Device, an apparatus and a method for directing bank notes

A note directing device (1) comprises a first note feeder (11), a brushed roller (2), and a second note feeder (12); wherein: the first note feeder (11) feeds the bank note (10) along a direction (A) tangential to a bank note (10) surface and presents the leading edge (14) of the bank note (10) to the brushed roller (2); the brushed roller (2) engages with the bank note (10) and rotates in a direction (B) such that the leading edge (14) is directed towards the second note feeder (12); the second note feeder (12) accepts the leading edge (14) and feeds the bank note (10) along a direction (C) tangential to a bank note (10) surface; wherein the brushed roller (2) comprises an axis (4) and bristles (6), each bristle (6) being attached at one end to the axis (4) and extending radially from said axis (4), the distribution of bristles (6) extending along a longitudinal direction (E) of the axis (4).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/SE2019/050686, filed Jul. 10, 2019, entitled “A DEVICE, AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR DIRECTING BANK NOTES”. Foreign priority benefits are claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or 35 U.S.C. § 365 (b) of Swedish application number 1850874-7, filed Jul. 10, 2018. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to devices, apparatuses, and methods for guiding bank notes in cash systems.

BACKGROUND

Cash systems are prevalent in the society and include e.g. automated cash registers at the check-out desks of supermarkets, back-office note recycling systems in stores and banks, automated teller machines (ATMs) on the high streets, and cash transport units for transporting cash between various other cash systems.

Cash systems are used for example to count, sort, store, dispense, and/or deposit cash. In doing so, the cash system often performs the action of conveying and guiding bank notes from one location to another location. The conveying and the guiding may be implemented in many different ways.

For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,282 a bank note may be deviated from a reference path to a deviated path. Diversion elements have and arched diverting profile and in a deviated position, the diverting profile is on the reference path and deviates the bank note along the deviated path.

Another example is EP1466303, wherein an apparatus comprises a transport belt component in communication with the notes, wherein a note storage component is configured to receive notes from the transport belt component and dispense notes to the transport belt component. A note direction changer is configured to direct notes into and out or past a storage component. The note direction changer comprises a wheel made of rubber. The direction of notes is changed by turning the currency around the wheel.

Although these and other implementations of cash systems are fully functional, the guiding of bank notes in cash systems may be improved.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to improve the guiding of bank notes in cash systems. It is further an object to enable guiding of bank notes in cash systems in a manner which is insensitive to the origin and condition of the bank notes. Furthermore, it is an object to enable guiding of bank notes in cash systems in a manner which reduces wear on the bank notes and wear on the cash system components.

These and other objects of the invention are at least partly met by the invention as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

The inventors have realized that there is a need for a new guiding means for bank notes which is insensitive to their origin and condition as these factors may affect how the bank note engages the guiding means. Bank notes of different origin (e.g. coming from different countries) may have different sizes. They may also be made from different materials (with e.g. varying composition of paper, cotton, linen, silk, and polymers) and therefore have different stiffness and texture. Furthermore, the condition of the bank notes may vary. Wear and tear, folds and creases as well as whether the note is dry or moist may vary from one bank note to another. Furthermore, depending on the condition of the bank note it may also have torn edges or edges which are prone to tearing. The mentioned factors may affect how the bank note engages the guiding means, at which angle it approaches the guiding means, how well it conforms to the guiding means and how likely it is to fold or break when it engages the guiding means.

The most common guiding means on the market is based on flaps which act as a static guide for the bank note. A problem with flaps, as realized by the inventors, is that they may be prone to cause jams for soft/worn bank notes moving at high speed. A possible reason may be that the flap is static and does not move with the bank note. For example, if a bank note edge is fed into the static flap at slightly the wrong angle, a soft bank note may fold in the wrong direction instead of sliding across the flap surface as intended and the bank note may crumple and jam.

An alternative guiding means is a rubber wheel note direction changer which rotate and guide the bank note along the outer perimeter of the rubber wheel by turning the bank note around the wheel. The inventors have realized that the rubber wheel note direction changer may handle soft/worn bank notes better than the static flap but that in some configurations it may be worse at handling stiff bank notes. A stiff bank note may not conform to the outer perimeter of the rubber wheel in the same manner as a soft bank note and it may be impossible to bend the stiff bank note to the extent needed to make it move from one note feeder to another.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a note directing device for controlling a path of a bank note, comprising a first note feeder, a brushed roller, and a second note feeder;

wherein the note directing device in a first operation mode is configured to control a movement of the bank note along a first path from the first note feeder via the brushed roller to the second note feeder such that:the first note feeder is configured to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note such that a leading edge of the bank note is presented to the brushed roller;the brushed roller is configured to engage with the bank note and rotate in a direction such that the leading edge of the bank note is directed towards the second note feeder;the second note feeder is configured to accept the leading edge of the bank note and to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;

wherein the brushed roller comprises an axis and bristles, each bristle being attached at one end to the axis and extending radially from said axis, the distribution of bristles extending along a longitudinal direction of the axis.

The invention may provide a guiding means which handles soft/worn bank notes as well as stiff bank notes. Since the brushed roller rotates it may redirect a soft bank note even if the bank note hits the brushed roller at slightly the wrong angle. The movement of the bank note's leading edge from the first note feeder to the second note feeder is not only dependent on the movement of the first note feeder but also on the movement of the brushed roller. The bristles rotationally attack the bank note and may actively push the bank note along onto the correct path towards the second note feeder. At the same time the brushed roller may handle stiff bank notes better than a rubber wheel would as the bristles may be made less rigid than a solid rubber wheel. The bristles may be made such that they to some extent flex and allow the path of a stiff bank note to have a slightly larger curvature than the path of a soft bank note. Thus, by using a brushed roller a stiff bank note may not be forced to conform to the outer perimeter of the guiding means in the same manner as if a solid rubber wheel was used.

