Japan Cash Machine Co., Ltd.

Tokimi Nago

Toru Seki

Kazuhiko Okamoto

Hikaru Izawa

Toitsu Ohya

Yasuhiko Masuda

An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupersandorandpositioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passagewayfor guiding the valuable paper. Each of first and second photocouplersandorandhas a light emitting elementfor emitting a light, and a light receiving elementfor selectively receiving the light from the light emitting elementso that each light receiving elementcan receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paperfor detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture.

Optical sensing device for detecting optical features of valuable papers

Centering deviceof a bill validator comprises a pair of pinch jawspositioned on the opposite sides of a passageway, and a centering motorfor moving pinch jawstoward and away from each other for reciprocation of pinch jawsso that pinch jawscome into contact with side edges of a bill between pinch jawsto align a central line of bill with a central line of passageway. As centering motorstalls when warpage resistance by centered bill is greater than inherent holding torque of centering motor, centering devicehas the simplified structure with reduced number of structural components for light weight and reliable centering operation.

Bill validator with centering device

An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocouplersandorandpositioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passagewayfor guiding the valuable paper. Each of first and second photocouplersandorandhas a light emitting elementfor emitting a light, and a light receiving elementfor selectively receiving the light from the light emitting elementso that each light receiving elementcan receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paperfor detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture.

An apparatus for discriminating valuable papers is provided wherein a validation control circuit(i) drives conveyer deviceto inwardly move bill along passagewaywhen inlet sensordetects bill, (ii) ceases driving of conveyer deviceto keep bill in the standby position in passagewaywhen trigger sensordetects bill, (iii) drives a release deviceto shift a guide rollerfrom the contact position to the separated position, (iv) activates a centering deviceto centralize bill along the longitudinal central axis of passageway, (v) drives release deviceto return guide rollerfrom the separated position to the contact position, and (vi) again drives conveyer deviceto further inwardly move bill. When bill is inserted into an inlet, inlet sensordetects bill to immediately drive conveyer deviceand center bill on conveyer devicefor smooth inserting, transporting and centering of bill with the reduced number of structural components of the apparatus.

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Sagamihara, Japan

Tokimi Nago