Abstract:
An apparatus for use with a store for storing value sheets in a stack having at least one variable dimension. In one aspect, the apparatus can include a plate that is adapted to engage the stack for movement therewith in the direction of the variable dimension. The apparatus can also include an indicator that is disposable between a first, operational position and a second, rest position. The plate engages the indicator such that the indicator alternates between the rest position and the operational position in response to crossing of a predetermined position by the plate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/612,337, filed Dec. 18, 2006, which claims the benefit of foreign priority application filed in Europe, serial number 05257808.5, filed Dec. 19, 2005. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to stores for sheets of value and, in particular, stores adapted to dispense such sheets. As used herein, “value sheets” refers to any sheets of value such as cheques, banknotes, coupons etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A change giver or vending machine and machines of the type accept value sheets from a user and give change in the form of value sheets. Such machines are herein referred to as “banknote handlers” or “value sheet handlers”. Value sheet handlers incorporate a number of different types of value sheet stores and means for judging the authenticity of value sheets received from users and returning value sheets to users in the form of change. Value sheet handlers include suitable means to transport value sheets from one location to another. 
     Importantly, value sheet handlers are geographically remote from the administrator of the machine. It will be appreciated that as the value sheet handler operates, the proportions of value sheets in the handler will vary. Therefore, the administrator needs to bring value sheets to the machine and remove value sheets from the machine. 
     This invention is primarily concerned with value sheet stores suitable for transporting value sheets to such a value sheet handler. The administrator may fill the store with a number of value sheets and the store and the handler are designed so that the store may be inserted into the handler. It is therefore necessary that the store be able to dispense value sheets to the value sheet handler. Such value sheet stores are referred to as “payouts”. 
     There are a number of known methods by which a payout may dispense value sheets to a value sheet handler. In one such method, the value sheets are stored in the payout in a stack supported by a pressure plate. The pressure plate is biased so that a topmost value sheet of the stack is brought into contact with an uptake roller. The uptake roller rotates to transport the topmost value sheet of the stack out of the store. 
     This suffers from the disadvantage that value sheets adhere to one another due to friction and/or creasin and the action of the roller may transport more than a single value sheet out of the payout. Such a bundle of value sheets may cause jams in the value sheet handler or in the payout. In the remainder of this discussion, in the context of one or more value sheets being transported from a stack, the value sheets transported will be referred to as a “bundle” although it will be appreciated that in certain instances the bundle may comprise a single value sheet. 
     To minimise this problem, it is know to provide an additional set of rollers comprising a first and second transport roller which engage with the bundle. In one such example, the first transport roller engages a topmost value sheet of the bundle and the second transport roller engages the lowermost value sheet. Once the bundle is engaged by both rollers, the direction of rotation of the second transport roller will be reversed for a predetermined time. Through this action all value sheets except the topmost one will tend to be returned to the store. Usually, the first transport roller will have a greater coefficient of friction than the second transport roller so that when the second transport roller engages the topmost value sheet, the action of this roller will not displace the topmost value sheet. 
     This suffers from the disadvantage that where the bundle comprises at least two value sheets and the displacement between the value sheets is too large, the action of the second roller rotating in the reverse direction for a predetermined time will be insufficient to drive the lower value sheet back into the store, resulting in the bundle being further transported into the value sheet handler with the associated risk of jams. 
     A further problem exists, even when all but the topmost value sheet are removed from the bundle. Due to friction between the returning value sheets and those on the stack, value sheets may become crumpled in the stack which can cause a jam in the payout. 
     Jams involving value sheets generally require the intervention of a person with an associated cost. Furthermore, the machine may be inoperable until the jam is cleared, further increasing the cost of the jam. 
     It is therefore desirable to prevent jams caused by returning value sheets from the bundle to the stack. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, a value sheet store and associated method of dispensing value sheets are provided wherein sheets are dispensed by removing a bundle of one or more sheets from a stack and all but one of the value sheets of the bundle are returned to the stack while increasing a distance between the stack and a dispensing means. 
     Where the bundle is supported by means other than the stack, relative movement of the stack will decrease an area of contact between the returning value sheets and the topmost value sheet of the stack, thereby reducing the likelihood of crumpling of the returning value sheets which may cause a jam. 
     The bundle may be removed in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by a topmost value sheet of the stack. Preferably, the stack is brought into contact with the dispensing means which includes an uptake roller and the bundle is dispensed from the stack by the uptake roller. When the value sheets are returned to the stack the distance between the stack and the dispensing means is increased by moving the stack away from the uptake roller. 
     The dispensing means may further include first and second transport rollers which act to transport the bundle away from the stack. Value sheets may be returned from the bundle to the stack by the action of the first and the second transport roller. The first transport roller may engage a topmost value sheet of the bundle while the second transport roller engages a bottommost value sheet of the bundle. During the return of value sheets to the stack, the second transport roller preferably rotates in a direction opposite to that of the first transport roller. 
     The stack of value sheets may be supported by a pressure plate and the stack may be moved by moving the pressure plate. Preferably, movement of the pressure plate is biased so that the stack is encouraged into engagement with the uptake roller and the movement of the pressure plate during a dispensing operation counteracts the bias. 
     A further aspect of the invention relates to a store for storing value sheets in a stack wherein the stack is moved during a dispensing operation which includes means for securing the stack. This is particularly useful when the store is being transported as movement during transport may otherwise cause misalignment of the value sheets stored in the stack. 
     If the stack is supported by a pressure plate which is moved during a dispensing operation, the securing means may anchor the pressure plate to prevent it from moving. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, pressure may be applied to the stack to secure it. Where the stack is sandwiched between a pressure plate and an overlying plate, pressure may be applied to the stack by moving the overlying plate in a direction towards the pressure plate. This may be achieved by a pivoting lever which engages with the overlying plate. 
     Where the store is adapted to be filled at one location and transported to a value sheet handler where the store is installed at the value sheet handler, the securing means is preferably operational during transport of the store. Therefore, the securing means may be disengaged when the store is accessed by the lifting of a lid and/or when the store is installed in a value sheet handler. Similarly, the securing means may be engaged when the lid is closed and/or when the store is removed from the value sheet handler. 
     A further aspect of the invention relates to a store for storing value sheets in a stack wherein the stack is moved during a dispensing operation which includes means for indicating to a user when the store contains more than a predetermined number of value sheets. As the stack is moved during a dispensing operation, it is possible to overfill the stack, leaving insufficient room for movement during a dispensing operation. An indicating means gives a signal to a user that the stack is too full, thereby avoiding value sheet jams which would otherwise occur. 
     Preferably, the store includes means for preventing securing of the store when the stack contains more than the predetermined number of value sheets. This will prevent a user from over-filling the stack and using the store in a configuration which can lead to value sheet jams and damage to the store. 