Furthermore, the bristles may flex individually such that if e.g. one corner of the bank note hits one part of the brushed roller first, the bristles at that part may flex while the bristles at another part of the brushed roller are unaffected until the bank note engages them. In contrast, for a solid rubber wheel the entire wheel or at least a large part of the wheel would have to flex at once. Bristles that flex individually may also have the advantage that the brushed roller may engage a longer segment of the bank note than a solid rubber wheel could. The term “long” here refers to the length of the segment in the direction of the movement of the bank note. Engaging a long segment may be advantageous as the direction of the leading edge may be more accurately defined.

Additionally, circumferential gaps between the bristles may allow the leading edge of the bank note to move in between the bristles such that the rotating bristles hit the side of the bank note rather than the edge itself. This may be a better way of guiding the bank note than using a rubber wheel wherein the initial guiding is dependent on the first contact between the bank note and the rubber wheel. The brushed roller may therefore be less sensitive to bank notes coming in at slightly the wrong angle. The bristles may also reduce the wear and tear on the edge of the bank note and the risk of an already damaged edge ripping. The likelihood of future jams may thereby be reduced.

Furthermore, the contact area between the bank note and the guiding means may be smaller when a brushed roller is used compared to when a solid wheel is used as the bristles may be spaced apart. A smaller contact area may reduce the wear and tear on the bank note and may also reduce the buildup of static electricity on the bank note, which may reduce the likelihood of future jams.

A note directing device according to the inventive concept may improve guiding of bank notes along a single route wherein the note directing device facilitates the bank note moving from one note feeder to another. Thus the route does not need to be defined by a single note feeder, instead several note feeders may be used and the notes are directed from one note feeder to another by brushed rollers. Using several note feeders rather than one single note feeder may make manufacturing or servicing easier or cheaper. A note directing device according to the inventive concept may also improve the diversion of bank notes from one route to another. By making the diversion more accurate a note directing device according to the inventive concept may reduce the error probability when cash is counted, sorted, stored, dispensed, or deposited. Furthermore, the risk of jams during counting, sorting, storing, dispensing, or depositing of cash may be reduced.

It should be understood that the first and second note feeders may have different feeding directions, e.g. orthogonal feeding directions, in which case the brushed roller may facilitate a needed change in the direction of movement of the leading edge of the bank note. However, the first and second note feeders may also have the same feeding direction, in which case the brushed roller may help the leading edge of the bank note to stay on the correct path during the transition from the first to the second note feeder.

According to an embodiment, the bristles of the brushed roller are configured such that the bristles make contact with at least one of the first and second note feeder when the brushed roller is rotated. An advantage of the brushed roller being in contact with the first note feeder is that the brushed roller may engage the bank note already before the leading edge has left the first note feeder. This means that the leading edge of the bank note may be set on the correct path at an early stage. An advantage of the brushed roller being in contact with the second note feeder is that the brushed roller may guide the bank note all the way up to the second note feeder, thereby ensuring that the bank note does not stray away from the correct path before the second note feeder has a good chance of accepting it.

According to an embodiment, the bristles in contact with the at least one note feeder are configured to conform to the surface of the at least one note feeder by bending. This way the brushed roller may be arranged so that it reaches into corners. In many cash systems the leading edge of a bank note emerges at a gap between two co-acting rollers or belts, the gap forming a concave corner. When using a static flap or a solid rubber wheel as guiding means it may not be possible to arrange it such that it reaches into the corner. Instead the guiding means may be positioned so that the bank note is fed some distance out from the corner before it engages the guiding means. When using a brushed roller, the bent bristles may reach further into the corner such that they engage the bank note at an early stage and leads it onto the correct path.

Another advantage may be that the need for service of the guiding means is reduced. For example, a rotating solid rubber wheel in contact with a moving note feeder is worn down so that the diameter of the wheel is reduced. This leads to a reduced ability to pick up a bank note being fed from the note feeder and the rubber wheel therefore needs to be replaced relatively frequently. In contrast, when a brushed roller is used instead of the rubber wheel the bristles may bend and drag along the surface of the note feeder. The bristles may in this manner also be worn but this may result in the bristles being thinned down rather than the diameter of the brushed roller being reduced. Hence, the brushed roller may not need to be replaced as often.

According to an embodiment, the bristles are arranged to extend in a plurality of different angular directions distributed over an entire circumference of the axis of the brushed roller. In this manner the bristles may engage with the bank note regardless of the rotational position of the axis of the roller.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of sets of bristles is arranged to be distributed along the longitudinal direction of the axis, wherein the bristles of each set of bristles are arranged to extend in a plurality of different angular directions distributed over an entire circumference of the axis of the brushed roller. An advantage of using sets of bristles is e.g. that gaps may be left between the sets. This may reduce the wear on the bank notes while still ensuring that bristles engage with the bank note across a substantial part of the leading edge. Furthermore, it may simplify mounting and service as the sets may be mounted or replaced individually. The sets of bristles may also be different from each other. The length and/or stiffness of the bristles in a set of bristles which is configured to engage with the central part of the leading edge of a bank note may be different from the length and/or stiffness of those which are configured to engage with the outer part of the leading edge.

According to an embodiment, at least one note feeder comprises two co-acting belts, wherein the note feeder is configured to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note by sandwiching the bank note between the two co-acting belts and moving the two co-acting belts in the direction tangential to a surface of the bank note. An advantage with this arrangement is that the bank note may be held secure between the belts regardless of the path of the belts. A single note feeder comprising two co-acting belts may therefore transport the bank note along distances and/or along a non-straight path without the bank note needing to be shifted from one note feeder to another. The belts may be driven by pulleys and the pulleys at the point where the co-acting belts deliver the bank note to the brushed roller may be small as this may not affect the ability of the note feeder to transport the bank notes. Using small pulleys at this point may create a corner which is easier to access for the bristles. In contrast, when co-acting rollers are used as a note feeder they may need to have a large diameter to ensure a good grip on the bank note. The large diameter of the co-acting rollers may in this case make it more difficult to arrange the brushed roller such that the bristles reach far enough into the corner.

