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 currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills after they have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to one of the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacle evaluates the bills. The discriminating unit counts and determines the denomination of the bills. A means for flagging bills meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to a determination that a bill meets or fails to meet the criteria.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure 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: Abstract of the Disclosure A U.S. currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of U.S. currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. According to one embodiment the device comprises an input receptacle positioned to receive a stack of bills to be evaluated and at least one output receptacle positioned to receive bills after evaluation. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the at least one output receptacle. The device also comprises a denomination discriminating unit adapted to denominate bills of a plurality of U.S. denominations. According to some embodiments, the device is adapted to deliver any bill that has been denominated to one and only one of the at least one output receptacle. According to some embodiments, the device has a single output receptacle.

Abstract: An improved feed arrangement is provided for use with currency handling apparatus in which cooperating action of an actively-driven drum roller is used for feeding bills stacked in an input bin along the bill transport path. The picker roller is rotationally driven, not by direct contact with the drum roller, but by contact with a pressure roller which is driven by the drum roll. In effect, the picker roller is rotated in a direction counter to the direction of the bill flow so that bills other than the bottom bill in a given stack are effectively pushed away from the direction of bill flow. The picker roller is, consequently, activated to function as a retard roller, as opposed to the conventional feeding action provided by picker rollers which are in counter-rotating contact with the drum roller about the direction of bill flow.