Abstract: A sensor section for obtaining identification data from a bill passing through a bill transfer path can selectively be mounted in a plurality of positions on the body of a bill identifying apparatus. The sensor section is mounted in one of the mounting positions, and a certain region of the bill passing through the transfer path is sensed by means of a sensor section to obtain identification data. When the use of forged bill is identified by the bill identifying apparatus, or after the machine has been used for a predetermined time, the mounting position of the sensor section is changed to another one. Thereupon, the sensor section senses other region of the bill passing through the transfer path to obtain identification data. Thus, the sensor section can easily cope with the use of the counterfeit bill even if the bill identifying apparatus is designed to be capable of sensing only a part of the whole area of the bill.

Abstract: A system for authenticating documents comprises in one embodiment an ultraviolet light source illuminating a document to be tested, an ultraviolet light detector for detecting the ultraviolet light reflected by the document and a signal processor for determining the authenticity of the document based upon an output signal of the ultraviolet light detector representing the amount of detected ultraviolet light. The document is considered genuine if the output signal is within a predetermined range of an expected value. In another embodiment, the system combines the ultraviolet light source and ultraviolet light detector with a visible light detector for detecting visible light emitted by the document. The signal processor receives signals from both the ultraviolet detector and the visible light detector and determines the authenticity of the document based upon signals representing the reflected ultraviolet light and detected visible light.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting counterfeit documents has a gate defining a path through which documents can be passed to engage a nib which transfers a reactive liquid from a reservoir to a document. The reactive liquid reacts with the document to indicate whether the document is a counterfeit. To limit the evaporation of reactive liquid, a seal seals the nib from the atmosphere when no document is in the path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrimination method which reduces memory size and validate bills at a high speed. According to the present invention, reflected light or transmitted light from a paper note is received by an image sensor, image data is stored in a memory device, a region of the paper note is cut out from the image data in the memory device, the cut-out paper note image data is blocked and normalized, and a bit corresponding to the blocked value is turned on, the block paper note image data is encoded into pattern data, and the compression-coded pattern data is compared with prestored reference paper note pattern data to discriminate the paper note.

Abstract: Detecting counterfeit banknotes is achieved by directing ultraviolet light at a sample from a source (104) and measuring the level of ultraviolet light reflected from the sample using a first photocell (105) and the amount of fluorescent light generated by the sample using a second photocell (106). The detected levels are compared with reference levels and only if both reflective and fluorescent criteria are satisfied is the note declared genuine. The sample, during test, is swiped over a glass window (102), preferably under an overlying shield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using electronic security coupons in connection with locking mechanisms for preventing unauthorized access to or removal of internal components of vending and gaming machines. A security coupon is received in the bill validator section of the machine, the security coupon is recognized, and the locking mechanism is unlocked. The security coupon optionally can be stored in a currency cassette.

Abstract: A bill processor for use in a bill handling machine comprises a first bill transport passage for guiding a bill inserted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of bills stacked in a stacker toward substantially middle of interior of the main body of the bill handling machine, and a second bill transport passage for guiding the bill from the termination end of the first bill transport passage along the longitudinal direction of the stacked bills, wherein the first bill transport passage is formed in a meandering form along the longitudinal direction of the stacked bills, whereby the depth of the bill processor can be made small.

Abstract: An optical sensor system for use in a currency validator is described. The system includes a controller, a plurality of light transmitters, a plurality of light receivers and a variable gain amplifier circuit connected to the receivers and to the microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the gain of the variable gain amplifier circuit. The variable gain amplifier circuit includes dual transconductance amplifiers connected together in such a manner to compensate for leakage current over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: Individual sheets of paper currency or bills are conveyed in line in a path from a receiving inlet slot through a verification station and outputting verified currency through a storage slot. The verification station senses the value and authenticity of the currency and converts the value into a signal and thereafter moves the paper currency to the storage station where they are securely stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a photovoltaic vending actuator including a light source coupled to a currency collector, supplying a beam of light at a first wavelength when proper currency is inserted in the currency collector. A light modifying device is positioned to receive the beam of light from the light source and to transmit a beam of light at a second wavelength. A light detector is sensitive to light at the second wavelength and positioned to receive the beam of light from the light modifying device. A circuit is coupled to the light detector for dispensing an item when actuated by the light detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a printed value sheet for printed value sheet validation apparatus is provided. Light is emitted from a light emitting element onto a first part of a printed value sheet on a first surface side thereof while the sheet is being transported so that a portion of the emitted light transmits through the sheet from the first surface side to a second surface side. The light having transmitted through the sheet to the second surface side is guided onto a second part of the sheet on the second surface side by a light guiding element so that a portion of the guided light transmits through the sheet back to the first surface side at the second part. A portion of the light so transmitted back to the first side is received by a light receiving element so as to be converted to an optical data pattern for analysis.

