Abstract: A color image forming apparatus includes a main body and a toner container setting part configured to set a plurality of toner containers individually therein. Each toner container contains a toner of a different color, and the setting part includes a receiving member configured to receive the plurality of toner containers inserted therein. The plurality of toner containers, inserted in the receiving member, are partially exposed.

Abstract: A toner resupply roller in a laser printer has ribs that are not parallel to the rotational axis of the roller. The ribs form a tilted, helical, herringbone, or other pattern on the roller. The nonparallel ribs may serve to reduce vibrations introduced into the printer mechanism, and to distribute toner in such a way as to reduce banding in printed materials.

Abstract: A developing device according to the present invention comprises an image developing roll 4 having a roll surface treated with sand blast treatment to form a rough surface morphology in which aluminum anodizing is also applied to the surface of the image developing roll 4 where the rough surface morphology is formed. To the image developing roll 4 is applied a development bias consisting of a direct current voltage overlapped with an alternate current voltage. In this arrangement, the image developing roll 4 can perform the functions of conveying developer, charging developer, and preventing of discharge of the developing bias, while the image developing roll 4 can be manufactured from a metallic roll such as aluminum roll at a low cost. Moreover, a gradual scraping of the image developing roll 4 surface by external additives of toner 3 suppresses adhering of toner 3 onto the surface of the image developing roll 4, preventing the occurrence of filming.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a generally fluidized toner in an image developer system utilized in an image forming system are provided. The method includes introducing a fluid, such as atmospheric air, into a chamber containing toner particles to fluidize the toner. The fluid-like characteristics of the fluidized toner may be used to delump and transport the toner, and to detect the toner level.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of image bearing members which are disposed along the conveying direction of transfer material and on which latent images are formed. Developing devices are disposed corresponding to the plurality of image bearing members and develop the latent images with developers. A transfer material bearing and conveying member and a transfer device to sequentially transfer the developer images developed on the plurality of image bearing members to the transfer material on the transfer material bearing and conveying member are also a part of the image forming apparatus. The apparatus also has a cleaning member which cleans the surface of the transfer material bearing and conveying member. A developer image that is not to be transferred onto the transfer material is formed only onto one image bearing member disposed downstream in the movement direction of the transfer material bearing and conveying member among the plurality of image bearing members.

Abstract: A sensor and associated method is disclosed for detecting presence of a sheet which is being advanced on a photoreceptor of an electrophotographic printing device. The sensor includes a vibratory member which is configured to be positioned in contact with the photoreceptor. The sensor further includes a drive circuit operable to generate an input signal on a signal line which is coupled to the vibratory member. In addition, the sensor includes a sensing circuit operable to (i) determine if a current level of the input signal falls below a threshold value, and (ii) generate a control signal in response thereto. The control signal may be used to stop advancement of the photoreceptor such as in the case where the control signal indicates that the sheet is improperly being advanced on the photoreceptor such as into a cleaning station.

Abstract: A curriculum scheduling method includes receiving input data identifying target subject matter, processing the input data to determine an educational standard associated with the target subject matter, querying a database to determine curricula that supports (i.e., contains lessons relevant to) the educational standard, receiving from the user a selection of at least one curricula item from among the determined curricula, and allocated time periods for participation in presentation of the selected curricula item(s). The educational standard may include a group of requirements and the database may be queried based on a requirements selected by the user.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the purchase and delivery of audio and video content (e.g., entertainment media) over the Internet is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system allows a user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use a cell phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast material, and have it remotely delivered to an independent device (e.g., the user's personal computer) without further user intervention. Thus, the system allows the user to order the desired content using a wireless device that the user will often have in his or her possession when he or she hears or sees the desired content, but to have the content delivered to a second remote device.

Abstract: In a radio transceiver operating in a time division duplex system, a cancellation use transmission signal which is reverse in phase and equal in amplitude to a leakage transmission signal from an antenna in the signal transmission is supplied to an input port of the receiving amplifier of a receiver connected to an antenna system applied in common to the signal transmission. The transmission signal is fed via a circulator, which separates a transmission and reception path, to the antenna. The leakage transmission signal from the antenna is inputted via the circulator to the receiving amplifier. The cancellation use transmission signal is fed to the receiving amplifier via a second circulator which distributes the transmission signal and cancellation use signal disposed at an output side of the transmitting amplifier.

