Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.

Abstract: A combination banknote validator, banknote accumulator, banknote storage cassette and banknote dispenser is designed in a modular manner and the accumulator and banknote dispenser cooperate to additionally define part of a processing pathway therebetween. The banknotes can move in either direction along the processing pathway and preferably several accumulators are located along the pathway. The banknote dispenser is of a rotary design and stacks banknotes on the surface thereof and dispenses a stack of banknotes through a discharge opening.

Abstract: The banknote validator has an efficient drive path for moving banknotes through a validating head past a series of sensors. A series of sets of drive rollers are commonly connected by a gear train and efficiently move the banknote in a manner to avoid jamming of the banknote during feeding of the banknote and during ejection of the banknote from the inlet. The configuration of the banknote pathway, the mounting of the sensors, and the drive arrangement cooperate to provide a cost effective and effective validator.

Abstract: A simple high optical efficiency reflective optical sensor for bill validator uses an inexpensive bulb having a case which is transparent to efficient luminous radiation. This case is used as a wave guide to return reflected radiation to at least one photo detector situated directly under the transparent bottom of the case. The bulb emits a narrow beam of light and is positioned in close proximity and perpendicular to a bill surface and illuminates it. The light reflected or fluoresced by the bill is collected widely with a convex lens end of the bulb case and this collected radiation is transmitted through the bulb case to the at least one photo detector. Preferably, the bulb is a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A banknote cassette includes a generally rectangular casing for receiving and storing banknotes in a stacked manner. The case includes a foldable handle, movable from a storage position to a locked operating position with the handle maintaining the locked operating position. In a preferred aspect, the foldable handle includes two opposed handle segments which cooperate with each other during movement of the handle segments from the storage position to the operating position.

Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.

Abstract: A metal bezel with replaceable inserts allows for operation of a validator in one of two orientations. The metal inserts of the bezel provide an upwardly angled banknote feed path having two opposite transitions to reduce the possibility of coins being jammed in the pathway. Preferably, the metal bezel includes its own sensor and drive arrangement for moving of a banknote through the bezel to the drive of the validator.

Abstract: The banknote validator has an efficient drive path for moving banknotes through a validating head past a series of sensors. A series of sets of drive rollers are commonly connected by a gear train and efficiently move the banknote in a manner to avoid jamming of the banknote during feeding of the banknote and during ejection of the banknote from the inlet. The configuration of the banknote pathway, the mounting of the sensors, and the drive arrangement cooperate to provide a cost effective and effective validator.

Abstract: A banknote cassette includes a generally rectangular casing for receiving and storing banknotes in a stacked manner. The case includes a foldable handle, movable from a storage position to a locked operating position with the handle maintaining the locked operating position. In a preferred aspect, the foldable handle includes two opposed handle segments which cooperate with each other during movement of the handle segments from the storage position to the operating position.

Abstract: A banknote accumulator receives banknotes on a winding drum interior to a housing through a banknote slot. The housing has a number of unique features including its exterior shape. The accumulator is essentially passive as the operation thereof is controlled by an exterior system but it includes various senses and signal processing to provide information to adjust the operation of the accumulator. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the housing includes transparent panels that allow visual inspection of the interior of the housing. A hinged panel is movable between a closed operative position and an open service position and is held in the closed operative position by a latch.

Abstract: A method of loading banknotes to a banknote validator and dispenser system replaces the existing validator with a combination loader and validator. A stack of banknotes has been preloaded in the loader and are not accessible to the service technician. The loader is inserted into the system in place of the removed validator and forms an electrical connection with the system. Banknotes are fed from the loader and directed by the system to the appropriate accumulator and stored therein for later dispensing. The validator of the loader can be of high speed to reduce the loading time. Access to the stack of banknotes and access to banknotes stored in the accumulators is restricted and secure.

Abstract: A combination banknote validator, banknote accumulator, banknote storage cassette and banknote dispenser is designed in a modular manner and the accumulator and banknote dispenser cooperate to additionally define part of a processing pathway therebetween. The banknotes can move in either direction along the processing pathway and preferably several accumulators are located along the pathway. The banknote dispenser is of a rotary design and stacks banknotes on the surface thereof and dispenses a stack of banknotes through a discharge opening.

Abstract: A combination banknote validator, banknote accumulator, banknote storage cassette and banknote dispenser is designed in a modular manner and the accumulator and banknote dispenser cooperate to additionally define part of a processing pathway therebetween. The banknotes can move in either direction along the processing pathway and preferably several accumulators are located along the pathway. The banknote dispenser is of a rotary design and stacks banknotes on the surface thereof and dispenses a stack of banknotes through a discharge opening.