacker wheel with regard to the loading area to produce a second signal indicative of that position.

Abstract: A method and system for gaining access to a plurality of machines at a financial, self-service center, for example. A user of the system enters first and second identifiers into the system, and upon a satisfactory evaluation, the user gains partial access to the system, and thereafter, the user enters his second and a newly-acquired third identifier to gain complete access to the plurality of machines.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically and mutually sharing the currency dispensers in adjacent automatic teller machines when one dispenser is either out of service because of a malfunction or out of currency. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the system is comprised of first and second article dispensers, first and second output stations, a transport mechanism operationally coupled to both dispensers and to both stations, first and second diverters respectively positioned in first and second paths through the transport mechanism and a control circuit for selectively controlling the operations of the dispensers and diverters during a dispensing operation.

Abstract: A process for reconditioning used currency includes the steps of applying a stiffening compound thereto, squeezing the excess from the currency, and drying the currency. Apparatus for performing this process includes gripping and transporting mechanism for transporting the currency to various stations for performing the necessary steps. Arrangements are included for repeating the application, squeezing and drying steps to recondition the portion of the currency originally blocked from treatment by the gripping mechanism.