Abstract: A method for encrypting bill validation data generated by a bill validator is disclosed. Such data includes an inserted bill's denomination and country of origin as determined by sensors in the bill validator. Once such information is obtained, it is encrypted by combination with an encryption key selected from a table of such keys. The encrypted data is then communicated to a machine associated with the bill validator such as a gaming or vending machine. Upon receipt, the machine decrypts the data to obtain the original bill validation data. If the machine finds the denomination and issuing country of the inserted bill to be acceptable, the machine instructs the bill validator to accept the bill and store it in a bill repository.

Abstract: This invention features a machine for both validating checks and authenticating paper currency. The check validating apparatus of the machine is made up of a photo-sensor, a magnetizing unit, a magnetic head reader, a pair of feed rollers and a stepper motor drive for rotatively driving the feed rollers. The machine uses the same internal apparatus for authenticating paper currency bills. A currency bill is introduced to the nip of the feed rollers. The photo-sensor senses the presence of the currency bill and activates the stepper motor drive. The stepper motor drive then causes the feed rollers to rotate, drawing the bill into the machine. The microprocessor program initially instructs the stepper motor to rotate the feed rollers for forward drive, utilizing half-step pulsing. As the currency bill moves past the magnetizing unit and magnetic head reader on forward motion into the machine, a strip of the bill is magnetized.

Abstract: A banknote (9) inserted by a user in an entrance channel (1) of a banknote validator moves along a transport path defined by upper and lower belts (10 and 11) past two sensors (2). Each belt is supported on a respective support member (6, 7). The belts are driven on respective rollers (12, 13) which are rotatable on respective axles (14, 15). Projections (21, 20) or the support members bear on the axles (15, 14) against the action of springs (19, 18) such that the lower belt (11), in the region of the first sensor (2), is located at a predetermined distance from the first sensor and that the upper belt (10), in the region of the second sensor (2), is located at a predetermined spacing from the second sensor (2), thus causing the inserted banknote (9) to pass the sensors (2) at a predetermined spacing therefrom. Reference surfaces are similarly mounted. A support for the axles is described in which one end of the axle is axially movable relative to the support.

Abstract: If the number of returned bills is two or more, the returned bills are identified as abnormally returned bills by an abnormally returned bill detector, and predetermined abnormal-state processing is accomplished by performing control operations using an abnormality processor. If a bill has jammed in the bill conveying channel, information concerning the direction in which the bill has jammed is stored in the bill jamming direction memory unit of the control unit, and, as a result of control operations performed by the bill reverse-direction conveyance control unit of the control unit, the bill is conveyed in the direction opposite to the bill jamming direction stored in the bill jamming direction memory unit when the bill jammed in the bill conveying channel is to be removed.

Abstract: A currency validator with a cash cassette for use in vending machines has an acceptor module for receiving various sizes and denominations of currency, a sensor which confirms the validity of the currency and a drive unit which transfers the currency to a stacker mechanism for inserting the currency into a cassette cash box that is securable and tamper resistant. The currency validator also has a screw drive mechanism operative with the stacker wherein the screw drive mechanism controls the movement of the stacker to insert the currency into the cassette cash box. A processor controls the stroke or movement of the stacker mechanism depending upon the size of the currency inserted into the currency validator. Moreover, the cassette cash box is structured such that the stacker is included within the cassette cash box and is operatively controlled by the rotation and movement of the screw drive mechanism which may also be included in the cash cassette.

Abstract: The note path of a banknote validator has a U-shaped transverse cross section. A transverse strip of the note path is illuminated by light from a light transmitting station by means of a unitary light guide which has an arcuate portion conforming to the transverse cross section of the note path. Light reflected from a banknote, within the note path, is captured by the light guide and guided to a light receiving station. The light guide is shaped such that a transverse strip of the note path is substantially evenly illuminated. The U-shape of the note path also assists the insertion of notes into the validator, as an inserted note is caused to bow during insertion thereby increasing its rigidity.