     Where the housing includes a lid, the store may include a stop operable between a first position, when the stack contains less than the predetermined number of value sheets, and a second position, when the stack contains more than the predetermined number of value sheets. The lid may include a protrusion which engages with the stop when in the second position, thereby preventing closing of the lid and securing of the store. The stop may be associated with the indicating means. 
     Preferably, the store includes a plate, overlying the stack, which engages with the indicator when the stack contains fewer than the predetermined number of value sheets. The engagement with the indicator moves it from a second position to a first position. If the stop is associated with the indicator, movement of the indicator may move the stop from its second position to its first position, thereby allowing closure of the lid. 
     Preferably the indicator is biased towards its second position so that when the plate is removed, the indicator will move to its second position. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a value sheet store and associated method of dispensing value sheets are provided wherein a bundle of one or more value sheets are transported from a stack and all but one of the value sheets of the bundle are returned to the stack and the remaining value sheet is dispensed, wherein a sensor determines the number of sheets in the bundle. 
     Value sheets may be removed from the bundle by the action of a first and a second transport roller. The first transport roller may engage a topmost value sheet of the bundle while the second transport roller engages a bottommost value sheet of the bundle. During the removal of value sheets from the bundle, the second transport roller may be stationary or may rotate at a different rate to the first roller. Preferably the second roller rotates in a direction opposite to that of the first roller and the removed value sheets are returned to the stack. 
     By detecting the number of value sheets in the bundle, the action of the first and/or the second roller can be altered when a single value sheet remains in the bundle. Preferably, the action of the first and second transport rollers is altered so as to remove the remaining value sheet from the stack. This avoids more than a single sheet being transported thereby avoiding jams. Furthermore, the action of the second roller on the topmost value sheet may be minimised thereby reducing wear on this value sheet. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, a value sheet store is provided which includes at least one adjustable lateral guide to accommodate value sheets of varying sizes. 
     Preferably the store includes two adjustable lateral guides to accommodate value sheets of varying length and width. 
     At least one of the lateral guides may include an upper portion articulated with respect to a lower portion. This provides a user with access to the store without the necessity of moving the guide. Preferably, movement of the articulated upper portion is biased. 
     A further aspect of the invention extends to a store for value sheets which includes a housing having side walls and a lid, wherein at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is integrally formed with the lid so that when the lid is removed, the portion of the sidewall is removed therewith. This increases a user&#39;s access to the store, increasing the ease with which the value sheets can be removed from, and inserted into, the store. This also aids in maintenance of the store, providing a maintenance person which greater ease of access to the components of the store. 
     In a further aspect of the invention a value sheet store is provided having a housing comprising at least one wall describing a plane and a handle attached to the housing by at least one hinge lying substantially in the plane of the wall. 
     If two stores having respective handles located in the plane of respective walls are carried together, they may be orientated so that the respective walls abut one another. This increases the ease with which the two stores may be transported. 
     Preferably the two respective walls are formed with complimentary means such as recesses and abutments so that the stores do not move relative to one another while being transported. This further increases the ease of transport of the two stores as relative movement can render the stores unwieldy. 
     A further aspect of the invention relates to a value sheet store from which value sheets may be dispensed including a housing having an aperture from which the value sheets are dispensed wherein the store further includes a shutter operable to block the aperture. Preferably, the shutter is formed to engage with the aperture. 
     The shutter prevents unauthorised access to the value sheets. This is particularly useful when the store is used to transport value sheets. 
     Where the store is adapted to be filled at one location and transported to a value sheet handler where the store is installed at the value sheet handler, the shutter preferably blocks the aperture during transport. Preferably, the insertion of the store into the value sheet handler causes the shutter to unblock the aperture. 
     To further disallow access to the stack via the aperture, the store may include means preventing removal of the store from the value sheet handler unless the shutter blocks the aperture. This will prevent removal of the store where one or more value sheets have become lodged in the aperture. This is useful where the person who transports the store is not sufficiently trusted to be allowed access to the value sheets. Preferably, in this situation, a second manner of removing the store is provided so that the jam can be cleared and the store removed for refilling. 
     According to a further aspect, the invention provides for a store for storing value sheets in a stack and means for calculating a height of the stack. Preferably, the stack is supported by a pressure plate and the calculation is based on measuring a distance traversed by the pressure plate. The distance may be the difference between a reference point and the point at which the stack is engaged by a dispensing means. 
     Preferably, the store includes a plate overlying the stack orientated at an opposite end of the stack to the pressure plate and the pressure plate moves the stack from the reference point to a point where the stack engages the overlying plate. 
     This is useful for estimating the number of value sheets contained in the stack so that a user may be notified when the stack contains fewer than a predetermined number of value sheets. By utilizing this, the removal and refilling of the stack can be scheduled for an optimum time and the number of unnecessary trips to remove the store can be minimised. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are herein described with reference to the following drawings. 
         FIGS. 1A to 1E  are schematic representations illustrating a mode of operation of a banknote store. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a banknote store according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a light guide and support for use with the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is an offset rear view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the detail illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an underside of the lid of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 13 to 15  illustrate components used in the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a detail of the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 17 to 19  illustrate components used in the banknote store of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate components of a banknote store according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of a banknote handler. 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a banknote store  10  which includes a housing  12 . Contained within housing  12  is a pressure plate  14  which supports a stack of banknotes  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , . . .  16   n . Pressure plate  14  is supported by two levers  18  and  20  articulated at point  22  to form a scissors arrangement. 
     Lever  18  is fixed at end  24  relative to the housing  12  whereas movement of end  26  of lever  20  is constrained to allow lateral movement in the directions of arrow  30 . The pressure plate  14  is fixed to lever  20  at point  28  and attached to lever  18  at point  19 . Movement of lever  18  relative to the pressure plate  14  is permitted at point  19 . 
     As the pressure plate  14  moves up and down, the levers  18  and  20  articulate about point  22 , end  26  of lever  20  moves in the direction of arrow  30  and the pressure plate  14  moves relative to the lever  18  to keep the pressure plate  14  level. 
     A spring  32  biases downwards movement (with reference to the Figures) of the pressure plate  14  and therefore encourages upward movement. A disc  34  is connected to a pin  36  and as the disc  34  rotates, the pin is rotated about axis  38  in the directions of arrow  40 . Pin  36  engages with lever  18  to move the pressure plate  14  down by action of the disc  34 , upwards movement occurring under action of the spring  32 . 
     The store  10  further includes a banknote dispenser comprising an uptake roller  42  which rotates in direction of arrow  44 , an upper transport roller  46  and a lower transport roller  48 . A light source  50  and light detector  52  are also provided which are orientated on opposite sides of a transport path along which dispensed banknotes travel. 