Abstract: A luminescent external dialer for mobile phone primary includes a main unit and an external dialer. The main unit is connected to a mobile phone and having a voice-control circuit of hand-free set and a mobile phone charger circuit while the voice-control circuit of hand-free set is connected with a microphone as well as a speaker. The external dialer consists of a microprocessor, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a brightness controller, a keyboard, a luminescent panel circuit, a photosensitive circuit, and a memory. The external dialer is attached to the main unit and the main unit is connected with the mobile phone. The external dialer is installed at easy-to-reach location for the convenience of its users. Other features beneficial to users include the larger keyboard for a better command of the mobile phone and a luminescent panel circuit for increasing the brightness when the light in the environment is insufficient.

Abstract: A communication device (100) including a receiver (110), a demodulator (120), a frequency dependent LF amplifier (130) as well as a frequency dependent decoder (150) receives a HF signal (105) onto which speech information and data information are modulated on a single carrier. The LF signal (125) provided from demodulator (120) includes two separated frequency bands for speech and data. The amplifier (130) makes audible the speech via a speaker (140) and the decoder (150) evaluates the data information, displays the same at a display (160) and controls the amplifier (150,155), respectively.

Abstract: An amplifier having a linear operation region and a nonlinear operation region amplifies a transmission signal. A linear compensation circuit compensates the amplifier for linearity when operating in the nonlinear operation region. The operation of the linear compensation circuit is controlled so as to substantially bring the linear compensation operation to a stop when the amplifier operates in the linear operation region.

Abstract: A DPRAM is placed in the RF path before the digital to analog converter, to provide dynamic path gain compensation to the digital signal prior to conversion to an analog signal. The DPRAM stores corrections to the signal to compensate for amplitude losses in the signal arising from heat and non-linearities. The DPRAM has two sets of identical addresses. A logic switch, alternately directs an input signal to one of the two sets of addresses. Pre-calculated signal values which compensate for path gain are stored in one of the two sets of addresses in the DPRAM. The signal input to the DPRAM is directed to the other block. The value of the signal input to the DPRAM will determine the address to which the new value can be found. It is this new value which is actually input to the DAC and from which an analog signal is created.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a direct receiver technique based on one power measurement and time multiplexing of input signals. The proposed technique allows I/Q demodulation. The proposed technique bases on the passive linear three-port high frequency circuitry (1) having two RF signal input (2, 5) and one output port (3) attached to a power sensor (4). The signals output from the power sensor (4) is low pass filtered (17) and supplied to a DC interface. The proposed linear three-port circuitry (1) contains at least one RF switch and at least one passive circuit having at least one phase shifter functionality.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure wireless links between a handset and a base station in cordless telephone systems are described. A method of generating a secure wireless link between a handset and a base station includes initiating a linking procedure, generating a security code, trasmitting the security code from a sound transmitter, receiving the security code at a sound receiver and then establishing a radio frequency link between the handset and the base station utilizing the security code. A cordless telephone system capable of generating a secure wireless link includes both a handset and a base station. The handset includes a control circuit, an rf transmitter and an rf receiver coupled to the control circuit along with a sound receiver also coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A mobile switching center receives a call to a wireless telephone unit and determines if the wireless telephone unit is available to receive calls. If the wireless unit is unavailable, the mobile switching center forwards the call to a wireless service node, preferably immediately and without providing any ring back tone to the calling party. The wireless service node prompts the calling party to speak a message for transmission to the wireless telephone unit. The wireless service node converts the message spoken by the calling party from a speech message to a text message and forwards text message to a short message service center for transmission to the wireless unit.

