Abstract: A method of currency examination is provided by transporting a bill through an examination station, projecting a beam of light at the bill as the bill is transported through the station, sensing and integrating light transmissivity of the bill over a principle portion of the area of a bill during transport of the bill past the beam of light, transporting the bill over a first course and depositing the bill in a first collection means when the bill exhibits a predetermined light transmissivity characteristic representative of a fit bill and alternatively transporting the bill over a second course and depositing the bill in a second collection means when the bill exhibits a predetermined light transmissivity characteristic representative of an unfit bill. Those bills transported over the second course are demonitized during transport. An apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention is described.

Abstract: The system includes a counter for entering the quantity of a block of currency, commonly referred to as a strap, in terms of the number of bills contained within the strap. A detection circuit detects various entry conditions and determines quality and fitness. Bills are sorted accordingly, and a total count is maintained. The entry is monitored for condition factors such as bill size, double bills, or bills too closely spaced, which provides for rejection of improper entry as well as inhibiting the operation of the input count for consistency. Verification of an input count is provided by further count detection in the area of collection. Sorting, in accordance with detection and gating of the fit and unfit bills is also provided, as well as individualized count control and display. Consistency of strap size is maintained by automatic insertion of card separators between straps in accordance with a desired strap size.