According to an embodiment, the brushed roller has a rotational speed such that the end of the bristle that is furthest away from the axis is moving with a linear speed that is faster than a speed of the bank note being fed by the first or the second note feeder. An advantage of such an embodiment may be that it ensures that the bristle will engage with the leading edge of the bank note at an early stage. The bank note may not be allowed to move too far in between the spaces of the bristles before the bristles hit the bank note and start to redirect it. The bristles moving faster than the bank note may ensure that the bank note is redirected before it hits the axis.

According to an embodiment, the brushed roller has a rotational speed wherein the brushed roller has a rotational speed such that the end of the bristle that is furthest away from the axis is moving with a linear speed that is faster than a speed of the leading edge of the bank note. This may be advantageous to ensure that the brushed roller is able to correctly redirect the leading edge of the bank note.

According to another embodiment, the brushed roller has a rotational speed such that at least one bristle engages the bank note within the time it takes the bank note to travel a distance, the distance being half the length of a bristle, after the bank note being presented to the brushed roller. This may be advantageous as it may ensure that it is primarily the upper half of the bristles that is redirecting the leading edge of the bank note. The upper half of the bristles may be more flexible than the lower half, close to the axis. Furthermore, the bank note may not be allowed to move too far in between the spaces of the bristles before the bristles hit the bank note and start to redirect it. Thus the bank note may be redirected before it hits the axis.

According to an embodiment, the bristles are made of electrically conductive material. An advantage of such bristles may be that they can reduce the build-up of static electricity on the bank note as it passes the brushed roller. Electrically conductive bristles may also form a path for electrical charges already on the bank note such that the brushed roller may perform the action of simultaneously directing and discharging the bank note.

According to an embodiment, the note directing device is, in a second operation mode, configured to control a movement of the bank note along a second path from the second note feeder via the brushed roller to the first note feeder such that:the second note feeder is configured to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note such that a leading edge of the bank note is presented to the brushed roller;the brushed roller is configured to engage with the bank note and rotate in a direction such that the leading edge of the bank note is directed towards the first note feeder;the first note feeder is configured to accept the leading edge of the bank note and to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note.

An advantage of such an embodiment may be that the direction of the bank note may be reversed so that it may be transported either from the first note feeder to the second note feeder or from the second note feeder to the first note feeder. Thus the same note directing device may be used to direct a bank note into and out of a specific part of the cash system. The action of reversing the direction of the bank note may also be used to correct an error, e.g. if the bank note accidentally has been folded or if it has entered the wrong path.

According to an embodiment, the note directing device is not only configured to transport a bank note between a first and a second note feeder. The note directing device further comprises a third note feeder;

wherein the note directing device in a third operation mode is configured to control a movement of the bank note along a third path from the first note feeder via the brushed roller to the third note feeder such that:the first note feeder is configured to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note such that a leading edge of the bank note is presented to the brushed roller;the brushed roller is configured to engage with the bank note and rotate in a direction such that the leading edge of the bank note is directed towards the third note feeder;the third note feeder is configured to accept the leading edge of the bank note and to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;

The note directing device may thus select whether the bank note should be transported from the first note feeder to the second note feeder or from the first note feeder to the third note feeder. The note directing device may hence act as a route selector for the bank note. The different routes may e.g. be selected depending on the denomination or origin of the bank note or whether the bank note should be stored or further processed or whether the bank note is damaged or not.

According to an embodiment, the note directing device comprising a third note feeder is configured, in a fourth operation mode, to control a movement of the bank note along a fourth path from the third note feeder via the brushed roller to the first note feeder such that:the third note feeder is configured to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note such that a leading edge of the bank note is presented to the brushed roller;the brushed roller is configured to engage with the bank note and rotate in a direction such that the leading edge of the bank note is directed towards the first note feeder;the first note feeder is configured to accept the leading edge of the bank note and to feed the bank note along a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note.

The note directing device may thus act as a route selector for the bank note wherein both routes are reversible. The bank note may be transported either from the first note feeder to the second note feeder and reversed or from the first note feeder to the third note feeder and reversed. For example, the second note feeder may be connected to a storage unit for bank notes of a specific denomination while the third note feeder may be connected to a storage unit for bank notes of another denomination. Bank notes may thus be deposited from the first note feeder into either storage unit or withdrawn from either storage unit into the first note feeder. Alternatively, the second note feeder may be connected to a primary storage unit for bank notes of a specific denomination while the third note feeder is connected to a secondary storage unit for bank notes of the same denomination.

According to a second aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a cash recycling apparatus, said cash recycling apparatus comprising:a note directing device according to the first aspect,a note access opening connected to the first note feeder and a note storage unit connected to the second note feeder, the note access opening being configured to provide human access to a bank note and the note storage unit being configured to store notes;wherein the first operation mode directs the bank note from the note access opening to the note storage unit, thereby performing a bank note deposit; andthe second operation mode directs the bank note from the note storage unit to the note access opening, thereby performing a bank note withdrawal.

The cash recycling apparatus may thus provide a means to store bank notes in a secure manner, wherein bank notes may be controllably deposited and withdrawn. The storage unit may be inaccessible to unauthorized persons, e.g. only store personnel may access it, or only authorized service technicians may access it. The withdrawal or deposit may be registered such that e.g. a customer's account is charged or credited. Furthermore, the cash recycling apparatus may be configured to only perform the withdrawal or deposit conditional on a transaction approval. The transaction approval may e.g. be based on the account having enough funds, the bank note being of an approved origin or denomination, the bank note not being damaged.

Effects and features of this second aspect are largely analogous to those described in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a method for directing a bank note, wherein the bank note can be directed along a first path by controlling a first note feeder, a brushed roller, and a second note feeder, wherein the brushed roller comprises an axis and bristles, each bristle being attached at one end to the axis and extending radially from said axis, the distribution of bristles extending along a longitudinal direction of the axis; said method comprising:receiving a first path selection signal, indicating a desired bank note movement along the first path from the first note feeder via the brushed roller to the second note feeder;in response to receiving the first path selection signal, setting a feeding direction and a feeding speed of the first note feeder such that it presents the leading edge of the bank note to the brushed roller, the feeding direction of the first note feeder being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;in response to receiving the first path selection signal, setting the rotational direction and rotational speed of the brushed roller such that it engages the bank note presented by the first note feeder and directs the leading edge of the bank note towards the second note feeder;in response to receiving the first path selection signal, setting a feeding direction and a feeding speed of the second note feeder such that it accepts the leading edge of the bank note from the brushed roller, the feeding direction of the second note feeder being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note.