Abstract: A multi-linguistic wireless spread spectrum narration service system includes a speech database, a plurality of basestation units, and at least one mobile unit. The speech database is stored with multi-linguistic narration service speech messages. The plurality of basestation units are arranged at each exhibition section of an exhibition field. Each basestation unit controller captures narration service speech messages from the speech database and a wireless communication is performed. The mobile unit controller is provided to be worn by a visitor. The mobile unit detects the wireless signals of a specific basestation unit. Thus, a synchronous or asynchronous connection is built through the spread spectrum radio frequency processing and baseband processing module. Therefore, the narration service speech message from the basestation unit is received.

Abstract: Method for automatically determining whether a communication trunk is operating properly without having to take the trunk out of service and without the need of a craftsperson to initiate the testing of the communication trunk. The communication trunk is tested for continuity and integrity on a periodic or aperiodic basis.

Abstract: The system and method for long baseline RTK survey are disclosed. The system includes a primary base station (PBS), a secondary base station (SBS), a primary data link between the PBS and the SBS, and a secondary data link between the SBS and a rover. The PBS, the SBS, and the rover are equipped with satellite antennas for satellite navigational purposes, and with the wireless Internet data accesses devices (WIDAD). The long baseline vector between the PBS and the rover is established by combining the primary baseline vector between the SBS and the PBS and the secondary baseline vector between the SBS and the rover. The PBS is placed in a position with a known location. The PBS wirelessly downloads its logged set of data into the Internet server using the (PBS-WIDAD). The SBS determines its precise position coordinates by accessing wirelessly the PBS logged data on the Internet server using the (SBS-WIDAD).

Abstract: A cellular communications network (200, FIG. 2) includes one or more aircraft (210), which provide communication channels to cellular communications units, and also communicate with one or more base transceiver stations (206) and a control center (214). The control center receives (502, 602) telemetry and flight parameter information from the aircraft, and calculates (510, 606) network parameters based on the information. The control center transmits (512, 608) messages to the cellular network, including the aircraft, based on the calculated network parameters, and the aircraft and cellular network controls (612) its operations according to information within these messages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the handoff threshold in a mobile communication system. The method includes the steps of evaluating the signal quality for the communication and lowering the dynamic threshold to encourage handoff if the signal quality indicator is lower than a preset quality threshold. The preset quality threshold represents a minimum acceptable signal quality level. The dynamic threshold may, in the alternative, be raised to discourage handoff if the signal quality indicator of the communication is at or near a maximum signal quality representing a signal having few errors.

Abstract: An RF repeater having a fixed or adjustable time delay inserted in the reverse path and/or forward path of the RF repeater is used in a first cell for improving hard handoff performance from the first cell to a second cell. Certain factors associated with the CDMA hard hand-off process effectively reduce the coverage area of the first cell, including the round-trip delay (RTD) uncertainty, the time needed to perform the hard hand-off process, and a higher forward link Eb/No requirement. Use of an RF repeater in accordance with the increases the effective coverage area of the first cell. The delayed signal from the RF repeater also allows the base station to determine the location of the subscriber station thereby identifying the particular adjacent cell to which the subscriber station will be switched (hard hand-off).

Abstract: A method of automatically adaptively assigning color codes to radio channels in the wireless network. The method comprises the steps of assigning an initial color code to a channel using a propagation prediction technique and automatically optimizing the initial color code assignment of the channel using radio disturbance measurement data when an alternate color code with the least amount of disturbance is identified.

Abstract: A system for efficiently employing a quick paging channel signal to determine the presence of a forthcoming primary paging channel in a wireless communications system employing a quick paging channel and a primary paging channel. The system includes a first mechanism for selectively processing a first quick paging channel symbol and/or a second quick paging channel symbol of a received signal based on a first decision parameter and/or a second decision parameter and providing a first indication in response thereto. A second mechanism processes the first quick paging channel symbol in response to the first indication and provides a second indication in response thereto indicating whether a forthcoming primary paging channel signal should be received and processed.

