Abstract: A self service terminal (SST) 10 is described, having a deposit means 18 for allowing a user to deposit a number of media items into the SST. A single media transport path 20 transports deposited items via an escrow storage 22 to either a check bin 24 or a banknote bin 26. Items may be determined as banknotes or checks either automatically by the SST, by means of a media scanner and verifier 30, or manually, by allowing the user to identify the deposited items. The SST also comprises a safe 34, within which the banknote bin 26 is located. Embodiments of the invention may provide the check bin 24 either within or outside the safe 34. Various methods of processing media deposited into the SST are also described.

Abstract: A self service terminal (SST) 10 is described, having a deposit means 18 for allowing a user to deposit a number of media items into the SST. A single media transport path 20 transports deposited items via an escrow storage 22 to either a check bin 24 or a banknote bin 26. Items may be determined as banknotes or checks either automatically by the SST, by means of a media scanner and verifier 30, or manually, by allowing the user to identify the deposited items. The SST also comprises a safe 34, within which the banknote bin 26 is located. Embodiments of the invention may provide the check bin 24 either within or outside the safe 34. Various methods of processing media deposited into the SST are also described.

Abstract: Information relating to the characteristics of the documents contained in a document cassette 16 is stored in a button memory 22 on the cassette housing and is read when the cassette 16 is inserted into a document feeding apparatus. The information is processed and correlated with data stored in the memory 74 of a control unit 70 to determine the optimum settings for a mechanism 10 for picking such documents. In particular, during a pick operation, a predetermined number of pulses are supplied to a stepper motor 50, so that when the friction belt 30 is moved into engagement with the documents of the cassette 16, an optimum pressure is exerted by the belt 30 on the documents in the cassette 16. A retard roller 52 is then moved to an optimum position in relation to the belt 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card reader system (10) including a detector (58') for determining a predetermined irregular mode of operation of the reader system. The invention is characterized by a card invalidation device (21, 24, 26) operable to render a card (2) permanently non-usable in response to the detection of the predetermined irregular mode of operation.

Abstract: In a sheet separating apparatus, for example an automated teller machine (ATM) in which banknotes are removed one by one from a stack (12) of banknotes, includes a vacuum pump (32), and suction unit (10A,B,C,D) connectable alternately between a vacuum enable port (30) of the vacuum pump (32) when a note is picked from the stack (12), and a vacuum release port (42) of the pump (32), when the note is released from the suction unit. Pre-filtered air from the vacuum pump (32) is therefore partially recycled, and dust is substantially excluded from the system.

Abstract: In sheet separating apparatus suitable for use in an automated teller machine (ATM), sheets, such as banknotes, are removed singly from a stack (14) using reduced pressure derived from a vacuum pump (86). An air filter (72) is provided in the vacuum supply line (16) from the vacuum pump (86). A pressure sensor (68) senses the pressure in the vacuum supply line (16) and when this rises to a threshold value, causes the vacuum pump to supply reverse air flow through the air filter (72) to transport any dust particles impeding the operation of the air filter (72) to a dust collection container (106).