Effects and features of the third aspect are largely analogous to those described in connection with the first and the second aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first and second aspect are largely compatible with the third aspect.

The inventive concept may thus provide a method for directing a bank note wherein the method may improve the handling of bank notes of different origin and condition, reduce the risk of jams for soft/worn bank notes, improve the handling of stiff bank notes, reduce the wear on the bank notes or reduce the wear on the components of the note directing device.

According to an embodiment of the third aspect a method is provided, wherein the bank note additionally can be directed along a second path by controlling the first note feeder, the brushed roller, and the second note feeder; said method comprising:receiving a second path selection signal, indicating a desired bank note movement along the second path from the second note feeder via the brushed roller to the first note feeder;in response to receiving the second path selection signal, setting the feeding direction and the feeding speed of the second note feeder such that it presents the leading edge of the bank note to the brushed roller, the feeding direction of the second note feeder being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;in response to receiving the second path selection signal, setting the rotational direction and rotational speed of the brushed roller such that it engages the bank note presented by the second note feeder and directs the leading edge of the bank note towards the first note feeder;in response to receiving the second path selection signal, setting the feeding direction and feeding speed of the first note feeder such that it accepts the leading edge of the bank note from the brushed roller, the feeding direction of the first note feeder being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note.

The method may thus provide a way to use a single brushed roller to direct a bank note in a reversible manner from one note feeder to another. Thus the directing device, operated according to the method, may be used to direct a bank note into and out of a specific part of the cash system. The action of reversing the direction of the bank note may also be used to correct an error, e.g. if the bank note accidentally has been folded or if it has entered the wrong path.

According to an embodiment of the third aspect a method is provided, wherein the bank note additionally can be directed along a third and a fourth path by controlling a third note feeder in addition to the first note feeder, the brushed roller, and the second note feeder; said method further comprising:receiving a third path selection signal, indicating a desired bank note movement along the third path from the first note feeder via the brushed roller to the third note feeder;in response to receiving the third path selection signal, setting the feeding direction and the feeding speed of the first note feeder such that it presents the leading edge of the bank note to the brushed roller, the feeding direction being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;in response to receiving the third path selection signal, setting the rotational direction and rotational speed of the brushed roller such that it engages the bank note presented by the first note feeder and directs the leading edge of the bank note towards the third note feeder;in response to receiving the third path selection signal, setting a feeding direction and a feeding speed of the third note feeder such that it accepts the leading edge of the bank note from the brushed roller, the feeding direction of the third note feeder being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;receiving a fourth path selection signal, indicating a desired bank note movement along the fourth path from the third note feeder via the brushed roller to the first note feeder;in response to receiving the fourth path selection signal, setting the feeding direction and the feeding speed of the third note feeder such that it presents the leading edge of the bank note to the brushed roller, the feeding direction being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;in response to receiving the fourth path selection signal, setting the rotational direction and rotational speed of the brushed roller such that it engages the bank note presented by the third note feeder and directs the leading edge of the bank note towards the first note feeder;in response to receiving the fourth path selection signal, setting the feeding direction and the feeding speed of the first note feeder such that it accepts the leading edge of the bank note from the brushed roller, the feeding direction being a direction tangential to a surface of the bank note;

The method may thus provide a way to use a single brushed roller to direct a bank note between three different note feeders in a reversible manner. A note directing device, operated according to the method, may thus select whether the bank note should be transported from the first note feeder to the second note feeder or from the first note feeder to the third note feeder. The method may thus select the route of the bank note. The different routes may e.g. be selected depending on the denomination or origin of the bank note or whether the bank note should be stored or further processed or whether the bank note is damaged or not.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the most general form of the inventive concept the note directing device comprises two note feeders. However, in other embodiments the note directing device may comprise more than two note feeders, e.g. three note feeders. It should be understood that when features are described in an embodiment comprising only two note feeders the description is also applicable to embodiments comprising three note feeders.

In a first embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG.1-3, the note directing device1comprises a first note feeder11, a second note feeder12and a brushed roller2. In a first operation mode the note directing device1is configured to control the movement of a bank note10such that the bank note10is transported from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12. The first note feeder11is configured to feed the bank note10along a direction A, tangential to a surface of the bank note10, such that a leading edge14of the bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2is configured to engage with the bank note10and rotate in a rotational direction B such that the leading edge14of the bank note10is directed towards the second note feeder12. The second note feeder12is configured to accept the leading edge14of the bank note10and to feed the bank note10along a direction C, tangential to a surface of the bank note10.FIG.1-3represents a time series, seen in a side view perspective, of the transport of a bank note10. The time series start withFIG.1corresponding to a point in time when the bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The first note feeder11has a feeding direction A such that the leading edge14of a bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The time series continues withFIG.2corresponding to a point in time when the brushed roller2has started to bend the bank note10such that the leading edge14has started to move towards the second note feeder12. The time series further continues withFIG.3, corresponding to the point in time when the second note feeder12has started feeding the bank note10.

A perspective view of one embodiment of the invention is seen inFIG.4. Here, the bank note10is shown in a position corresponding to the point in time shown inFIG.3.

FIG.5a-dshow various embodiments of the brushed roller2, seen in perspective view. The brushed roller2comprises an axis4and bristles6, each bristle6being attached at one end to the axis4and extending radially from said axis4, the distribution of bristles6extending along a longitudinal direction E of the axis4.FIG.5ashows an embodiment wherein the bristles6are distributed evenly along the longitudinal direction E of the axis4.FIG.5bshows an embodiment wherein the bristles6are arranged in a plurality of sets8of bristles6, wherein the sets are arranged to be distributed along the longitudinal direction E of the axis4. The sets8of bristles6may be arranged such that longitudinal gaps are formed between them. The sets8may be individually replaceable. For example, each set8may comprise a collar9with attached bristles6. The collar9may be slid onto the axis4and fixed to the axis4using a set screw or another fastening means. The sets8of bristles6may of course also be attached directly to the axis4as seen inFIG.5c. The sets8of bristles6do not have to be identical as exemplified inFIG.5d. The extension of a set8along the longitudinal direction E of the axis4may vary from one set8to another set8. Furthermore, the bristles6may vary from one set8to another set8in terms of length, stiffness, electrical conductivity etc.

