Abstract: A document handling apparatus is disclosed which is particularly well adapted for counting documents of value, such as banknotes. The document handling apparatus comprises an input module for receiving a stack of documents and feeding them one by one into the apparatus, a detector box which houses a series of detectors for detecting characteristics of the documents, a transport system for conveying documents within the apparatus, a doubles detector for sensing the passage of each document therethrough and a stacker module for stacking the output documents and presenting them to the user. The apparatus is based on a metal framework in a plastics housing.

Abstract: A method of detecting a coded magnetic thread is provided that includes sensing the response of a magnetic field detector as a thread passes the detector, the response varying from an initial magnitude in first and second senses to exhibit a first peak, and then in the first sense to exhibit a second peak; comparing the response with first and second thresholds disposed about the initial magnitude in the first and second senses respectively; and indicating the passage of a code element of the thread when the response passes the second threshold and then the first threshold in a predetermined manner characterized in that the first threshold is adjusted in accordance with a first predetermined algorithm based on the magnitude of the first peak. The first predetermined algorithm adjusts the first threshold so that the magnitude of the first threshold is the average of a predetermined number of preceding first peaks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a coded magnetic thread comprise generating a digital representation of the thread and comparing the digital representation with one or more known digital representations; scanning the digital representation to locate a predetermined code sequence; and rotating the digital representation to locate the predetermined code sequence in a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the predetermined code sequence in a stored version of the or each known digital representation prior to carrying out the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a document (55). The method comprises exposing the document (55), such as a banknote, to infrared radiation; detecting infrared radiation reflected from a plurality of regions of the document (55) to generate at least one test pattern; determining if the or each test pattern satisfies a predetermined relationship with a predetermined pattern or patterns corresponding to a known document; and, if the predetermined relationship is satisfied, identifying the document (55) as being the same as the known document.

Abstract: A method of detecting a magnetic thread comprises causing relative movement between the thread and an array of magnetic heads, each head generates a signal upon detecting a portion of the thread. The arrival of a thread at one of the heads is detected, that head being denoted a primary head, and the head on each side a secondary head. Output signals from the primary and secondary heads are monitored to generate a representation of the thread, and the magnitude of the signals from the primary and secondary heads are compared such that if the magnitude of the output signal from a secondary head exceeds that from the primary head, the primary and secondary heads are reallocated accordingly.

Abstract: A document handling machine comprised a detector system (110) for detecting one or more characteristic features of documents. A control system (100) performs a number of functions related to information obtained from the detector system (110) and/or the manner in which documents are handled. The control system (100) includes a memory (6) for storing a set of codes, each code corresponding to a respective one of the functions, and is adapted to enable a function to be performed if a supplied enabling code corresponds in a valid manner with one of the stored function codes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a document (55). The method comprises exposing the document (55), such as a banknote, to infrared radiation; detecting infrared radiation reflected from a plurality of regions of the document (55) to generate at least one test pattern; determining if the or each test pattern satisfies a predetermined relationship with a predetermined pattern or patterns corresponding to a known document; and, if the predetermined relationship is satisfied, identifying the document (55) as being the same as the known document.

Abstract: A communication device (7) for interfacing cash handling apparatus (1-4) to a communications network (5). The device (7) comprises a processing system (11) for converting data received from either a communications network (5) or cash handling apparatus (1-4) to which the device is connected into a format suitable for transmission to its destination. The processing system (11) is provided on a support (8) which can be located in or on the cash handling apparatus.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus comprises a document transport system defining a transport path (1, 2) along which documents are conveyed.

Abstract: A document handling machine comprised a detector system (110) for detecting one or more characteristic features of documents. A control system (100) performs a number of functions related to information obtained from the detector system (110) and/or the manner in which documents are handled. The control system (100) includes a memory (6) for storing a set of codes, each code corresponding to a respective one of the functions, and is adapted to enable a function to be performed if a supplied enabling code corresponds in a valid manner with one of the stored function codes.

Abstract: A tool for reducing torque on work string, eg for gas or oil production, comprises an upper clamp (2), a lower clamp (3) and connection means (4), the three components formed as a unitary structure (1). The tool also comprises bearing means, preferably made from an elastomeric compound, and an annular body (7) (see FIG. 4) held in place over the connection means by the clamps. The clamps may comprise spigots (5) for retaining the connection means. In a preferred embodiment the annular body is in two semi-annular components connected at one end to allow them to pivot, and the other end comprises mating castellations for receiving a fastening pin. The annular body may comprise a number of replaceable wear pads (14) which may be made of bronze or an elastomer. The unitary structure of the tool enhances the integral strength and efficiency of the clamps.

Abstract: Document inspection apparatus comprises a document transport system (1) for transporting documents through a detector station (6). A linear array of separately activatable light sources (14, 15) at the detector (12) receives light transmitted through or reflected by any of the illuminated portions of the document and generates a corresponding output signal. A control system (9) sequentially activates the light sources and monitors the output signals from the detector.

Abstract: A method of processing documents of value. The method including detecting a visible pattern on at least one side of a document; detecting the response of at least one side of the document to infrared radiation; comparing the detected visible pattern to one or more predetermined patterns and identifying the document if the detected visible pattern is sufficiently similar to the or one of the predetermined patterns; and determining from the response to infrared radiation if the document is authentic.

Abstract: A method of processing documents of value.

Abstract: Sheet feed apparatus for supplying sheets such as banknotes from a store (1) to a sheet transport system. The apparatus comprises a feed system (4) for withdrawing sheets from the store (1). A separator system (12) is provided to which sheets are fed by the feed system (1), the separator system being adapted to feed sheets singly to the sheet transport system (22, 23). A controller (29) controls operation of the feed and separator systems (1, 12) independently.