     The uptake roller  42 , the upper  46  and lower  48  transport rollers and the disc  34  are driven by motors (not shown) to provide the appropriate rotation of these elements. Furthermore, light source  50  and light detector  52  are connected to a processor  70  (connections not shown) which processes the output of the sensor  52 . The motors controlling the rotation of the uptake roller  42 , the two transport rollers  46  and  48  and the disc  34  are also connected to and controlled by the processor  70 . 
     To dispense a banknote, uptake roller  42  is rotated in the direction of arrow  44 . The spring  32  acts on the pressure plate  14  to bring the uppermost banknote  16   a  into contact with the uptake roller  42 . Therefore, rotation of the uptake roller  42  in the direction of arrow  44  will cause movement of the uppermost banknote  16   a  in the direction of arrow  54 . 
     Due to friction between successive banknotes, movement of the uppermost banknote  16   a  under action of the uptake roller  42  may cause movement of the next underlying banknote  16   b  which, in turn, may cause movement of the next underlying banknote  16   c . It is to be realised that this does not occur with each dispensing operation and the number of banknotes which may be moved together with the topmost banknote  16   a  will vary, depending on the amount of friction between the banknotes. This will depend on the quality of the banknotes and the pressure exerted on the pressure plate  14  by the spring  32 . In the operation illustrated, banknotes  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are dispensed together. 
     The banknotes  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  constitute a bundle of banknotes. It is to be realised that fewer or more banknotes may be transported under the action of the uptake roller  42 , and the principle herein described is equally applicable to a bundle comprising more or less than three banknotes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , banknotes  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are transported in direction of arrow  54  to engage with transport rollers  46  and  48 . Transport rollers  46  and  48  rotate in the directions of respective arrows  56  and  58  to further transport the bundle of banknotes  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  in the direction of arrow  54 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , when the processor  70  detects that the bundle of value sheets enters the light emitted by light source  50 , rotation of the transport rollers  56  and  58  is stopped, as is the rotation of uptake roller  42 . When the bundle  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  is stationary, processor  70  determines how many banknotes there are in the bundle by measuring the output of sensor  52 . The output of sensor  52  will be proportional to the number of banknotes (for which the average transmissivity is known) in the bundle. 
     If the processor  70  detects that the bundle contains more than a single value sheet, disc  34  is rotated in direction of arrow  60  causing pin  36  to engage with lever  18 , moving the pressure plate  14  down in direction of arrow  62 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the lowering of the pressure plate  14  reduces the contact area between banknote  16   c  and the topmost banknote  16   d  remaining in the stack, because the bundle is supported by the transport rollers  46  and  48 . 
     Once the pressure plate  14  has been lowered, lower transport roller  48  is rotated in direction of arrow  64  whereas upper transport roller  46  remains stationery. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1D , rotation of lower transport roller  48  in direction of arrow  58  drives the underlying banknotes  16   b  and  16   c  of the bundle back towards the stack in direction of arrow  66 . Engagement between the uppermost banknote  16   a  with upper transport roller  46  while this roller stays stationary ensures that the uppermost banknote  16   a  remains in place. 
     Upper transport roller  46  has a higher coefficient of friction than the lower transport roller  48 . Therefore, once the underlying banknotes  16   b  and  16   c  have been returned to the stack, engagement between the lower transport roller  48  and the uppermost banknote  16   a  does not move the uppermost banknote  16   a.    
     In an alternative embodiment, to ensure that the banknote  16   a  does not move, the upper transport roller  46  may be rotated in the direction of arrow  56  illustrated in  FIG. 1B . 
     In a further embodiment, banknotes  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are separated from one another by rotation of upper  46  and lower  48  transport rollers in the respective directions of arrows  56  and  58  but at different rates, upper transport roller  46  being rotated faster than lower transport roller  48 . In this case, banknotes  16   b  and  16   c  will be returned to the stack once banknote  16   a  has been separated from the bundle by subsequently reversing the direction of rotation of upper  46  and lower  48  transport rollers. 
     Once the processor  70  detects that all but the topmost banknote  16   a  of the bundle have been returned to the stack, the disc  34  is rotated in the direction of arrow  68  ( FIG. 1E ) so that the pressure plate  14  moves upwards in direction of arrow  72  under the action of spring  32  and the topmost banknote  16   b  of the stack is brought into contact with the uptake roller  42 . 
     Upper  46  and lower  48  transport rollers are then rotated in the directions of respective arrows  56  and  58  and banknote  16   a  is further transported in direction of arrow  54 . 
     The stack is then in a state to dispense the next topmost banknote  16   b  on the stack. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a banknote store  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention which includes a housing  102  having a front side wall  104 , a left side wall  106 , and a lid  108 . Although not visible in this Figure, the housing also includes right and back side walls and a bottom wall. Portion  104   a  of side wall  104  is integrally formed with the lid  108 . 
     The lid  108  pivots relative to the right side wall about a shaft  110  and when it does so, the lid will separate from the side walls along line  112 . Because portion  104   a  of side wall  104  is formed as part of lid  108 , opening of the lid will provide a void in side wall  104  which provides a user or maintainer access to the innards of the store  100 . 
     A recess  114  is formed in the lid  108  and a handle  116  is located in the recess  114 . The handle  116  pivots about axes  118  and  120  which form a hinge for the handle  116 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the axes  118  and  120  lie on an edge  115  between side wall  114  and lid  108 . 
     Lid  108  includes two recesses  130  and two complementary projections  132 . Recesses  130  and projections  132  are formed and symmetrically arranged on the lid  108  so that when two stores such as the store  100  are arranged with respective lids abutting, the projection of one store will engage with the corresponding recess of the other store. This prevents movement of the two stores relative to one another when, for example, the stores are being transported. 
     Furthermore, as previously stated, handle  116  is attached to the housing  102  by axes  118  and  120  which lie on an edge  115  of the housing  102 . Therefore, two such stores can be arranged so that their respective lids abut and their respective handles will, when extended, be arranged so that they extend next to one another. A user may therefore conveniently carry two such stores by grasping both handles together in one hand. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the banknote store  100  with the lid  108  removed. Right side wall  120  is formed to define an aperture  122  through which banknotes are dispensed during operation of the banknote store  100 . 
     Right side wall  120  includes formations  124  through which shaft  110  runs, forming a hinge between the right side wall  120  and the lid  108  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Contained within the housing  102 , the banknote store  100  includes an internal chassis  140 , a stack support assembly  200  and a plate  300 . 
     The stack support assembly  200  is further illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The assembly  200  includes a first front lever  202  and a second front lever  204  joined to one another by pin  206  so that they swivel relative to one another about an axis formed by pin  206 . 