FIG.6shows various embodiments of the brushed roller, seen in side view. The bristles6may be distributed evenly or unevenly around the axis4. Circumferential gaps20may be provided between the bristles6such that the leading edge14of a bank note10may enter in between the bristles6. The size of the circumferential gaps20may vary around the circumference of the brushed roller2such that bunches22of bristles6are formed. The circumferential gaps20between bristles within a bunch22may be small while the circumferential gap20between different bunches22may be large. The large circumferential gaps20may e.g. be configured to effectively accept the leading edge14of the bank note10. The small circumferential gaps20may e.g. be configured to give a desired flexibility of the bunch22of bristles6by setting how densely the bristles6are spaced. The number of bristles6and the distribution around the circumference of the brushed roller2may e.g. be configured according to the intended rotational speed B of the brushed roller2or the bending stiffness of the individual bristles. For example, a faster rotational speed may require larger circumferential gaps20. Furthermore, a bunch22of bristles6comprising a large amount of soft bristles6may have the same stiffness as a bunch22of bristles6comprising a small amount of stiff bristles6.

The bristles6may be made from a number of materials, regardless of how they are distributed around the axis4. Examples of bristle6materials are polymers, nylon, polyamide, PVC, metal, or natural fibers. In one embodiment, bristles6are made from an electrically conductive material such as e.g. a polymer material (e.g. thermoplastic material or polycarbonate material) containing e.g. carbon powder or carbon fibers. Bristles6made of an electrically conductive material may be grounded, e.g. via an electrically conductive axis4, such that charges may be removed from a bank note10as it passes. It should be understood that the bristles6do not need to be identical around the circumference the brushed roller2. The bristles6may e.g. have different length or be made of different materials to provide a combined effect of improved directing of bank notes10.

FIG.7a-cshow various types of note feeders, here exemplified as variations of the first note feeder11seen in a side view. However, it should be understood that these figures may represent a first note feeder11, a second note feeder12, or a third note feeder13. Furthermore, all the note feeders in a note directing device1does not have to be of the same type. The note feeder may have an entry side and an exit side and may therefore act as either the first note feeder11or the second note feeder12. Brushed rollers2may be arranged at both the entry side and the exit side such the note feeder may act simultaneously as a first note feeder11in relation to brushed roller2at one side (entry side or exit side) of the note feeder11and as a second note feeder12in relation to brushed roller2at an opposite side (exit side or entry side) of the note feeder12. The note feeder may be configured such that the feeding direction may be reversed, e.g. by putting a driving mechanism in reversed gear. The note feeder may feed a bank note10in a direction tangential to the surface of the bank note10. However, it may be the configuration of the note feeder which defines whether the direction tangential to the surface of the bank note10is horizontal, vertical or any other direction, i.e. by feeding the bank note10the note feeder may define which direction the bank note moves in. The note feeder may feed the bank note10by supplying a force tangential to the surface of the bank note10, wherein the force may be transmitted to the bank note10through friction. It should be understood that the surface of the bank note refers to one of the two surfaces of the bank note10. The bank note10being considered to be an essentially two-dimensional object.

The note feeder may comprise two co-acting belts24as illustrated in the embodiments inFIG.7aandFIG.7b. The belts24are comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to, rubber. Each belt24may be connected to and rotate around at least two pulleys26. At least one of the at least two pulleys26connected to a belt24may be powered such that the belt24is driven forward, other pulleys may be idling. The two co-acting belts24may be arranged adjacent to each other such that a bank note10may be sandwiched between them, both belts24being in contact with the bank note10simultaneously and pinching the bank note10between them. The bank note10may in this manner be fixed between the belts24such that it does not fall off. By rotating the pulleys26connected to the first belt24in a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the pulleys26connected to the second belt24the two belts24may co-act and the bank note10may move together with the two co-acting belts24, wherein direction of movement for the bank note10may be a direction A which is tangential to the surface of the bank note10. By reversing the rotational direction of the powered pulleys26the direction of movement for the bank note10may be reversed. The powered pulleys26of the two belts24may be driven by individual power sources or by the same power source. Using the same power source may have the advantage that it is easier to achieve the same speed for the two co-acting belts24. Driving the co-acting belts24with the same speed reduces the wear on the bank notes10and reduces the risk of jams.

The belts24may be wider than the width of the bank note10such that the belts24cover the entire bank note10surface, e.g. to fully protect the bank note10during transport. The belts24may also be more narrow than the bank note10such that part of the surface of the bank note10is exposed during transport. This may e.g. enable a detector to detect the denomination, origin or condition of the bank note10during transport. Furthermore, the note feeder may also comprise several pairs of co-acting belts, e.g. one pair of co-acting belts24arranged at one lateral edge of the bank note10and another pair of co-acting belts24arranged at the other lateral edge.

The co-acting belts24may be arranged such that the feeding direction is the same at the entry side as at the exit side. Alternatively, the co-acting belts may be arranged such that the feeding direction at the entry side is different from the feeding direction at the exit side. For example, a bank note10may be accepted at the entry side and fed in a direction tangential to the surface of the bank note, the direction being a vertical direction, the route of the co-acting belts24may then be such that at the exit side the bank note10is fed in a direction tangential to the surface of the bank note, the direction being a horizontal direction. Such changes in the feeding direction may be implemented using additional pulleys26.