Abstract: A method and device for authenticating documents comprising an ultraviolet light source illuminating a document to be tested; an ultraviolet light detector generating an output signal responsive to ultraviolet light reflected by the document; and a signal processor receiving the ultraviolet detector output signal and determining the authenticity of the document based upon said output signal.

Abstract: A validator portion of a bill validator is disclosed comprising two different plastic materials of different colors, fused together. The first plastic material is preferably opaque, or black, and the second plastic material is preferably clear. The clear material is used to provide windows through the validator housings for light to pass from light sources, such as light emitting diodes, to photodetectors, such as photo-transistors, and protects the light source and photodetectors from water, dirt and air. Prisms can be provided as well, to provide a detector for foreign matter such as string. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the validator can be formed by a two shot, injection molding process.

Abstract: A modular bill validator is disclosed consisting of easily separable modules and sub-modules. The main modules consist of a validation module and a removable, lockable or sealable stacker module. The validation module has slide out sub-modules can function independently without a stacker module or can accept replaceable stacker modules of different styles and sizes. The stacker module comprises a novel low power mechanism with moveable stacker bars to effect stacking of bills rather than fixed rails and a pusher plate thereby achieving an appreciable saving of space over prior art devices and permitting greater stacking capacity for bills. Various security options as well as improved sensing and validation techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a counterfeit currency detection system capable of scanning currency on front and back for serial numbers, front and back plate numbers and quadrant numbers. The scanning is digitally computerized and compared to a data bank containing current information on counterfeit currency to determine validity of the present currency.

Abstract: An exchange machine is provided with a bank note qualification detecting unit for detecting the qualification of a recovered bank note, a conveying unit for conveying the bank note to a stacking unit for recovery when the bank note qualification detecting unit determines that the bank note is damaged, and a conveying unit for conveying the bank note to a stacking unit for exchange when the bank note qualification detecting unit determines that the bank note is not damaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a paper currency. Before the front end of the currency is detected by optical sensors, the output signal (DATA1) from the optical sensors is stored in a first storage device. When the rear end of the currency subsequently passes across the sensors and the currency is no longer detected by the sensors, the output signal (DATA3) from the sensors is stored in a second storage device. If any currency-withdrawing device such as cord or tape is not attached to the currency, the DATA1 is equal to the DATA3 because these two kinds of data indicate the state in which nothing is present in the currency conveyance passageway. If such a currency-withdrawing device is attached to the currency, light from light-emitting devices is blocked or reflected by the cord or tape, thus varying the DATA3. However, the DATA1 is not affected. As a result, the DATA1 becomes unequal to the DATA3.

Abstract: A currency receiving device is disclosed which comprises a safe, having a lockable access opening and a lockable currency receiving opening, a removable currency receptacle contained within the safe and positioned to receive currency through the currency receiving opening, a currency counter for counting and identifying currency received and placing the currency in a position to pass through the currency receiving opening, and a controller which governs the opening and closing of the currency receiving opening. Currency inserted into the currency counter is deposited on top of a panel which covers the currency receiving opening. If it is desired to deposit the currency into the safe, an operator engages a microprocessor controller causing the currency to be deposited onto a moveable platform within the currency receptacle. The platform is simultaneously lowered to allow further currency to be deposited. When desired, the currency receptacle can be removed from the safe and transported to another location.

Abstract: A device for sorting, storing and paying out of valuable documents, and particularly bank notes, which is capable of handling paying-in and paying-out in a single apparatus. The device uses continuous film means to enclose the document and to transport the document about a collecting spool. By use of a detecting device and a verification device, the documents are verified and stored in order prior to a subsequent pay-out if verified or return to the submitter if unverified.

Abstract: For the classification of a pattern in particular on a banknote or a coin, a receiving system detects, by a measurement procedure, vectors of a test item, a pre-processing system transforms the measured vectors into local feature vectors ALCi(l) and a learning classification system carries out a plurality of testing operations. A first activity compares in a first testing operation each of the local feature vectors ALCi(l) to a vectorial reference value. It is only if the first testing operation takes place successfully that the first activity, by means of first estimates which are stored in a data base, links the local feature vectors ALC(l) to provide global line feature vectors AGIi. In a second testing operation a third activity compares the global line feature vectors AGIi to corresponding reference values and, if the second testing operation is successful, computes a single global surface vector AGF of which a fourth activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for validating bank notes and other valuable documents having magnetic characteristics which provide a predefined signature. The validator comprises a receptor for receiving a bank note. The bank note is inserted in the receptor and pulled through a passage-way which includes magnetic and optical sensing chambers. The magnetic sensing chamber includes a sensor and a magnetic head for generating a magnetic field. When the bank note passes through the magnetic sensing chamber, the magnetic characteristics of the bank note affect the magnetic field and the sensor produces an output signal corresponding to the magnetic field. The validator includes a processor which processes the output signal to produce a bank note frequency value correlated to the signature of the bank note. The processor validates the bank note by comparing the frequency value to a base-line frequency value and determining the deviation from the base-line value.