     The assembly  200  further includes a pressure plate  208  attached to second front lever  204  by pin  210 . Second front lever  204  has a recess  212  formed therein so that movement of the pressure plate  208  relative to the second front lever  204  is constrained by the movement of pin  210  in the recess  212 . Pressure plate  208  is connected to the first front lever  202  by pin  214 . 
     A first back lever  218  is connected to a second back lever  216  by pin  217  (see  FIG. 6 ). First  218  and second  216  back levers connect to the pressure plate  208  in a similar manner with pin  220  located in recess  222  of lever  216  and pin  224  connecting the first back lever  218  and the pressure plate  208 . The second front lever  204  is connected to the second back lever  216  by means of rod  260  which is immovably connected to the internal chassis  140 . Levers  204  and  216  are pivotally mounted to this rod  260 . 
     A helical spring  230  ( FIG. 5 ) acts between the pressure plate and the bottom wall of the housing  102  of the banknote store  100  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The stack support assembly  200  further includes two lateral guides  232  and  234  (described with reference to  FIG. 7 , below). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a motor  240  is located between the back wall  126  of housing  102  and the internal chassis  140 . The motor  240  is connected by a series of cogs (not shown) to disc  242  which in turn is connected to arm  244 . The arm  244  is formed with a pin  246  which engages with the second back lever  216 . 
     The first front lever  202  is connected to a reciprocating plate  228  by rod  226  and first back lever  218  is connected to the plate  228  by rod  248 . 
     The motor  240  rotates the disc  242 , causing the pin  246  to move the second back lever  216 . Through the aforementioned connections between the second back lever  216 , the pressure plate  208 , the first back lever  218  and the first  202  and second  204  front levers, and because the rod  260  connecting the levers  204  and  216  is immobile relative to the internal chassis  140 , the pressure plate is moved downwards in the direction of arrow  250  ( FIG. 5 ) relative to the internal chassis  140  when pin  246  is rotated in the appropriate direction. The action of the helical spring  230  on the pressure plate  208  moves the pressure plate  208  upwards in the direction of arrow  252  ( FIG. 5 ) relative to the internal chassis  140 . 
     In use of the store  100 , the pressure plate  208  supports a plurality of banknotes arranged in a stack on an upper surface of the plate  208 . As the plate is moved up and down so too is the stack of banknotes. 
     The reciprocating plate  228  moves back and forth in the directions of arrow  262  as the pressure plate  208  moves up and down. An arm  270  is connected to the internal chassis  140  and pivots about an axis formed by pin  272 . Arm  270  includes an abutment  274  which has a serrated surface. A complimentary serrated surface  276  is formed on the reciprocating plate  228 . 
     By pivoting the arm  270 , the serrated surface of abutment  274  can be brought into engagement with the serrated surface  276  of the reciprocating plate  228 , preventing relative movement between the arm  270  and the reciprocating plate  228 . This prevents movement of the pressure plate  208  thereby anchoring the plate  208  in any position. 
     This is useful when the store  100  is transported as it prevents unnecessary movement of the pressure plate  208  which could disturb the stack of banknotes, causing misalignments and jams of the banknotes when dispensing operations are attempted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an uptake roller  302  and an upper transport roller  304  are rotatably attached to plate  300 . A lower transport roller  306  is rotatably attached to the plate  300  by axle  308 . A motor  309  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) drives the uptake roller  302  and the upper  304  and lower  306  transport rollers via a worm gear (not shown) and cog gears  312 , in a manner known in the art, so that uptake roller  302  and the upper  304  and lower  306  transport rollers interact with banknotes to dispense the banknotes from the store  100 . Motor  310  drivers roller  306  through a chain of gears  313  in a direction which returns banknotes to the stack, as required. Therefore, the uptake roller  302  and the upper  304  and lower  306  transport rollers interact with banknotes from the stack supported by pressure plate  208  in the manner described above when referring to uptake roller  42  and upper  46  and lower  48  transport rollers illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 1D . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the banknote store  100  includes a support  136  connected to internal chassis  140  and supporting a light guide  138 , shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 . Two LEDs  150  and  152 , shown in dotted outline, are housed in the light guide  138 . When the LEDs  150  and  152  are activated, the light guide  138  gathers the light emitted and directs it downwards, towards a banknote transport path extending between a topmost banknote stored on the stack, supported by pressure plate  208  and the aperture  122 . The light is emitted through apertures  154  and  156  of light guide  138 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , internal chassis  140  includes sensors  160  and  162  located opposite respective apertures  154  and  156  of the light guide  138 . Therefore light emitted by the LEDs  150  and  152  is sensed by the sensors  160  and  162 . As the light guide  138  and the sensors  160  and  162  are located on opposite sides of the banknote transport path, when one or more banknotes are appropriately positioned, the sensors  160  and  162  will sense the light transmitted through the banknotes. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the banknote store  100  includes a circuit board  350  connected to the motor  310 , the belts, pulleys and clutches system  312  and the motor  240  ( FIG. 6 ). The circuit board  350  includes a connector  352  and is provided with a processor  354  having a memory. 
     The processor  354  controls the motor  310 , the belts, pulleys and clutches system  312 , the motor  240  and the LEDs  150  and  152 , and monitors the sensors  160  and  162  to operate these elements to dispense banknotes stored in the store  100  in the manner described above with reference to the banknote store  10  of  FIGS. 1A to 1E . 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the banknote store  100  illustrating the orientation of the lateral guides  232  and  234  with respect to the left side wall  106  and the front side wall  104  of the housing  102 . 
     Lateral guide  232  includes a vertical portion  400  and a horizontal portion  402 . Two elongated recesses  404  and  406  are formed in the horizontal portion  402 . Two screws  408  and  410  are located in respective recesses  404  and  406  and act to attach the guide  232  to the floor of the internal chassis  140  (in which complimentary holes (not shown) are formed). 
     The screws  408  and  410  are manually operable so that they can be tightened and loosened by a user. Once the screws  408  and  410  are loosened, the guide may be moved in the directions of arrow  412  and the screws tightened when the side  232  is in the desired position. 
     Lateral guide  234  includes a vertical portion  414  and a horizontal portion  416 . Horizontal portion  416  is formed with a recess  418  and a screw (not shown) attaches the horizontal portion  416  to the floor of the internal chassis  140  through a hole  420  formed therein. A user can move the lateral guide  234  in the directions of arrow  424  by loosening the screw. The floor of the chassis  140  is formed with elongated abutments  422  and  424  to constrain movement of the horizontal portion  416  of the guide  234 . When the guide  234  is in the desired location, the screw is tightened again. 
     By moving the lateral guides in this manner, the banknote store  100  can accommodate stacks of banknotes of different widths and lengths and lateral movement of banknotes of the stack is prevented by the guides. 