The entry side and exit side of the note feeder may be arranged by placing the pulleys26of the opposite co-acting belts adjacent to each other as seen in the embodiment inFIG.7aor separated as seen at the exit side in the embodiment inFIG.7b. In another embodiment the note feeder may comprise two co-acting rollers28without any belts as seen inFIG.7c. Such co-acting rollers28may be placed adjacent to each other and rotate in opposite direction to each other, thus operating in a manner analogous to co-acting belts24.

In a preferred embodiment the bristles6of the brushed roller2are soft so that the brushed roller may be mounted in such a manner that the bristles conform to the surface of at least one of the note feeders by bending.FIG.8ashows an example of such an embodiment wherein the bristles conform to the surfaces of both the first note feeder11and the second note feeder12. A brushed roller2with soft bristles6may be mounted so that it reaches far into the corner formed by e.g. co-acting belts24at the entry or exit side of the note feeder.FIG.8aillustrates, in a side view of one embodiment of the note directing device1, how the bristles may reach all the way in to the point where the co-acting belts24of the first note feeder11release the bank note10as well as all the way in to the point where the co-acting belts24of the second note feeder12accepts the bank note10. In contrast,FIG.9aillustrates, in a side view, a note directing device according to prior art where a rubber wheel30is used instead of a brushed roller. The rubber wheel30may not reach as far into the corners of the note feeders.

It is also preferable with an embodiment wherein the bristles6of the brushed roller2are soft enough to flex and bend when in contact with the bank note10. As seen inFIG.8b, a side view of one embodiment of the note directing device1, both the bristles and the bank note10may bend during the directing of the bank note10. This means that the bristles6may bend more when a stiffer bank note10passes than when a softer bank note10passes. This may allow a stiff bank note to take a path with a slightly larger curvature. Bristles6that flex when in contact with the bank note10may also have the advantage that the brushed roller2may engage a longer segment of the bank note than a solid rubber wheel could.FIG.9billustrates, in a side view, a note directing device according to prior art where a rubber wheel30is used instead of a brushed roller2and wherein the segment of the bank note which is engaged by the rubber wheel30is much shorter than when a brushed roller2is used as inFIG.8b.

The primary purpose of the note feeders may be to feed the bank note10and the primary purpose of the brushed roller2may be to direct the leading edge14of the bank note10during the transition from one note feeder to another. However, a note feeder may also be arranged to take part in directing the leading edge14.FIG.10shows one embodiment, in a side view, wherein the first note feeder11and the second note feeder12comprise co-acting belts24. InFIG.10the leading edge14of the bank note10has not yet reached the point where the co-acting belts24come together to start feeding the bank note10. However, by providing support and friction to the bank note10one of the belts24of the second note feeder12may help directing the leading edge14towards the point where both belts24of the second note feeder12get a grip of the bank note10and feed it along. Furthermore, a brushed roller2may also be arranged to take part in feeding the bank note10. Due to friction between the bristles6and the bank note10the brushed roller2may provide a force in a direction tangential to the surface of the bank note10.

The leading edge14of the bank note10may be presented to the brushed roller2after it has left the first note feeder11, as shown e.g. inFIG.1. However, the leading edge14of the bank note10may also be presented to the brushed roller2while still in contact with the first note feeder11, as shown inFIG.10b. In such a configuration the leading edge14may e.g. rest against one of the two co-acting belts24of the first note feeder11. The brushed roller2may subsequently peel off the bank note10by dragging the bristles6over the surface of the belt24while the bristles6conform to the surface of the belt24by bending. Since the bristles6in such a configuration may engage a longer segment of the bank note10and the belt24than a solid rubber wheel30would, the redirecting of the bank note10may be more fault tolerant. Even if the bank note10is not redirected at the first impact with the first bristles of the rotating brushed roller2another bristle6may follow to make another attempt. Furthermore, if the bristles6may bend, the brushed roller2may allow the bank note10to take a slightly different path from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12than a bank note10that is redirected at first impact without the bank note10being damaged. In contrast, if a solid rubber wheel30was used and the leading edge14was not redirected at first impact with the rubber wheel30it would possibly not be possible to redirect it once the leading edge has passed the contact point of the rubber wheel30and the belt24without the bank note10turning back on itself, thereby risking crumpling or folding.

The note feeders and the brushed roller2may be moving constantly or only when a bank note10is anticipated. The note feeders may be operated such that the feeding speed of the bank note10is the same for the first note feeder11and second note feeder12. The feeding speed may also be slightly different. When the second note feeder12has accepted the bank note10, the first note feeder11may go into an idling mode such that the bank note10is being pulled by the second note feeder12. However, in a preferred embodiment both note feeders feed the bank note simultaneously at the same speed. The feeding speed may be considered to be the linear speed at which the note feeder's contact area to the bank note10is moving.

The brushed roller2may have a rotational speed such that the end of the bristle6that is furthest away from the axis4is moving with a linear speed that is faster than the speed of the bank note10being fed by the first11or the second note feeder12. However, the rotational speed may also be such that the end of the bristle6that is furthest away from the axis4is moving with a linear speed that is the same or slower than the speed of the bank note10being fed by the first11or the second note feeder12.

The speed of the note feeders and brushed roller2, may be controlled by individual drivelines. However, the note feeders and brushed roller2may also be powered by the same driveline wherein the speed of the note feeders and brushed roller2, relative to each other, may be set using e.g. gears. By using individual drivelines or a single driveline with gears one could e.g. set the rotational speed of the brushed roller2such that the end of the bristle6that is furthest away from the axis4is moving with a linear speed that is faster than the speed of the bank note10. According to an embodiment, the rotational speed of the brushed roller2may be set such that the end of the bristle6that is furthest away from the axis4is moving with a linear speed that is 1.5 to 2 times faster than the speed of the bank note10. The rotational speed may also be dependent on the bristle6length and the size of the circumferential gaps20between the bristles, in addition to the speed of the bank note10. Thus the rotational speed could be set such that at least one bristle6engages the bank note10within the time it takes the bank note10to travel a distance, the distance being half the length of a bristle6, after the bank note10being presented to the brushed roller2.

