Abstract: An improved process for clearing bank checks. Paper bank checks are digitized, and the paper checks are placed into storage. The digitized versions are used in the check-clearing process. When paper versions of the checks are required, as when a check is needed for evidence in a lawsuit, a paper version is printed from the corresponding digitized version, each paper version bearing a unique serial number, wherein no two serial numbers are alike. At that time, selected data from the printed check is stored in a database. A recipient of the printed check is allowed access to the database, to verify authenticity of the printed check.

Abstract: A variable pressure document infeed transport provides a first driving pressure on a document being transported in a first direction along a document transport path of a self-service terminal, and provides a second driving pressure which is greater than the first driving pressure on a document being transported in a second direction which is opposite the first direction along the document transport path of the self-service terminal. The first driving pressure means may be provided by a first plurality of idlers centered along the document transport path, and the second driving pressure means may be provided by a second plurality of idlers off-centered along the document transport path.

Abstract: An improved process for clearing bank checks. Paper bank checks are digitized, and the paper checks are placed into storage. The digitized versions are used in the check-clearing process. When paper versions of the checks are required, as when a check is needed for evidence in a lawsuit, a paper version is printed from the corresponding digitized version, each paper version bearing a unique serial number, wherein no two serial numbers are alike. At that time, selected data from the printed check is stored in a database. A recipient of the printed check is allowed access to the database, to verify authenticity of the printed check.

Abstract: A variable pressure document infeed transport provides a first driving pressure on a document being transported in a first direction along a document transport path of a self-service terminal, and provides a second driving pressure which is greater than the first transporting on a document being transported in a second direction which is opposite the first direction along the document transport path of the self-service terminal. The first driving pressure means may be provided by a first plurality of idlers centered along the document transport path, and the second driving pressure means may be provided by a second plurality of idlers off-centered along the document transport path.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate, a removable bearing assembly connected to the baseplate and having a drive pulley to which a drive belt is drivingly coupled. The belt apparatus comprises a bracket coupled to the baseplate and for supporting the drive belt when the bearing assembly including the drive pulley is removed from the baseplate. The bracket supports the drive belt below the baseplate to allow the drive belt and the drive pulley of a replacement bearing assembly to be easily coupled together without having to lift the baseplate to gain access to the space below the baseplate. Preferably, the bracket comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket may include a pair of flanges on which the drive belt rests when the bearing assembly is removed from the baseplate. The pair of flanges extend in substantially opposite directions relative to each other and substantially parallel with the plane in which the baseplate lies.

Abstract: A check processing module includes a hardware device disposed along a document track. The hardware device processes document items moving from an upstream end of the document track to a downstream end of the document track. A number of outer panels covers the hardware device during operation of the check processing module. At least one idler roller engages a document item in the document track when the idler roller is in a non-retracted position. An actuatable mechanism is provided for, when actuated, moving the idler roller from the non-retracted position to a retracted position away from a document item in the document track to allow an operator to more easily gain access to the document track while the outer panels remain covering the hardware device positioned along the document track.

Abstract: A track bottom piece is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate. A document track is defined in a surface of the track bottom piece. Document items can move along the document track from an upstream end to a downstream end. An angled surface is defined along an edge of the track bottom piece. The angled surface receives a releasable mechanism to secure the track bottom piece relative to the baseplate. When the releasable mechanism is released, the track bottom piece is allowed to move relative to the baseplate.

Abstract: A check processing module includes a hardware device disposed along a document track for processing document items moving from an upstream end of the document track to a downstream end of the document track. A number of outer panels covers the hardware device during operation of the check processing module. At least one idler roller is provided for engaging a document item in the document track when the idler roller is in a non-retracted position. When a button is operated by an operator, the idler roller moves from a non-retracted position to a retracted position away from a document item in the document track to allow the operator to more easily gain access to the document track without having to remove any of the outer panels covering the hardware device positioned along the document track. 1 9552.

Abstract: A check processing module includes a hardware device disposed along a document track. The hardware device processes document items moving from an upstream end of the document track to a downstream end of the document track. A number of outer panels covers the hardware device during operation of the check processing module. At least one idler roller engages a document item in the document track when the idler roller is in a non-retracted position. An actuatable mechanism is provided for, when actuated, moving the idler roller from the non-retracted position to a retracted position away from a document item in the document track to allow an operator to more easily gain access to the document track while the outer panels remain covering the hardware device positioned along the document track.

Abstract: A check processing module includes a hardware device disposed along a document track for processing document items moving from an upstream end of the document track to a downstream end of the document track. A number of outer panels covers the hardware device during operation of the check processing module. At least one idler roller is provided for engaging a document item in the document track when the idler roller is in a non-retracted position. When a button is operated by an operator, the idler roller moves from a non-retracted position to a retracted position away from a document item in the document track to allow the operator to more easily gain access to the document track without having to remove any of the outer panels covering the hardware device positioned along the document track.

Abstract: A belt apparatus is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate, a removable bearing assembly connected to the baseplate and having a drive pulley to which a drive belt is drivingly coupled. The belt apparatus comprises a bracket coupled to the baseplate and for supporting the drive belt when the bearing assembly including the drive pulley is removed from the baseplate. The bracket supports the drive belt below the baseplate to allow the drive belt and the drive pulley of a replacement bearing assembly to be easily coupled together without having to lift the baseplate to gain access to the space below the baseplate. Preferably, the bracket comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket. The bracket may include a pair of flanges on which the drive belt rests when the bearing assembly is removed from the baseplate. The pair of flanges extend in substantially opposite directions relative to each other and substantially parallel with the plane in which the baseplate lies.

