Paper currency handling apparatus including a cash box securement and

Abstract

A paper currency handling apparatus including a stacker or cash box, a note acceptor for validating a paper currency banknote inserted into the acceptor, and a transport and punch plate mechanism located within an openable cover of the apparatus for carrying the validated banknote into the stacker box. The stacker box is arranged to securely store a stack of paper currency banknotes therein and is a hollow body having a wall with entrance window located therein through which a validated banknote is introduced by the punch plate of the apparatus. The cash box also includes a releasably securable mechanism for releasably securing the box to the apparatus, and a releasably securable security plate. The security plate is arranged to be oriented in a first orientation and then slid into the box to a sealing position to completely close the window. When in this orientation and position the security plate operates the releasably securable mechanism to enable the cash box to be removed from the apparatus, with the security plate remaining in place completely closing the cash box's window. The cover of the apparatus includes a locking mechanism, which when released, enables the cover to be opened. The release of the cover's locking mechanism is effected by orienting the security plate in a second orientation and sliding it into the cash box to a sealing position, whereupon the security plate completely closes the cash box's window.