Abstract: A paper money recognition and transmission system including a housing with a paper money slot, an upper mainframe and a lower mainframe detachably connected together and mounted inside the housing, a transmission unit mounted on the lower mainframe and consisting of a step motor, a belt transmission mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, a plurality of caps, and two rubber rollers, a paper money recognition circuit, the paper money recognition circuit including sensors controlled to detect and recognize inserted paper money and to turn the step motor forwards, when a true paper money is recognized, causing the inserted paper money to be delivered forwards, the step motor being turned reversely when a counterfeit paper money is detected, causing the counterfeit paper money to be delivered backwards out of the system.

Abstract: A bill discriminating apparatus for a bill handling machine including an ultraviolet ray lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays toward bills, a light detector for photoelectrically detecting visible light emitted from phosphor materials contained in bills upon being irradiated with ultraviolet rays and producing visible light detection signals, a visible light detection signal amplifier for amplifying the visible light detection signals produced by the light detector, an ultraviolet ray detector for photoelectrically detecting ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet ray lamp and producing ultraviolet ray detection signals, a CPU for receiving the visible light detection signals amplified by the visible light detection signal amplifier and the ultraviolet ray detection signals produced by the ultraviolet ray detector and discriminating bills, the CPU adjusting an amplifying factor of the visible light detection signal amplifier in accordance with levels of ultraviolet ray detection signals input from the ult

Abstract: A sheet discriminating apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a plurality of lines perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. A plurality of light receiving elements are positioned so that each faces an associated one of the light emitting elements. When a sheet is conveyed by the light emitting elements, at least one of the light receiving elements is partially screened by the side edge of the sheet. Length detection circuitry is provided for detecting the length of the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction based upon outputs of the light receiving elements. Also, pattern detection circuitry is provided for determining pattern data of the sheet based upon outputs of the light receiving elements. The determined pattern data is compared to stored, reference pattern data. The outcome of the comparison and the determined length are used to discriminate the kind of sheet.

Abstract: A bill identification apparatus which is hardly subject to decision errors attributable to fluctuations of detected data caused by aging or partial soiling of bills. In identifying a bill, physical properties pi for various positions i on the bill are detected in synchronism with the transportation speed of the bill, a correction value pm for making an average value for an inspection section for the detected data pi equal to an average value for an inspection section for standard pattern values pci is obtained, and the detected data pi are corrected by using the correction value pm, thereby eliminating fluctuations of the data attributable to general deterioration or soiling of the bill or detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and verifying documents is provided with a digital control network. The digital control network coordinates the operations of counting and verifying documents. A transport mechanism moves documents along a guide path through the apparatus. Sensors are located along the guide path for determining optical and magnetic characteristics of the documents and producing signals relative thereto. The measured signals are sampled and digitized by an analog-to-digital converter under the control of a microprocessor. Multiple samples of the sensor signals are accumulated within memory as each document passes adjacent to the sensors. The accumulated values are compared with reference values in order to verify each document which passes adjacent to the sensors. Documents are counted after verification. Individual piece counts and monetary values of such piece counts are provided and counterfeit documents, such as passed for United States currency, can be detected.

Abstract: A bill processing unit in accordance with the present invention in which a drive section has a single motor, a driving force of the single motor causes a bill inserted through a bill insert slot to be transported within an interior of a body of the bill processing unit. The driving force of the single motor also causes a pushing device to be driven so that the transported bill is pushed down within a bill container to stack it in the bill container.

Abstract: A paper money processor using a single motor in which, when the motor is forwardly driven, a power transmission section transmits a rotational force of the motor only to a paper money transporter section to convey an inserted paper money into the interior of a processor body and when the motor is reversely driven, the power transmission section transmits the rotational force of the motor to both of the paper money transporter section and a pushing section to drive the both so as to return the paper money back to a paper money insert slot, and when a repayment demand occurs, a control section permits the reverse rotation of the motor only if the paper money is located at a returnable position.