Abstract: A track bottom piece is provided for use in a document processing system having a baseplate. A document track is defined in a surface of the track bottom piece. Document items can move along the document track from an upstream end to a downstream end. An angled surface is defined along an edge of the track bottom piece. The angled surface receives a releasable mechanism to secure the track bottom piece relative to the baseplate. When the releasable mechanism is released, the track bottom piece is allowed to move relative to the baseplate.

Abstract: A media escrow unit (24) is provided for use in dispensing or depositing media. The escrow unit (24) is arranged in use with a media removal path (42) leading from a media receptacle (32), and communicating with a media return path (44) leading to the media receptacle. In use, media may be removed from the receptacle (32) and passed through media validation sensors (20, 22) before being returned to the receptacle (32). The media may then either be presented from the escrow unit (24) to a user, or passed via the media removal path (42) to a media storage location, depending on the outputs obtained from the media validation sensors (20, 22), and the actions of the user. Also provided is a self-service terminal incorporating such an escrow unit; and methods of dispensing or depositing media.

Abstract: A media escrow unit (24) is provided for use in dispensing or depositing media. The escrow unit (24) is arranged in use with a media removal path (42) leading from a media receptacle (32), and communicating with a media return path (44) leading to the media receptacle. In use, media may be removed from the receptacle (32) and passed through media validation sensors (20, 22) before being returned to the receptacle (32). The media may then either be presented from the escrow unit (24) to a user, or passed via the media removal path (42) to a media storage location, depending on the outputs obtained from the media validation sensors (20, 22), and the actions of the user. Also provided is a self-service terminal incorporating such an escrow unit; and methods of dispensing or depositing media.

Abstract: A table top image based document processing machine and methods of using it. The machine is used in conjunction with a host computer like a PC. The machine includes a document track, a programmable transport mechanism for moving the document bi-directionally within the track, front and back imagers for imaging the front and rear of the document, front and back printers for endorsing data on the front and the back of the document, a magnetic card reader module, an encryption module and a MICR printer for encoding MICR data on the front of the document, for example. The machine in conjunction with the PC can be used for generating Logos, creating checks, performing remittance processing, imaging and reading checks, truncation processing, lockbox operations, and the usual bank teller operations.

Abstract: An optical reader head with a video compensation circuit for use in high speed document reading. The reader head utilizes small focussed bulbs to illuminate the scanning line, with the head being comprised of first and second body sections housing a lens which focusses the light reflected from a document at the scanning line to a light array comprised of 256 sensors. Light from four adjacent sensors along the scanning line is integrated to produce a composite pixel which becomes one of 64 such composite pixels for a scanning line of data permitting the use of low wattage bulbs and also eliminating the possibility of burning a jammed document. A peak comparison EPROM is used for adjusting document background levels, for example, for use in thresholding the pixel data.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a document towards the bottom of a document track as the document is moved in first and second directions within the track. The apparatus includes a feed unit positioned on one side of the document track and a cooperating unit positioned on the opposed side of the track. The cooperating unit has a rod which is pivotally supported in a support. A high friction roller is secured to the top end of the rod and a low friction roller is rotatably supported on the lower end of the rod. The feed unit has an idler roller positioned opposite to the high friction roller and also has a drive roller positioned opposite to the low friction roller in the cooperating unit. As the document is moved in a first direction in the document track, the high friction roller causes the rod to pivot slightly, thereby causing the low friction roller on the bottom of the rod to cant slightly, producing a downward component of force on the document as it is moved in the first direction.

Abstract: Front and rear printers for use with a document transport mechanism. The printers are identical in construction with each having a compact housing in which the associated print head is mounted. The housing has first and second side walls, a front wall which also functions as a guide for guiding documents to be printed upon therepast, and a rear wall which functions as a circuit board which houses the driver electronics assocated with the printer. The print head (ink jet) is mounted on a carriage which is moved within the housing in a first direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the documents are moved in a document track past the printers. The front and rear printers are detachably mounted on opposed sides of the document track to enable the printing of alphanumerics or graphics on the front or the rear of a document moving thereby.

Abstract: A cable clip apparatus for routing connection cables out of a table top terminal, like a bank data entry machine, for example. The apparatus includes a coupling member which is located inside a cabinet of the terminal. Mating coupling members are coupled to the coupled member by inserting the mating coupling members in a vertical direction into the coupling member. Cables associated with the mating coupling members pass through slots in a perimeter portion of the cabinet, and thereafter, a cover which is part of the cabinet is closed to retain the cables in the side portion of the terminal. The coupling member is mounted above a circuit board within the terminal.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printer to print data beginning at a specified distance from the reference edge of a document. Several test documents are moved through a print station and a test symbol is printed on each of them with a preselected set of heating elements from a dot matrix thermal printer. The test documents are then processed through the same print station whereupon a sensor detects the reference edge of the document and the test symbol. A master controller then determines a test symbol distance between the reference edge and the midpoint of the test symbol for each test document. A plurality of test documents is processed in this manner, and the master controller determines an average test symbol distance for the plurality of test documents. Using an average test symbol distance, the master controller determines the distance between the sensor and a given hewating element of the thermal printer.