Abstract: An outer loop power control method for a mobile communication system is disclosed. By implementing two outer loop power control methods, one for a normal mode and the other for a soft handoff mode, the outer loop power control in the present invention variably adjusts the ratio of up/down step size for a power control threshold value during a soft handoff operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling transmission power during the establishment of a channel in a CDMA communication system utilizes the transmission of a short code from a subscriber unit to a base station during initial power ramp-up. The short code is a sequence for detection by the base station which has a much shorter period than a conventional spreading code. The ramp-up starts from a power level that is lower than the required power level for detection by the base station. The subscriber unit quickly increases transmission power while repeatedly transmitting the short code until the signal is detected by the base station. Once the base station detects the short code, it sends an indication to the subscriber unit to cease increasing transmission power. The use of short codes limits power overshoot and interference to other subscriber units and permits the base station to quickly synchronize to the spreading code used by the subscriber unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxide superconducting wire including a component provided in the form of a tape and a metal tape. The component in the form of a tape has an oxide superconducting member and a metal coating member formed mainly of silver and coating a surface of the oxide superconducting member. The metal tape, bonded in a heat treatment (e.g., fusion- or diffusion-bonded) to a surface of the component in the form of a tape, does not contain any superconducting material and it is formed mainly of silver and it also contains at least one component other than silver.

Abstract: An optical imaging probe for providing information representative of morphological arid biochemical properties of a sample is provided. The optical imaging probe includes a spectroscopic imaging probe element and an OCT imaging probe element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that can be used for compressing breast tissue during diagnostic procedures. The apparatus maintains a flat rigid surface against breast tissue during imaging but contains a removable element that allows access to the breast for performing a biopsy without repositioning the breast.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for tracking the motion of fluid traveling through a vessel and determining its velocity spectrum from magnetic resonance data collected within a single cycle. The present invention provides a process of independently acquiring and processing MR data from a single cardiac cycle. By combining a SPAMM excitation with a two-dimensional selective excitation, suitable tags of fluid flowing through the vessel may be created. The combination of the excitations produces a sinusoidal variation of transverse magnetization along a column of the fluid. A succession of gradient echoes are then collected to provide information about the flow of fluid in the excited vessel. Each gradient echo undergoes a transformation to obtain a 1-D projection of the excited fluid across the vessel. The magnitudes of the projections are then used to construct a velocity spectrum of the fluid.

Abstract: In a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, a basic magnetic field is produced and at least one magnetic gradient field is switched that comprises a main field component that is co-linear to the basic magnetic field, having a predetermined main gradient, this gradient field also having at least one accompanying field component that is perpendicular to the main field component, and also having a linearity volume. An additional magnetic field that is as homogenous is possible is thereby switched (activated) that extends beyond the linearity volume, and this additional magnetic field is switched at least for a duration of time in which the gradient field is also switched. This additional magnetic field is oriented such that it reduces at least one of the field components in at least one region of anticipated stimulation of the examination subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and using a shaped field of a repositionable magnet to move, guide, and/or steer a magnetic seed or catheter in living tissue for medicinal purposes. A moveable magnet assembly and a portion of a patient's body undergoing magnetically-aided surgery are both provided with fiducial markers. The portion of the patient's body is fixed in a location in which the fiducial markers are sensed and located by a set of localizers. The positions of the fiducial markers are determined by a processor, which operates on a stored representation of the magnetic field of a magnet in the magnet assembly to provide a display of the present magnetic field of the magnet. This display may be superimposed over an MRI, X-ray or CAT image during surgery. The repositionable magnet can be an electromagnet.

Abstract: From ECG-gated SPECT or PET images of radioactive myocardial perfusion imaging agents, contraction of the myocardium along the tangential direction, i.e., in the direction parallel to the myocardium, can be evaluated. The amount of the agents which accumulate in the heart muscle is calculated from reconstructed short-axis ECG-gated images and is projected on a virtual cylindrical screen whose axis is the same as the long axis of the heart. Spatial and temporal changes in time and space in the projected count distribution on the screen are described by a two-dimensional second order differential equation, which is called an equation of continuity for the fluid. This equation can be solved numerically with a computer. The displacements of points on the myocardium in the tangential direction are calculated by projecting the displacement of each point back onto the cardiac wall. From these displacements, contraction and expansion of the heart muscle can be quantified.