Abstract: The device comprises a conveyor chain (1) for the sheets to be checked (3) by a detector (5). The support bars (4, 4'), on which the sheet to be examined (3) slides, are fitted, in the checking zone, with suction nozzles (4a) and in the gap between two support bars (4) there are provided movable arms (10), fitted at their end with suction nozzles (10a) which, in the operating position, are aligned with the suction nozzles (4a) of the support bars and arranged in the sheet transfer plane in order to hold the sheet to be examined (3) in this plane. In order to prevent the clamps (2a) which pull the sheet (3) from touching the arms (10), a mechansim is provided for tilting the arms (10) when the clamps (2a) pass above these arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for validating a paper-like piece are of a type having a detector which irradiates light onto a deposited paper-like piece and thereby produces a detection signal corresponding to a pattern on the paper-like piece and validating the paper-like piece by collating the detection signal produced by the detector in response to deposition of the paper-like piece with a predetermined standard pattern. Features of the apparatus and method are that a reference paper-like piece having no particular pattern is deposited and reference level data is obtained on the basis of a detection signal produced by the detector in response to this deposition, that data to be examined is provided by converting a detection signal produced by the detector in response to deposition of a paper-like piece to be validated to a ratio to or deviation from the reference level data and that validation is made by collating this data to be examined with the standard pattern.

Abstract: A security thread detector for verifying the authenticity of banknotes. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a housing with a passage through which banknotes can be passed, wherein the housing also comprises a waveguide, a microwave oscillator for generating microwaves and two resonating slots on a wall of the waveguide, and a microwave detector. After a banknote is inserted through the passageway, the microwave diode produces an analog signal that is proportional to the microwave strength. The diode and the slots are arranged such that the radiated power from each slot is one hundred eighty degrees out-of-phase. If a banknote has no security thread, then the detector receives a balanced signal. If the banknote contains a security thread, the thread interferes with one of the radiating slots. This interference causes an imbalance condition and a corresponding signal is sent from the detector diode. The resulting signal is then sent to a microprocessor which activates an appropriate indicator.

Abstract: A paper currency acceptor is provided having an antifraud device comprising a linear actuator having an armature selectively moveable between two positions along its longitudinal axis, the actuator being mounted so that the longitudinal axis of the armature is oriented perpendicularly to the planar surface of the currency passageway. An elongated stop comb is mounted directly to the end of the armature nearest the passageway, the stop comb having a plurality of elongated parallel tines extending therefrom perpendicularly toward the planar surface of the passageway. The tines of the comb are arranged in at least one row along the longitudinal axis of the comb, and the longitudinal axis of the comb is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the passageway. The planar members defining the passageway each have an aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis of each tine.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency validation is disclosed in which a belt-pulley arrangement is provided in a housing to transport a bill along a passageway for identification of the bill by sensing the optical or magnetic characteristics of the bill. A lever with notches is mounted for rotation between a protective position protruded within the passageway and a release position retracted from the passageway. When a thin tool is inserted into the passageway, it is engaged with the notches of the lever to prevent movement of the lever from the protective to the release position.

Abstract: A document size detection device for detecting the size of documents such as non-U.S. currency comprises a housing, a plate mounted in the housing past which each document is moved, and detectors positioned along the plate for sensing the size of each document and for initiating a signal indicating the size of each document.

Abstract: An improved currency validator apparatus adaptable to be assembled in either a validator up-stacker, down-stacker, or stacker-less configuration is disclosed. A motor bracket housing and an optics housing interconnect to form a bill passageway. The housings contain optical and magnetic sensors, permit the easy re-positioning of a magnetic sensor and an opposing pinch roller assembly, and preferably are made of a translucent red plastic material. The red plastic material permits the unobstructed transmission of infra-red light from an infra-red sensor, and further acts to indicate the position of the banknote entryway when illuminated by the optical sensors. An improved pinch roller assembly which automatically adjusts to the way in which the magnetic sensor is seated is also described. Further, an encoder positioned on the motor drive shaft, and accompanying slotted optical sensor, provide greater accuracy regarding bill position in the validator.

Abstract: In a bill examination device in which a signal pattern obtained by scanning the bill with a photo-detector or a magnetic detector is compared with a reference for testing the authenticity, the signal is subjected to differentiation or removal of a direct-current component before the comparison. The effect of the differences or offsets of the detector or its associated circuit due to manufacturing variations, temperature change, or aging, and differences in the darkness of printing or smudge on the bill is reduced, and the reliability of the authenticity test is improved.