     The floor of the chassis  140  is further formed with holes  426  and  428  to accommodate respective screws  408  and  406 . Similarly, the floor of the chassis  140  is formed with holes  430  and  432  to accommodate the screw which engages with hole  420 . These additional holes  426 ,  428 ,  430  and  432  are spaced so that the guides can be quickly moved to accommodate banknotes of predetermined standard sizes by insertion of the respective screws in the desired hole and abutting the respective recesses of the horizontal portion of the guide to be moved against the screw. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , vertical portion  400  of lateral guide  232  is formed from upper portion  434  and a lower portion  436  joined to one another by a hinge  438  which allows movement of the upper portion  434  relative to the lower portion  436  in the direction of arrow  440 . The hinge  438  includes a spring (not shown) to move the upper portion  434  in the opposite direction to arrow  440 . 
     Movement of the upper portion  434  relative to the lower portion  436  of the vertical portion  400  of lateral guide  232  provides a user with access to a stack of banknotes supported by the pressure plate  208 , without having to move the lateral guide  232 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , plate  300  includes a protrusion  450 . Plate  300  is hinged with respect to the internal chassis  140  by rod  452 . As the plate  300  pivots about rod  452 , protrusion  450  reciprocates in a void  454  formed in internal chassis  140 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , an indicator  456  is pivotally attached to the internal chassis  140  about axis  458  on the opposite side of the chassis  140  to the plate  300 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the plate  300 , the internal chassis  140  and the indicator  456  in exploded view. As protrusion  450  of plate  300  reciprocates in void  454 , the protrusion  450  engages with extension  460  of indicator  456 , causing the indicator  456  to pivot about axis  458  in direction of arrow  462  ( FIG. 9 ). Indicator  456  includes a spring  464  which moves the indicator  456  in the opposite direction, in the direction of arrow  466  when protrusion  450  is lifted as plate  300  pivots upwards. Thereby indicator moves between a rest position (in the direction of arrow  466 ) and an operational position (in the direction of arrow  462 ). 
     Referring back to  FIG. 10 , indicator  456  has a first indicator surface  468  and a second indicator surface  470  said surfaces  468  and  470  forming a flag. Internal chassis  140  is formed with a void  472  through which the first indicator surface  468  is visible when the indicator is in its rest position and second indicator surface  470  is visible when the indicator  456  is in its operational position. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of certain parts of the banknote store  100 . Lid  108  (shown in dotted outline) includes an actuator  480  in which a void  482  is formed. A lever  484  connects the lid  108  to the second front lever  204  of the stack support assembly  200 . A pin  486  at the upper end of the lever  484  reciprocates in void  482  of the actuator  480 . 
     The lever  484  includes a void  488  and pin  490  of second front lever  204  reciprocates in the void  488 . As the lid  108  is opened by pivoting about shaft  110  ( FIG. 2 ), actuator  480  engages with pin  486  to move lever  484 . Movement of lever  484  will cause pin  490  to engage with void  488  to move the second front lever  204 . As previously described, movement of lever  204  will move the pressure plate  208 . 
     Therefore, opening of the lid  108  will move the pressure plate  208  downwards in the direction of arrow  250  ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ) until the pressure plate engages with stop  492  attached to side wall  106 . It will be realised that once the lid is fully opened, the pressure plate  208  will be placed in a predetermined position determined by the placement of stop  492  which, in the embodiment illustrated, provides a leeway of 51 mm for the pressure plate  208  to move downwards during a dispensing operation. Closure of the lid will cause the stop to move, thereby allowing upwards movement of the pressure plate  208  again (this mechanism is not illustrated in the Figures). 
     When a user replenishes the stack of banknotes in the store  100 , the lid  108  is opened, moving the pressure plate  208  to the predetermined position. The plate  300  is pivoted about rod  452  and banknotes are placed on the pressure plate  208  constrained by lateral guides  232  and  234 . The plate  300  is then pivoted back to the position shown in the Figures. 
     If there are too many banknotes in the stack, the plate  300  will not pivot back sufficiently for the protrusion  450  to engage with extension  460  of the indicator  456 . In this instance the first indicator surface  468  will remain aligned with the void  472 . In the embodiment shown, the first indicator surface  468  is coloured red to indicate to a user that the stack contains too many banknotes. 
     If the height of the banknote stack is sufficiently short, the plate  300  can be fully pivoted back into position, so that protrusion  450  engages with extension  460  of indicator  456  moving the indicator  456  in the direction of arrow  462  brining the second indicator surface  470  into alignment with the void  472 . The second indicator surface  470  is coloured green to indicate to a user that the store can be secured and used. 
     Internal chassis  140  includes a second void  474  located adjacent void  472 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  illustrates an underside of the lid  108  which includes a protrusion  476  which engages with void  474  of the internal chassis  140 . Referring back to  FIG. 10 , first indicator surface  468  is shaped so that when the indicator is in its rest position, first indicator surface  468  blocks the complete insertion of the protrusion  476  of the lid  108  into the second void  474 , thereby preventing the lid  108  from being completely closed. 
     The second indicator surface  470  is shaped so that when the indicator has moved to the operational position, the protrusion may be completely inserted into the second void  474 , thereby allowing the lid to be closed. 
     In this manner, movement of the indicator between the rest position and the operational position (which is determined by the number of banknotes on the stack inserted into the store  100 ) determines whether the lid  108  can be closed or not and therefore whether the store can be secured. It is to be realised that in an alternative embodiment without the visual indicator provided to a user by the different colourings of the indicator surfaces  468  and  470 , failure of the lid to close and/or lock (as described below) acts as an indicator to the user that there are too many banknotes in the stack. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the store  100  includes a lock  500 . The lock  500  includes a cam  502  rotatable within a holder  504  which is attached to the housing  102  of the store  100  and is operable by a suitable key. 
     The lid  108  ( FIG. 12 ) includes a plate  506  attached thereto by screw and washer arrangements  508  and  510  so that the plate  506  can slide relative to the lid  108  in the directions of arrow  512 . The plate includes three catches  514 ,  516  and  518  which move with the plate  506 . Plate  506  also includes a protruding actuator  520 . 
     When the lid  108  is closed, the protruding actuator  520  engages with the cam  502  of the lock  500  so that, when the cam  502  is rotated by a user, the action of the cam  502  on the protruding actuator  520  slides the plate  506  in the direction of arrow  512 . Spring  522  encouraging the plate  506  in the opposite direction. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the store  100  includes a locking plate  522  attached to the side wall  106 . The locking plate includes flanges  524 ,  526  and  528 . When the lid  108  is closed and plate  506  slides under action of the cam  502 , the catches  514 ,  516  and  518  of the plate  506  will engage with respective flanges  514 ,  516  and  518 , thereby locking the lid  108  to the side wall  106  and securing the housing  102 . 
