Abstract: A method and apparatus includes at least one guide movable along a single axis of motion and at least one tip interface associated with the at least one guide, where the at least one tip interface moveable between a first position and a second position. A resilient member biases the at least one tip interface to the second position. A shape-memory alloy actuator moves the at least one tip interface to the first position in response to an electrical input. The shape-memory alloy actuator includes at least one electrical connector. At least one circuit board is connected to the at least one electrical connector, wherein the single axis of motion extends non-perpendicular to a planar surface of the at least one circuit board.

Abstract: A banknote deposit-withdrawal system (300) for assisting in a financial transaction includes an opening (415) to receive banknotes in an orientation where the short edge of the banknotes is the leading-edge. A transportation mechanism (303) transports received banknotes to a separation area in the short edge leading-edge orientation. A separator mechanism (22014) separates banknotes from bulk in the separation area and transports banknotes serially to a sensing unit (1402) in a long edge leading-edge orientation. The sensing unit validates the authenticity of inserted banknotes in the long edge leading-edge orientation. After authentication, if rejected, banknotes are returned to the user in short edge leading-edge orientation. After authentication banknotes deemed genuine are sent to storage units (1406) in the long edge leading-edge orientation.