Abstract: A bill discriminating device includes sensor circuitry for scanning and reading all the printed patterns of a bill to be discriminated and producing discriminated data including bill scale data, the bill scale data representing the density of the printed patterns. A data storage memory stores the discriminated data including the bill scale data from the sensor circuitry. A bill scale data selector selects the bill scale data from the discriminated data and fetches the selected bill scale data from the data storage memory. A data segmentor segments the thus selected and fetched bill scale data into a plurality of blocks of data. An arithmetic unit subjects the segmented bill scale data to an arithmetic averaging process for each block of data. A reference data storage memory stores reference data for each of a plurality of predetermined reference bills.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for assessing the stiffness of a sheet (4), such as a currency note, by measuring the extent and rate of movement of the trailing edge of the sheet (4) away from a feed path for the sheet. Such movement is part of a straightening movement of the sheet (4) upon disengagement of the trailing edge from constraining means (34) when a leading portion of the sheet (4) is in a bent condition.

Abstract: A cassette cash box for currency validators is presented. The cash box is received by the housing of a currency validator and retained thereby by only a mechanical locking interconnection. Received within the cash box is a counter which is optically coupled with a microprocessor in the currency validator housing. Each time a piece of currency is placed in the cash box, the optical coupler receives a signal which increments the counter. At any point in time, the count in the counter corresponds to the amount of currency maintained by the cash box. At regular service intervals, the cash box is removed and replaced with an empty one. The removed cash box is returned to an authorized service area where the count in the counter is compared with the amount of currency in the cash box. The counter is accessed and read by an application thereto of a special numeric code, known only to authorized personnel. In like manner, the counter is reset by the application of another specific secret code.

Abstract: A paper currency acceptor having general utility and more specifically for use as a retrofit for a coin vending machine having coin mechanism in which there is very limited space for the paper currency acceptor. The acceptor includes longitudinally directed coextensive verification and receiving stations through which successive sheets of paper currency are moved with their planar surfaces substantially vertical from an inlet to a storage position where the sheets are stacked in their vertical positions thereby enabling the acceptor to be mounted horizontally in the limited space of the machine for cooperation with the machine's coin mechanism.

Abstract: A money discriminating apparatus comprising a bill transporting path defined between a pair of spaced, but opposed wall surfaces. A coin transporting path is defined by a groove formed in at least one of the wall surfaces. The groove has a width slightly larger than a diameter of a largest one of coins to be transported and a depth slightly larger than a thickness of a thickest one of the coins. Inlet and outlet of coin transporting path open respectively to inlet and outlet of the bill transporting path. A transporting system transports bill and coin along their respective paths. A discriminating unit discriminates authenticity and kind of bill and coin in course of being transported along their respective paths. Preferably, the transporting system comprises a pair of transporting belts and mating surfaces arranged in facing relation respectively to running surfaces of the respective belts.

Abstract: This gift certificate has information recorded thereon for identifying a total face value vendible by the gift certificate and a predetermined base amount equal to or smaller than the total face value. The information recorded on a deposited gift certificate is read by a reading device. A validation device validates the total face value and the base amount of the deposited gift certificate in response to the read information. A vending permission judgement device prohibits, in reponse to an output of the validation device, at least vending of an article to which a vend price below the base amount has been assigned. By virtue of this arrangement, a purchaser of an article from a vending machine by using a gift certificate is not forced to make purchase of the entire total face value but has only to make purchase above the base amount in which case a change preferably is paid out.

Abstract: A bill accepting device judges whether a deposited bill is a true bill or not and produces a true bill signal if it is a true bill. A device such as a vending machine utilizing this bill accepting device receives this true bill signal, counts the number of the deposited bill and, upon confirming that the counting has been properly made, produces a true bill confirmation signal. The bill accepting device receives the true bill confirmation signal and thereby confirms that the true bill signal has been properly used. Thereupon, the bill accepting device stores the deposited bill. If this confirmation has not been made, the deposited bill is automatically returned notwithstanding that it is a true bill.

Abstract: A bill counting machine includes a holder for supporting bills thereon and suction heads for turning over the bills, one at a time, to count them. A projector is provided for emitting a ray of light onto the surface of each bill. A receptor is provided for detecting a ray of light reflected from the surface of the bill and for rectilinearly reading the surface pattern of the bill. The rectilinear reading allow judgments as to the denomination and obverse/reverse side of the bills.