Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor and dispenser uses a stacked configuration of the validator the banknote accumulator and dispenser and the banknote cassette. The banknote path is relatively short to avoid bill misalignment by providing the banknote accumulator and dispenser in the intermediary position.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor illuminates a banknote as it passes through an evaluation channel in a manner to locate the banknote in the width of the channel. A photo sensor array receives reflected light from the surface of the banknote and has a series of responsive divisions across an illuminated banknote. These divisions are sampled and analysed according to the banknote position to determine the authenticity of the banknote. Both apparatus and method steps are disclosed.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor includes a validator, a removable banknote stacker and a removable non locked banknote cassette. The removable banknote stacker, when secured in the banknote acceptor, is operable by a drive member of the acceptor that remains with the acceptor when the removable banknote stacker is removed. With this arrangement, any operation problems of the removable stacker are easily overcome by replacement of the stacker. Preferably, the banknote acceptor, with the stacker removed, is able to receive and function with a locked banknote cassette having a stacker mechanism internal to the cassette.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor and dispenser uses a stacked configuration of the validator the banknote accumulator and dispenser and the banknote cassette. The banknote accumulator includes a count window providing information of the banknotes stored in the accumulator. Preferably the count window has an electronic display of the number of banknotes accumulated.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor includes a validator, a removable banknote stacker and a removable non locked banknote cassette. The removable banknote stacker, when secured in the banknote acceptor, is operable by a drive member of the acceptor that remains with the acceptor when the removable banknote stacker is removed. With this arrangement, any operation problems of the removable stacker are easily overcome by replacement of the stacker. Preferably, the banknote acceptor, with the stacker removed, is able to receive and function with a locked banknote cassette having a stacker mechanism internal to the cassette.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor and dispenser uses a stacked configuration of the validator the banknote accumulator and dispenser and the banknote cassette. The banknote accumulator includes a count window providing information of the banknotes stored in the accumulator. Preferably the count window has an electronic display of the number of banknotes accumulated.

Abstract: A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.

Abstract: A simple high optical efficiency reflective optical sensor for bill validator uses an inexpensive bulb having a case which is transparent to efficient luminous radiation. This case is used as a wave guide to return reflected radiation to at least one photo detector situated directly under the transparent bottom of the case. The bulb emits a narrow beam of light and is positioned in close proximity and perpendicular to a bill surface and illuminates it. The light reflected or fluoresced by the bill is collected widely with a convex lens end of the bulb case and this collected radiation is transmitted through the bulb case to the at least one photo detector. Preferably, the bulb is a light emitting diode.

Abstract: Vending or gaming machines typically use a communication protocol such as a MDB (multi drop bus) communication protocol to allow effective communication between a host controller and a series of peripheral devices including bill validators and coin changers. An intelligent adapter is provided to allow communication with a banknote validator and recycler to allow banknotes to be provided as change without updating the protocol of the vending or gaming machine. The intelligent adapter acts as an intermediary whereby the peripheral connected thereto opposite in their normal manner and the host controller operates in a manner supported by its protocol. The intelligent adaptor is used to provide the recycling banknote function as an additional capability of the coin changer and appropriately readdresses or coordinates the signals to or from the peripheral devices to the host controller.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor and dispenser uses a stacked configuration of the validator the banknote accumulator and dispenser and the banknote cassette. The banknote path is relatively short to avoid bill misalignment by providing the banknote accumulator and dispenser in the intermediary position.

Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.

Abstract: A simple high optical efficiency reflective optical sensor for bill validator uses an inexpensive bulb having a case which is transparent to efficient luminous radiation. This case is used as a wave guide to return reflected radiation to at least one photo detector situated directly under the transparent bottom of the case. The bulb emits a narrow beam of light and is positioned in close proximity and perpendicular to a bill surface and illuminates it. The light reflected or fluoresced by the bill is collected widely with a convex lens end of the bulb case and this collected radiation is transmitted through the bulb case to the at least one photo detector. Preferably, the bulb is a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.