Abstract: A sheet handling device comprising a first roller (5) defining a reference surface which defines part of a sheet feed path along which sheets are fed, The roller (5) is mounted to a support (26) by arms (6) such that under normal working conditions the roller is fixed relative to the support, The arms (6) are biassed by a spring (12) to hold the roller (5) in its fixed position, the spring force being such that under abnormal conditions the roller (5) moves relative to the support (26) whereby the reference surface moves away from its sheet feed path defining position.

Abstract: A sheet store, such as a banknote cassette, comprises a container having an access opening. The access opening is provided with a closure member and a locking device for locking the closure member in the closed position. The locking device includes an electrically conductive non-ferromagnetic member supported for movement between locked and unlocked positions. The member is biased to one of the positions and caused to move to the other of the positions in response to the generation of a magnetic field in the vicinity of the member.

Abstract: Article handling apparatus comprises a carriage mounted to a support for to and fro movement along a path (A). An article conveyor is mounted on the carriage defined by opposed conveying surfaces for conveying articles relative to the carriage along a transport path substantially parallel with the path of movement of the carriage relative to the support. First and second drives are provided for moving the carriage and actuating the article conveyor respectively, whereby in one operating mode, when the carriage is moved by the first drive, the second drive causes a compensatory movement of the article conveyor such that the opposed conveying surfaces defining the transport path remain substantially stationary. The carriage is movable to either of two dispense positions at opposite ends of the carriage path such that when the carriage is positioned at a dispense position articles held on the carriage may be dispensed by suitably opening the article conveyor.

Abstract: A sheet store, particularly a banknote cassette, adapted for dispensing or accepting sheets comprises a container having two openings adjacent one another. Each opening is associated with respective first and second closure members movable between closed positions in which the openings are closed and open positions. A control assembly is provided for controlling operation of the closure members, the arrangement being such that when the store is to be used to dispense the sheets the control assembly enables both of the closure members to open but when the store is to be used to accept sheets the control assembly enables only one closure member to open.

Abstract: A sheet feeding system comprises an interlock assembly for use with a sheet store which includes, a carriage slidably mounted in a housing. A disc shaped locking member locks the carriage in a first position relatively to the housing. A probe can be inserted into the carriage to move a spring biassed plunger out of engagement with the disc to allow the disc to move into an aperture in the probe in order to lock the probe with the carriage for movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: A sheet store, particularly for banknotes, comprises a container having an opening through which sheets can pass closed by a shutter. A pressure member is positioned in the container. The pressure member is biassed by two springs connected in series. A clamp is provided selectively to restrain the influence of one spring allowing two bias forces to be applied to the pressure member.