     When the stack contains too many banknotes for the lid  108  to be completely closed due to the interaction between the protrusion  476  of the lid  108  and the indicator  456 , as previously described, the latches  514 ,  516  and  518  will not engage with the flanges  524 ,  526  and  528 , thereby preventing the securing of the housing  102 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a detail of the store  100 . Upper  530  and lower  540  free rollers are mounted to the internal chassis  140  (see  FIG. 8  which illustrates the mounting of upper free roller  530 , lower free roller  540  being mounted directly thereunder). A shutter  554  is slideably mounted to the inner surface of side wall  120  with screw and washer arrangements  556  and  558  interacting with void  560  formed in the shutter  554 . The shutter is mounted so that it may move up and down, relative to the side wall  120  of housing  102 , in the directions of arrow  562 . 
     The aperture  122  in side wall  120  of housing  102  is partially defined by a bracket  560  located in the side wall  120  ( FIG. 3 ) and is further defined by the upper  530  and lower  540  free rollers. Upper  530  and lower  540  rollers are formed with respective engaging surfaces  532  and  542  spaced from one another along respective axes  534  and  544 . During the dispensing of banknotes, the engaging surfaces  532  and  542  will engage with banknotes dispensed from the store  10 . 
     The spacing between engaging surfaces  532  and  542  of upper  530  and lower  540  free rollers provides gaps through which an intruder may insert objects in an attempt to access banknotes stored in the store  10 . Therefore, shutter  554  is formed with projections  564  which, when the shutter is in an upper position, interleave with the upper  530  and lower  540  free rollers to block the aperture, the projections  564  filling the gaps between the engaging surfaces  532  and  542  of the upper  530  and lower  540  free rollers. 
     This acts as a security device, ensuring that unauthorised access to the store  100  is disallowed when the store is being transported. This is particularly effective in preventing “fishing” whereby a wire is inserted into an available aperture in an attempt to hook a banknote and extract it from the store. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 13  is a cog  566  having teeth  567  and pivotally mounted about point  568  so that the cog  566  is moveable in the direction of arrows  570  and  572 .  FIG. 14  illustrates the reverse side of cog  566  which includes a projection  574 . 
       FIG. 15  is a view of shutter  554  and illustrates a sliding finger  576  mounted on the shutter  554  by pins  578  and  580 . The finger  576  is slideably moveable with respect to the pins  578  and  580  in the direction of arrows  582  and  584 . A spring  586 , attached to finger  576  and to shutter  554 , biases movement of the finger  576  in the direction of arrow  584 . Finger  576  further includes a hook  588  having a level upper surface  590  and a ramped lower surface  592 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 14 , when cog  566  is moved in the direction of arrow  572 , and the shutter  554  is in its upper position, the projection  574  will be rotated about point  568  and brought into contact with the ramped lower surface  592  of sliding finger  576 , moving the finger in the direction of arrow  582 . Because surface  592  is ramped, subsequent downwards movement of the shutter  554  will move finger  576  further in the direction of arrow  582 . However, once projection  574  is out of engagement with hook  588  of the finger  576 , the finger  576  will slide in the direction of arrow  584  under the action of spring  586  and engagement between projection  574  and upper level surface  590  of hook  588  will prevent the upwards movement of shutter  554  until projection  574  has been moved by rotation of cog  566  in the direction of arrow  570 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a wedge  594  is mounted to the inner chassis  140  to allow rotational movement in the direction of arrows  596  and  598  about axis  595 . A lever  600  connects wedge  594  to shutter  554  and is articulated about points  602  and  604 . Therefore, movement of wedge  594  in the direction of arrow  598  will cause the lowering of shutter  554  and movement in the direction of arrow  596  will cause the raising of shutter  554 . On the reverse side of wedge  594  to that illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a projection  606  of wedge  594  (illustrated in dotted outline) engages with a spring  608  (also illustrated in doted outline). Spring  608  encourages movement of wedge  594  in the direction of arrow  596  and therefore upwards movement of shutter  554 . 
     Wedge  594  further includes a protruding member  610  which engages with an underside of the pressure plate  208  ( FIG. 4 ). Downwards movement of the pressure plate  208  will cause the wedge  594  to rotate in the direction of arrow  598  which, in turn, causes downward movement of the shutter  554 . 
     When the shutter  554  is in the upper position, downwards movement of the shutter  554  by action on the shutter  554  will be prevented by the alignment of lever  600  relative to the shutter  554  and the wedge  594  which will not translate linear force. However, rotational motion of the wedge  594  is readily translated into downwards motion of the shutter  554 . As the shutter  554  blocks aperture  122  ( FIG. 2 ) when in the upper position, the wedge  594  is not accessible from outside the store  100  without opening the lid  108  (for which a key is needed). Therefore shutter  554  serves to secure unauthorised access to the store  100  when in the upper position. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 14 , cog  566  includes a pin  612  which projects outwards. Shutter  554  includes a flange  614  ( FIGS. 13 and 15 ) which is shaped so that, when the shutter  554  is in its upper position, the cog is free to rotate in the direction of arrows  570  and  572 . However, when the shutter is in the lower position, engagement between the flange  614  and the projecting pin  612  prevents rotation of the cog  566  in the direction of arrow  570 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 6  illustrate a cylinder  620  mounted for rotational movement relative to the housing  102  which includes an aperture  622  and a plurality of teeth  624  arranged around a portion of the circumference of the cylinder  620 . 
     As described below, with reference to  FIG. 22 , the store  100  may be inserted into a banknote handler  800 . Illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the printed circuit board  350  includes a connector  352  which, when the store  100  is inserted into a banknote handler, connects with the banknote handler. Processor  354  detects the connection. 
     The banknote handler includes an actuator  626  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) shaped to engage with the aperture  622  of cylinder  620 . The aperture  622  is formed as a helix so that when the actuator  626  is inserted into aperture  622 , cylinder  620  rotates relative to housing  102 . 
     Teeth  567  of cog  566  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) engage with teeth  624  of cylinder  620  so that rotation of the cylinder  620  causes movement of the cog in the direction of arrows  570  and  572 . The helical aperture  622  is formed so that insertion of the store  100  into the banknote handler will cause rotation of cylinder  620  in the direction of arrow  572  and extraction, in the direction of arrow  570 . 
     So, when the store  100  is inserted into a banknote handler, engagement between the actuator  626  and the aperture  622  will cause rotation of the wedge  566  in the direction of arrow  572 . This causes engagement between projection  574  and ramped lower surface  592  of sliding finger  576 . Once the store  100  has been installed in the banknote handler, the processor  354  detects the installation and actuates motor  240  and will cause the pressure plate  208  to move downwards during an initialisation phase. This causes the shutter  554  to move downwards, thereby opening aperture  122 , readying the store  100  for the dispensing of the banknotes stored therein. 