In one embodiment the direction of the note feeders and the brushed roller2may be reversed such that the direction of movement of the bank note10may be reversed. For example, the feeding direction of the first note feeder11, the second note feeder12and the brushed roller2may all be set individually by changing the direction of their individual drivelines or in the case of a common driveline changing gears individually. However, the direction of all the note feeders and the brushed roller2may also be simultaneously reversed by e.g. changing the direction of a common driveline or having the common driveline always drive in one direction and controlling how the power is transferred to the note directing device1with a reverse gear.FIG.11a-bshow, in side view, an embodiment of a note directing device1wherein the direction of the bank note may be reversed.

FIG.11ashows a note directing device in a first operation mode, wherein the bank note10moves along a first path F from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12. The first note feeder11has a feeding direction A such that the leading edge14of a bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the second note feeder12. The second note feeder12is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder. The second note feeder12further has a feeding direction C which allows the second note feeder12to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

FIG.11bshows a note directing device in a second operation mode, wherein the bank note10moves along a second path G from the second note feeder12to the first note feeder11. The feeding directions A and C as well as the rotational direction B are reversed as compared toFIG.11a. The second note feeder12has a feeding direction C such that the leading edge14of a bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the first note feeder11. The first note feeder11is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder. The first note feeder11further has a feeding direction A which allows the second note feeder12to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

In one embodiment the note directing device1may act as a route selector for a bank note10.FIG.12a-dshow an embodiment wherein a first note feeder11, a second note feeder12, a third note feeder13and a brushed roller2are configured such that at least four different paths may be selected. The note directing device1inFIG.12a-dhas note feeders comprising co-acting belts. In this embodiment the first and the third note feeder has a common belt32. A common belt32may improve the accuracy of the note directing device1as the common belt32may facilitate the directing of the leading edge14from one note feeder to the other. However, it should be understood that other embodiments, not comprising a common belt, also are possible.

FIG.12ashows a note directing device in a first operation mode, wherein the bank note10moves along a first path F from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12. The first note feeder11has a feeding direction A such that the leading edge14of the bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the second note feeder12. The second note feeder12is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder. The second note feeder12further has a feeding direction C which allows the second note feeder12to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

FIG.12bshows a note directing device in a second operation mode, wherein the bank note10moving along a second path G from the second note feeder12to the first note feeder11. The feeding directions A and C as well as the rotational direction B are reversed as compared toFIG.12a. The second note feeder12has a feeding direction C such that the leading edge14of the bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the first note feeder11. The first note feeder11is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder. The first note feeder11further has a feeding direction A which allows the second note feeder12to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

FIG.12cshows a note directing device in a third operation mode, wherein the bank note10moving along a third path H from the first note feeder11to the third note feeder13. The first note feeder11has a feeding direction A such that the leading edge14of a bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the third note feeder13. The third note feeder13is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder13. The third note feeder13further has a feeding direction which allows the third note feeder13to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

FIG.12dshows a note directing device in a fourth operation mode, wherein the bank note10moves along a fourth path I from the third note feeder13to the first note feeder11. The feeding directions A and J as well as the rotational direction B are reversed as compared toFIG.12c. The third note feeder13has a feeding direction J such that the leading edge14of a bank note10is presented to the brushed roller2. The brushed roller2has a rotational direction B which directs the leading edge14of the bank note towards the first note feeder11. The first note feeder11is positioned such that the leading edge14approaching from the brushed roller2may enter the note feeder. The first note feeder11further has a feeding direction A which allows the first note feeder11to accept the bank note10and feed it away from the brushed roller2.

It should be understood that the first note feeder11, the second note feeder12, and the third note feeder13may have various orientations relative to each other. InFIG.12a-dthe note feeders are oriented such that a bank note10may move from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder by making a 90° left turn and move from the first note feeder11to the third note feeder by travelling straight. However, a configuration as shown inFIG.13is also possible. InFIG.13the note feeders are oriented such that a bank note10may move from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder by making a 90° right turn and move from the first note feeder11to the third note feeder by making a 90° left turn.

In one embodiment of the invention a note directing device1is a part of a cash recycling apparatus34, as seen inFIG.14. In such an apparatus a note access opening36may be provided in the form of e.g. a slit in the casing of the cash recycling apparatus34. A bank note10which is inserted into the note access opening36may e.g. be transported along a first path F to a note storage unit38. The bank note inserted into the note access opening36may e.g. enter in between two co-acting belts of a first note feeder11. In a first operation mode the first note feeder11may transport the bank note10to a brushed roller2which directs the bank note10to a second note feeder12. The second note feeder12may then transport the bank note10to a note storage unit38wherein the bank note may be stored. Thus the first operation mode may perform a bank note10deposit into the note storage unit38. Analogously, the bank note10may, in a second operation mode, be transported from the note storage unit38to the note access opening36by e.g. reversing the feeding direction A of the first note feeder, the rotational direction B of the brushed roller and the feeding direction C of the second note feeder, as compared to the first operation mode, so that the bank note10travels along a second path G. Thus the second operation mode may perform a bank note10withdrawal from the note storage unit38.

It should be understood that the paths which the bank note10travels in the first and the second operation mode do not necessarily need to be opposite to each other. For example, the bank note10may travel along one path from the note access opening36via the first11and second note feeder12to the note storage unit38for a deposit but then travel along another path from the note storage unit38via the second note feeder12and a third note feeder13to the note access opening36. The brushed roller2may be used to select which path the bank note takes. It should also be understood that a cash recycling apparatus34comprising a note directing device1with a first11, a second12and a third note feeder13may further comprise additional note storage units38. For example, if the first note feeder11is connected to the note access opening36the second12and third note feeder13may be connected to different note storage units38. Furthermore, the third note feeder may also be connected to a fourth and a fifth note feeder via a brushed roller2. Thus, even further note storage units may be connected. These may e.g. be used for notes of different denominations or different origins. Some of the note feeders may also be connected to detection routes where various features of the bank notes10, e.g. denomination, origin etc., may be determined.

A note directing device1may also or alternatively be used for selecting whether a bank note10is to be transported towards a storage of bank notes10in the apparatus34or transported to be output from the apparatus34if the bank note is rejected.

