Abstract: A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector includes means defining a note path and gate means in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate means and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate means. The gate means is biased towards the fully closed position. The foreign object detector also includes sensing means for detecting when the gate means is in the fully closed position. In the fully closed position, a leading edge of the gate means extends outside the note path and is received within a recess in the means defining the note path, whereby a foreign object in the note path obstructing the recess prevents the gate means from reaching the fully closed position, the sensing means thereby detecting the presence of the foreign object in the note path.

Abstract: Currency note and ticket processing apparatus, includes a housing, and a currency note validator for examining and validating or rejecting currency notes. A redeemable ticket reader is provided for reading redeemable tickets, while a printer is included to prepare new redeemable tickets for issuance for later redemption. Further provided is structure defining one or more pathways within the housing and an opening in an external wall of the housing communicable with the pathway(s) whereby the opening is a common opening at which currency notes or redeemable tickets are inserted into the housing and conveyed respectively to and beyond the currency note validator and the redeemable ticket reader, and at which new redeemable tickets prepared by the printer are issued from the housing. Means is provided for driving currency notes or redeemable tickets along the pathway(s) to or from the common opening.

Abstract: A coin validator includes a coin insertion opening (40), a coin return opening (45) and a structure defining a coin path (30) from the coin insertion opening to the coin return opening. The coin path includes a return region (59) that extends upstream from the coin return opening, and means (55) to detect and identify an object in a detection region (54) of the coin path. Gate means (56) in the coin path between the detection region and the return region is responsive to identification of the object to either divert the object from the coin path or constrain it to traverse the path to the coin return opening. In one aspect, part (10) of the structure is actuable to move so as to widen substantially the whole of the coin path including the return region, whereby to facilitate clearance of jams in the coin path.

Abstract: A coin validator includes a coin insertion opening (40), a coin return opening (45) and a structure defining a coin path (30) from the coin insertion opening to the coin return opening. The coin path includes a return region (59) that extends upstream from the coin return opening, and means (55) to detect and identify an object in a detection region (54) of the coin path. Gate means (56) in the coin path between the detection region and the return region is responsive to identification of the object to either divert the object from the coin path or constrain it to traverse the path to the coin return opening. In one aspect, part (10) of the structure is actuable to move so as to widen substantially the whole of the coin path including the return region, whereby to facilitate clearance of jams in the coin path.