     As banknotes are dispensed from the store  100 , the pressure plate  208  will move upwards under the action of spring  230 . Shutter  554  will then move upwards under the action of spring  608  until level upper surface  590  of hook  588  of finger  576  is brought into engagement with projection  574  of wedge  566 , which will arrest further upward movement of shutter  554 . 
     When the store  100  is extracted from the banknote handler, engagement between the actuator  626  and the aperture  622  will cause rotation of the wedge  566  in the direction of arrow  570 . This will bring projection  574  out of engagement with the finger  576  and the shutter  554  will continue its upward movement under the action of spring  608  until aperture  122  is closed. 
     If the shutter cannot close if, for example, a banknote has become stuck in aperture  122  during a dispensing operation, engagement between protruding pin  612  of wedge  566  and flange  614  of shutter  554  will prevent rotation of the wedge  566  in the direction of arrow  570 . This, in turn will prevent rotation of cylinder  620  relative to actuator  626  thereby preventing the removal of the store  100  from the banknote handler in this manner. 
     Removal of the store  100  from the banknote handler is then carried out, in a different manner, by accessing the banknote handler and manually rotating the actuator  626 . This is advantageous as different people, with different degrees of trust, can be tasked with removal of the store  100  from the banknote handler by extraction and by accessing the banknote handler. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates internal chassis  140  and plate  300 . Cylinder  620  is connected to an arm  640  which in turn is connected to a lever  642  mounted to the internal chassis  140  for pivotal movement about pin  644 . Lever  642  includes a flange  646  having a ramped surface  648 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the position of lever  642  relative to the lid  108 . Leaf spring  680  encourages movement of lever  642  in the direction causing engagement between the ramped surface  648  and the plate  300  (as described below). A linear cam  682  is mounted to the internal chassis  140  and is moveable in the directions of arrows  686  and  688 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , plate  300  includes a surface  690  with which the linear cam  682  interacts. When the linear cam  682  moves in direction of arrow  688 , the plate  300  will be encouraged to move upwards in the direction of arrow  684  ( FIG. 16 ). Lever  640  also interacts with linear cam  682  causing movement of the cam in the direction of arrow  686  (thereby causing it to disengage with the plate  300 ). 
     Rotation of cylinder  620  causes movement of arm  640  so that lever  642  pivots about pin  644 . The pivoting of arm  644  brings ramped surface  648  of flange  646  into and out of engagement with plate  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , plate  300  includes a complimentary ramped surface  650  and free roller  652 . The ramped surface  648  of lever  642  engages with the plate  300  between ramped surface  650  and free roller  652 . 
     Cylinder  620  is rotated by insertion of the store  100  into a banknote handler (as previously described) and rotated in the opposite direction by extraction. Inserting will cause the cylinder to actuate the lever  640  so that the lever  642  is moved out of engagement with the plate  300  under the action of spring  680 . Simultaneously, linear cam  682  will move in the direction of arrow  688 , thereby lifting the plate  300  in the direction of arrow  684  ( FIG. 16 ). Extraction will cause engagement between lever  642  and plate  300  and cause linear cam  682  to move out of engagement with plate  300 , thereby causing downwards movement of plate  300 . 
     The uptake roller is mounted relative to the plate  300  so that it floats. In other words, a certain amount of movement of the uptake roller  302  in the up and down directions (with reference to the Figures) is permitted. When more than a single banknote has been removed from the stack and banknotes are returned to the stack in the manner previously described, free motion of the uptake roller  302  reduces the friction between the uptake roller  302  and the returning banknotes. 
     To accommodate this free motion of the uptake roller  302 , the plate  300  is allowed a certain freedom of movement once locked in place. In the embodiment illustrated, this freedom is six degrees of rotation relative to the housing  102  of the store  100 . To prevent movement of the stack during transport, the plate  300  must be locked down which is achieved by interaction between the ramped surface  648  of lever  642  and complimentary ramped surface  650  of plate  300  which, due to appropriate rotation of cylinder  620 , is caused by extraction of the store  100  from a banknote handler. 
     Likewise, insertion through the action of cylinder  620  will cause the linear cam  682  to engage with the plate  300  and lever  642  to disengage with the plate  300  allowing the free movement of uptake roller  302  during dispensing operations. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 13 , wedge  566  further includes a protrusion  630  located near the rim of the wedge  566 . As previously described, with reference to  FIG. 5 , downwards movement of the pressure plate  208  is prevented when the serrated surface of abutment  274  is brought into engagement with the serrated surface  276  of the reciprocating plate  228 . Arm  270  includes an actuator  278 . When wedge  566  moves in the direction of arrow  572 , protrusion  630  is brought into contact with actuator  278 , causing arm  270  to pivot about pin  272 , moving the serrated surface of abutment  274  away from serrated surface  276  of reciprocating plate  228 . Therefore insertion of the store  100  into the banknote handler allows free movement of the pressure plate  208 . 
     When the store  100  is removed from the banknote handler by extraction, the arm  270  is free to pivot back as the protrusion  630  of wedge  566  has moved in the direction of arrow  570 . The arm  270  includes a spring (not shown) encouraging this reverse movement thereby locking the pressure plate  208  by preventing movement of the pressure plate  208 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 11 , lever  484  joining lid  108  to second front lever  204  includes an actuator  660  having a ramped surface  662 . As the lid  108  is opened and closed, actuator  660  will move up and down in the directions of arrow  664  (opening of the lid  108  causing upward movement, closing causing downward movement). 
     Arm  270  ( FIG. 5 ) includes a formation  666  which engages with the ramped surface  662  of actuator  660 . Therefore, when the lid  108  is opened, actuator  660  will engage with formation  660 , causing arm  270  to pivot, disengaging serated surfaces  274  and  276 , thereby unlocking pressure plate  208 . 
     Void  488  in lever  484  and void  482  in actuator  480  of lid  108  ensure that opening of the lid  108  does not lower the pressure plate  208  before the pressure plate  208  has been unlocked by the action of actuator  660 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the store  100  includes a cog  286  mounted to rod  260  and which can pivot relative thereto. Cog  286  is joined to second back lever  216  by pin  288 . Therefore, as the second back lever  216  pivots about rod  260  as the pressure plate  208  moves up and down, so too will the cog  286  pivot about rod  260 . 
     Cog  286  engages with a height detector  360  illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 17 . Height detector  360  includes a frame  362  connected by pins  364 ,  366  and  368  to the internal chassis  140 . Segmented cog  370  is mounted for rotational movement to the frame  362  and is connected to friction wheel  372 . Friction wheel  372  engages with friction wheel  374  which is attached to coding wheel  376 . Coding wheel  376  includes a number of apertures  378 . 