Abstract: In order to reduce bias associated with conventional ECG analysis, the present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve diagnosis of acute cardiac syndromes (ACS), such as acute myocardial infarction and acute cardiac ischemia (unstable angina), in specified groups of patients using ECG signals and automatic detection analysis. Specific criteria are developed and utilized based on a prespecified group selection for the particular patient. After identifying group membership for the particular patient, ECG data are acquired from a patient experiencing ACS symptoms. Known criteria typically used for assessing ACS are then modified for the particular group membership. Such criteria significantly reduce the bias found in a baseline group for which the known criteria were established.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for the detection of changes in dynamic properties of electrical brain activity to characterize and to differentiate between physiological and pathological conditions, or to anticipate epileptic seizures.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating human tissue using a master controller and a slave controller that communicate using high level commands. In one embodiment, a system of the invention includes a master controller, a slave controller in signal communication with and electrically isolated from the master controller, and a stimulation circuit in electrical communication with the slave controller and having a stimulation output capable of providing an electrical stimulation to the human tissue. The master controller communicates at least one command comprising at least one parameter to the slave controller, and the slave controller controls said stimulation circuit to stimulate human tissue in response to the command comprising at least one parameter.

Abstract: Rate responsive pacing systems that employ a time-dependent AV delay in the pacing hearts in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) (a CHF/DCM heart) during a post-implant Time-Adaptive period are disclosed. A starting or initial AV delay is set to an intrinsic AV delay time interval exhibited by the patient's heart at the time of implant. A chronic AV delay is then set to a therapeutic AV delay time interval that is shorter than the intrinsic AV delay time interval and alleviates symptoms of the CHF/DCM heart. A Time-Adaptive AV delay (TA-AV delay) is employed during a post-implant Time-Adaptive period that gradually changes the initial AV delay to the chronic AV delay at the end of the post-implant Time-Adaptive period.

Abstract: A stimulator for stimulating the leg or other parts of the body e.g. the leg in a patient with drop foot is provided, the stimulator being controlled by e.g a foot switch but being reliable in use and therefore commanding acceptance by users. The foot switch has to work in adverse environmental conditions and is subject to repeated use so that its characteristics vary with time. The invention provides a functional electrical stimulator for attachment to the leg that has adaptive characteristics and comprises first and second electrodes for attachment to the leg to apply an electrical stimulus, a foot switch for sensing foot rise or foot strike, a circuit responsive to said foot switch for generating stimulation pulses; and means forming part of said circuit for responding to changes in the resistance characteristics of said switch means by adjusting a corresponding response threshold of said circuit.

Abstract: This invention is for directly modulating a beam of photons onto the retinas of patients who have extreme vision impairment or blindness. Its purpose is to supply enough imaging energy to retinal prosthetics implanted in the eye which operate essentially by having light (external to the eye) activating photoreceptors, or photo-electrical material. The invention provides sufficient light amplification and does it logarithmically. While it has sufficient output light power, the output light level still remains at a safe level. Most preferred embodiments of this invention provide balanced biphasic stimulation with no net charge injection into the eye. Both optical and electronic magnification for the image, as for example, using an optical zoom lens, is incorporated. Otherwise, it would not be feasible to zoom in on items of particular interest or necessity. Without proper adjustment, improper threshold amplitudes would obtain, as well as uncomfortable maximum thresholds.

Abstract: A technique for acquiring and accessing information from a medical implantable device is provided. Analog waveforms of interest are sensed and processed by signal acquisition circuitry. Analog parameters of interest are applied to selector switches which are controlled by a logic circuit. The logic circuit is also coupled an A/D converter for converting the analog signals to digital values. The digital values are stored in dedicated registers and are available for telemetry to an external device upon receipt of a request or prompt signal. When a digitized value is accessed and telemetered, the control logic circuit changes the conductive state of the selector switches to apply the corresponding analog signal to the A/D converter. The resulting digital value is applied to the corresponding register to refresh the accessed and telemetered value. The technique permits the external device to request and configure the implanted device to send only digitized values of interest.