The note storage unit38may be implemented in many ways. One way is illustrated inFIG.15. A first film40and a second film42are wound around a note storage drum44. Bank notes10may be fed in between the first40and the second42film and thus spooled onto the note storage drum44. Thus the first40and a second42film acts both as a note feeder and as a part of the note storage drum44. The first40and the second42films may be fed onto the note storage drum44from film storage drums46. A further description of note storage drums44may be found in EP1466303.

FIG.16illustrates a method for directing a bank note10in a note directing device1, wherein the bank note10can be directed along a path by controlling a first note feeder11, a brushed roller2, and a second note feeder12, wherein the brushed roller2comprises an axis4and bristles6, each bristle6being attached at one end to the axis4and extending radially from said axis4, the distribution of bristles6extending along a longitudinal direction E of the axis. The method comprises receiving a path selection signal102and in response: set the first note feeder104, set the brushed roller106, and set the second note feeder108. If the note directing device1further comprises a third note feeder13, the method may further comprise the step of setting the third note feeder110.

The path selection signal may be e.g. a transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal, a RS-232 serial signal, or a USB signal. The signal may emanate from a processor unit e.g. as a response to a user request to e.g. withdraw cash. It may also emanate from a bank note validation unit. The bank note validation unit may e.g. detect that a bank note10has a certain denomination, wherein the denomination requires a certain path. The bank note validation unit may also or alternatively detect whether a bank note10is to be accepted or rejected by the apparatus34, wherein an accepted bank note10may be transported for storage of the bank note10and a rejected bank note10may be transported to be output from the apparatus34. The path selection signal may also be a combination of several signals.

If the path selection signal indicates a desired bank note10movement along a first path F from the first note feeder11via the brushed roller2to the second note feeder12then the first note feeder11may be set104such that the first note feeder11presents the leading edge14to the brushed roller2. This may be done by setting the feeding direction A such that the bank note10moves towards the brushed roller2and setting a suitable feeding speed such that the brushed roller2may direct the leading edge14. The feeding speed may be generic and preselected, e.g. a single feeding speed suitable for bank notes10of different origin and condition may be used always. However, the feeding speed may also be specific to the bank note10approaching the brushed roller2, e.g. a detector signal may indicate that the approaching bank note10is of a specific type, requiring a specific feeding speed.

In further response to the first path selection signal the brushed roller2may be set106to have a rotational direction B and a rotational speed such that it engages the bank note10presented by the first note feeder11and directs the leading edge14of the bank note10towards the second note feeder12. A suitable rotational direction B may be a direction wherein the interaction between the bank note10and the brushed roller2together with the interaction between the bank note10and gravity forces the leading edge14to move from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12. A suitable rotational direction B may also be the rotational direction B which directs the leading edge along a short path, rather than a long path, from the first note feeder11to the second note feeder12. A suitable rotational speed B may be a speed adapted to the inertia of the bank note10, allowing the bank note10to change direction in a controllable manner. A suitable rotational speed B may also be a speed which ensures that the leading edge14starts to be redirected before it passes the axis4of the brushed roller2.

The rotational speed may be generic and preselected, e.g. a single rotational speed suitable for bank notes10of different origin and condition may be used always. However, the rotational speed may also be specific to the bank note10approaching the brushed roller2, e.g. a detector signal may indicate that the approaching bank note10is of a specific type, requiring a specific rotational speed.

In further response to the first path selection signal the second note feeder12may be set108such that it accepts the leading edge14of the bank note10from the brushed roller2. This may be done by setting the feeding direction C such that the accepted leading edge14of the bank note10moves away from the brushed roller2and setting a suitable feeding speed. A suitable feeding speed for the second note feeder12may e.g. be a speed which do not put unnecessary strain on the bank note10if it is still being fed by the first note feeder11. The feeding speed may be generic and preselected, e.g. a single feeding speed suitable for bank notes10of different origin and condition may be used always. However, the feeding speed may also be specific to the bank note10approaching the brushed roller2, e.g. a detector signal may indicate that the approaching bank note10is of a specific type, requiring a specific feeding speed.

In one embodiment the method additionally allows the bank note10to be directed along a second path G by controlling the first note feeder11, the brushed roller2, and the second note feeder12. When a second path selection signal is received102, the second path selection signal indicating a desired bank note10movement along the second path G from the second note feeder12via the brushed roller2to the first note feeder11, the first note feeder11may be set104, the brushed roller2may be set106, and the second note feeder12may be set108. Setting the first104and second108note feeder and the brushed roller106may be done in analogy to their setting in response to the first path selection signal but with the bank note10moving along a second path G which has the opposite direction of the first path F. The feeding direction of the first11and second12note feeder in response to the second path selection signal may be opposite to the feeding direction of the first11and second12note feeder in response to the first path selection signal. The rotational direction of the brushed roller2in response to the second path selection signal may be opposite to the rotational direction of the brushed roller2in response to the first path selection signal.

In one embodiment the method additionally allows the bank note10to be directed along a third H and a fourth I path by setting110a third note feeder13in addition to setting104the first note feeder11, setting106the brushed roller2, and setting108the second note feeder12. A third path selection signal may indicate a desired bank note10movement along the third path H from the first note feeder11via the brushed roller2to the third note feeder13. A fourth path selection signal may indicate a desired bank note10movement along the fourth path I from the third note feeder13via the brushed roller2to the first note feeder11. The setting of the first11and third13note feeders and the brushed roller2in response to the third or fourth path selection signal may be conducted analogously to the setting of the first11and second12note feeders and the brushed roller2in response to the first or second path selection signal.

It should be understood that whenever a path selection signal is received the note feeders and the brushed roller involved in the path may be set either simultaneously or sequentially. The timing of setting the note feeders and the brushed roller may be such that the movement direction and speed of each component has reached its set value before the leading edge14of the bank note10reaches the component in question. The timing of setting the note feeders and the brushed roller2may also be such that whenever two note feeders are feeding the bank note10the note feeders have the same feeding speed.