Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along one of its dimensions. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with a preselected dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of U.S. currency bills of a plurality of denominations to be evaluated. According to one embodiment, a transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle along a transport path at a rate of at least about 800 bills per minute. A denomination discriminating unit which includes a detector positioned along the transport path evaluates the bills. The device comprises a single denominated bill output receptacle positioned to receive bills whose denomination have been determined by the discriminating unit including bills of a plurality of denominations. A separate stacker bin is provided and a diverter positioned along the transport path routes bills whose denomination cannot be determined to the separate stacker bin.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along one of its dimensions. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with a preselected dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its wide dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its wide dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different exit locations around the periphery of the disc. Shunting mechanisms are disposed in one or more of the exit channels or are disposed outside the periphery of the disc adjacent one or more of the exit locations. These shunting mechanisms are used to separate coins into two or more batches for the purpose of either discriminating between valid coins and invalid coins or for the purpose of accumulating a predetermined number of coins in one batch and then accumulating additional coins in another batch.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination includes a rotatable disc, a drive motor for rotating the disc, and a stationary sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to the upper surface of the rotatable disc and spaced slightly therefrom. The lower surface of the sorting head forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different denominations to different discharge stations around the periphery of the disc. A plurality of coin sensor/discriminators are mounted in the stationary sorting head over the rotatable disc for discriminating between valid and invalid coins guided by said stationary sorting head. At least one coin sensor/discriminator is mounted in each of the plurality of exit channels.

Abstract: A coin handling device for handling a plurality of coins comprises a coin-driving member having a resilient surface and a stationary coin-guiding member having a coin-guiding surface opposing the resilient surface of the coin-driving member. The coin-guiding surface is positioned generally parallel to the resilient surface and spaced slightly therefrom. The resilient surface of the coin-driving member is constructed and arranged to move the coins along the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member. The coin-guiding member includes lubricant-filled cavities, self-lubricating inserts, or a gall-resistant coating to reduce friction between the coins and the coin-guiding surface of the coin-guiding member.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A coin sorter for sorting mixed coins by denomination. The apparatus comprises a rotatable disc which has a resilient surface for receiving coins and imparting rotational movement to the coins. A stationary sorting head has a contoured surface spaced slightly away from and generally parallel to the resilient surface of the rotatable disc. The stationary sorting head sorts and discharges coins of different denominations at different exits around the periphery of the stationary sorting head. The sorting head includes a separate exit channel for each denomination of coin, and a sensor for each coin denomination within the exit channel for that denomination. An encoder monitors the movement of a sensed coin on the rotating disc downstream of the sensors by monitoring the angular movement of the disc. Further, a coin discriminator is used to detect foreign and counterfeit coins and to prevent the detected invalid coins from being discharged with the valid coins.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along its narrow dimension. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with its narrow dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: A shredding device uses a plurality of interleaving, counter-rotating discs to reduce sheets of material into longitudinal strips. One or more parallelogram or diverging configured notches, formed in the periphery of each disc, cut the longitudinal strips into segments. Deflectors disposed in the spaces between each disc clear unwanted material from between the discs.

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc includes a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the disc in response to a predetermined number of counted coins. The disc is driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The brake mechanism includes a first brake mechanism coupled to the motor for stopping rotation thereof, a second brake mechanism coupled to the coin disc for stopping rotation thereof, and a control mechanism for operating the brake mechanisms in a synchronous manner so as to avoid any shock loads upon the gear train due to existence of torque differentials on either ends thereof. The brake mechanisms are adapted to have substantially identical stopping times and are operated in such a manner as to be energized in a substantially instantaneous manner when the braking sequence is initiated.

Abstract: A shredding device uses a plurality of interleaving, counter-rotating discs to reduce sheets of material into longitudinal strips. One or more notches, formed in the periphery of each disc, cut the longitudinal strips into segments. Deflectors disposed in the spaces between each disc clear unwanted material from between the discs. When jammed, the rotation of the discs reverses, and the notches bite into the jammed material to help remove it from between the discs.

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc includes a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the disc in response to a predetermined number of counted coins. The disc is driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The brake mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuating assembly and an armature mounted on the shaft of a motor. Upon energization of the actuating assembly, the armature is drawn into contact with the actuating assembly to provide a braking pressure which halts rotation of the motor and the disc.

Abstract: A document shredder comprising the combination of a pair of counter-rotating rolls forming integral cutting discs interleaved with each other for cutting documents fed between the rolls into multiple strips, the discs also having cutting edges extending longitudinally of the rolls for cutting the multiple strips into short segments; multiple spacers mounted along the length of each roll, each of said spacers extending into the space between a pair of adjacent cutting discs on the same roll, and multiple diverters spaced along the length of each roll in register with the discs on the respective rolls, each of the diverters having an arcuate surface in closely spaced relationship to the radially outer surfaces of one of the discs for preventing the accumulation of the short segments of the cut documents adjacent the rolls.

Abstract: A coin sorter having a rotatable disc includes a brake mechanism for stopping rotation of the disc in response to a predetermined number of counted coins. The disc is driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The brake mechanism includes a first brake mechanism coupled to the motor for stopping rotation thereof, a second brake mechanism coupled to the coin disc for stopping rotation thereof, and a control mechanism for operating the brake mechanisms in a synchronous manner so as to avoid any shock loads upon the gear train due to existence of torque differentials on either ends thereof. The brake mechanisms are adapted to have substantially identical stopping times and are operated in such a manner as to be energized in a substantially instantaneous manner when the braking sequence is initiated.