Abstract: A method for the dependable operation of a spatially separated input device of a numerical control that includes inputting at an input device so as to generate output signals, supplying the output signals to at least two processors and checking the output signals or signals based on the output signals for conformity in a comparator device. The method further includes transmitting a first shut-off signal to a control unit if there is no conformity.

Abstract: An event detector and associated methods of protecting systems provide convenient and economical safety features. In a described embodiment, an ignition sequence detector for a boiler system has a microprocessor which is programmed so that an ignition control module of the boiler system is deprived of primary power when an improper sequence of events occurs. The ignition sequence detector includes multiple event detectors interconnected to the microprocessor, and is configured so that it is usable in high RFI environments.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling an appliance including a first wireless communication port is disclosed. In one aspect, the method and system provide a portable digital device for remotely controlling an appliance. The portable digital device includes a processor, a second wireless communication port coupled with the processor, and a control program for use by the processor. Upon a query provided from the second wireless communication port to the first wireless communication port, an interface residing on the appliance is provided from the appliance to the portable digital device. This allows the control program to control the appliance using the interface. In another aspect, the method and system include providing the interface residing on the appliance. The interface is capable of being uploaded to a portable digital device including a processor, a control program, and a second wireless communication port.

Abstract: An antenna system for a radio frequency (“RF”) wireless keyboard includes a metallic plate as a part of the antenna system. The metallic plate is located within the wireless keyboard. A RF transmitter is coupled to the metallic plate and an antenna wire which form an the antenna loop. The antenna loop may also be directly integrated into the metallic plate by creating a cut-out space in the metallic plate. The antenna system may also include the metallic plate directly coupled with the RF transmitter so that the metallic plate is a whip or dipole antenna. The RF transmitter generates RF signals associated with particular keyswitches of the wireless keyboard. The antenna system transmits the generated RF signals to a RF receiver that resides separately from, and that communicates with, the wireless keyboard.

Abstract: A network of centrally controlled, customizable digital broadcast stations capable of broadcasting music, videos, audible advertisements, and visual advertisements is disclosed. The invention includes a program database, a station demographic database, a central controller, and a plurality of digital broadcast stations. The central controller includes one or more servers, multiple computer workstations, and multiple call directors. Each digital broadcast station includes a computer, a loudspeaker(s), and a microphone. Optionally, a digital broadcast station may include a projector(s) or flat screen television(s). The central controller completely controls the broadcast content and broadcast schedule of the plurality of digital broadcast stations. The present invention allows advertisers to conduct targeted advertising campaigns within the network of digital broadcast stations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a distributed computerized control and information system for a manufacturing system which generates a product from distinct components, where the manufacturing system includes a plurality of processing machines which generate signals indicative of parameters of the processing machines' operation. The system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with an associated processing machine for non-intrusively obtaining parameter signals in real-time from the processing machine so as to not interfere with the parameter signal generation and transmission. Also included is a plurality of command apparatus in communication with an associated sensor for providing real-time analysis of the received parameter signal of the associated processing machine, and a summary station in communication with the plurality of command apparatus for providing real-time summary and detailed analysis of received parameter signals from associated processing machines.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for defining a system hierarchy for a system including a plurality of variables. The method includes generating a first level system block corresponding to a first variable at a first level of the system hierarchy. The first level system block includes statistical information related to the first variable. A second level system block is generated corresponding to a second variable at a second level of the system hierarchy. The second variable has an effect on a value of the first variable. The second level system block includes statistical information related to the second variable.

Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system to regulate the sheet transport speed in a sheet handling device. Sheets are transported at a transport speed governed by an assigned signal. The actual transport speed of the sheets is determined and the assigned signal is adjusted to make the actual transport speed match a desired transport speed.

Abstract: The bill arranger of the present invention comprises: a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from said loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by said conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by said conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in said loader; a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from said loader, to one of said stackers, by said conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by said discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by said operating device; and displays, separately provided for said respective stackers, which can change displayed contents.