     As cog  286  pivots about rod  260 , it engages with and rotates segmented cog  370 . Rotation of cog  370  causes the rotation of friction wheel  372  which, in turn, causes the rotation of friction wheel  374 , thereby rotating coding wheel  376 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the frame  362  of the height detector  360  mounted to internal chassis  140 . The internal chassis  140  includes a light source in the form of an LED  380 .  FIG. 19  illustrates the mounting of the height detector  360  relative to the printed circuit board  350  which includes a sensor  382  connected to the processor  354 . 
     The LED  380  and the sensor  382  are mounted so that the sensor  382  receives light emitted by the LED  380  through the apertures  378  of the coding wheel  376 . Rotation of the coding wheel  376  causes intermittent occlusion of the light beam emitted by LED  380 . 
     When the store  100  is inserted into a banknote handler (as described below), the processor  354  initiates an initialisation sequence whereby the motor  240  ( FIG. 6 ) is actuated and causes the lowering of the pressure plate  208  to the lowest possible position. As described, this will lower the shutter  554 . As the pressure plate  208  moves upwards under the action of spring  230 , coding wheel  376  will rotate, causing the intermittent occlusion of the light emitted by LED  380 . 
     Upwards movement of the pressure plate  208  will discontinue when the topmost banknote of the stack resting on the pressure plate  208  comes into contact with plate  300 . Once the pressure plate  208  has ceased moving, the processor  354  counts the number of times which the light falling on sensor  382  has been occluded. The processor compares the measured number of occlusions to the number of occlusions of the light beam which would occur if there were no banknotes (which is stored in memory, not shown). The processor is thereby able to measure the relative height of the stack of banknotes resting on pressure plate  208  when the store  100  is first inserted into the banknote handler  800 . 
     The memory of the processor  830  may also store the maximum height of a banknote stack which may rest on the pressure plate  208  and, by comparing this to the measured number of occlusions, calculate the height of the stack. 
     A user can instruct processor  354 , by the appropriate programming of software included on the processor  354 , to repeat the process described above at any time to report the height of the stack of banknotes stored by the store  100 , or the processor  354  can be programmed to repeat this processes at predetermined intervals. The store  100  includes a network connection in the form of a wireless radio integrated with printed circuit board  350 . The processor  354  thereby reports the height of the stack of banknotes stored by the store  100  to the user so that the user can refill the store (or replace it with a pre-filled store) when deemed necessary. 
     Banknotes, even those of the same denomination and currency, vary in thickness, depending on their age. However, the calculated height of the banknote stack provides a reasonable estimation of the number of banknotes stored in the store  100 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a alternative embodiment of a banknote store  101  according to the invention. Like numerals are used to designate like components. The banknote store  101  includes a lower transport roller  306  mounted for rotation on shaft  308  relative to a support frame  141  which is attached to internal chassis  140  in a similar location and in a similar manner to the lower transport roller  306  of banknote store  100  as illustrated, for example in  FIG. 7 . 
     The lower transport roller  306 , as previously described with reference to banknote store  100 , acts to transport banknotes out of the store  101  and to return banknotes to the store if more than a single banknote has been removed from the stack. Therefore this lower transport roller  306  undergoes a significant amount of wear and tear and will have to be replaced. Due to the placement of this roller, it is not easily accessible. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , which is a view of the roller  306  and shaft  308 , showing the various components displaced from one another. A lever  314  is attached to the support frame  141  for articulation about point  316 . Shaft  308  consists of a first portion  318  and a second portion  320 . The first portion  318  furthermore includes an engagement shaft  322  which is shaped to engage with the roller  306  and ensures that the roller  306  rotates with the shaft  308 . In the embodiment shown, the engagement shaft  322  includes a tongue (not shown) which engages with a grove in the roller  306  (not shown). Shaft  308  includes a knob  324  and a pulling action on the knob  324  will cause the first portion  318  of shaft  308  to separate from the second portion  320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Lever  314  engages with the shaft  308  between knob  324  and stop  324  so that, when the lever  314  is in place, movement of the first portion  318  relative to the second portion  320  of shaft  308  is prevented. 
     When a user wishes to change the roller  306 , the lever  314  is moved about point  316  and the shaft  308  is pulled by action on knob  324  to separate the first portion  318  from the second portion  320 . Further pulling action on knob  324  will separate the first  318  and second  320  portions sufficiently so that the roller  306  will disengage from the engagement shaft  322  and will fall down into the interior of the banknote store  101  where it may be retrieved. A replacement roller can then be inserted into the space so vacated and the first portion put back into position by pushing action on the knob  324  (and, if required, rotation of the first portion  318 , to ensure engagement with the replacement roller). Once the first portion  318  is back in position, the lever  314  is moved back into position and the replacement roller is ready to be used. 
     Because the shaft cleaves to allow removal of the roller  306 , this roller may be replaced without having to disassemble major parts of the banknote store  101 , thereby improving the ease with which this roller may be replaced. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a banknote handler  800  which includes a number of banknote stores: a cashbox  802  which receives and stores banknotes; a payout  804  which stores and dispenses banknotes as they are required; and a recycler  806  which receives, stores and dispenses banknotes. The banknote handler  800  is further provided with an input  808  into which a user inserts banknotes and an output  810  from which banknotes are dispensed to a user. 
     A head portion  812  includes a banknote authenticator  814  which verifies the authenticity of banknotes inserted by a user and banknotes dispensed from the payout  804  and from the recycler  806 . A gate  816  redirects banknotes according to a desired destination. A diverter  818  directs banknotes to a bundler  820 , to the output  810 , or the cashbox  802 , as desired. 
     A spine portion  822  couples to the cashbox  802 , the payout  804  and the recycler  806 . The head portion  812  and the spine portion  822  include rollers and other transport means (not shown) known in the art for transporting banknotes in the directions of the arrows illustrated. The spine portion  822  therefore acts as a banknote transporter. 
     A central processor  830  is connected to the cashbox  802 , payout  804  and recycler  806  and controls the operations of these banknote stores, determining when banknotes are dispensed or stored. The processor  830  also controls the operation of the authenticator  814 , the gate  816 , the diverter  818 , the bundler  820  and the various rollers and transport means to control the authentication, bundling and transport of banknotes in the banknote handler. 
     It will be realised that the banknote store  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 19  is analogous to payout  804  illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The spine portion  822  of banknote handler  800  includes an actuator  626  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) which engages with the store  100  in the in the manner described above. The spine portion also includes an electrical connector (not shown) which mates with the connector  352  of the stores  100 . Thereby the processor is connected to the processor  830  and the dispensing of banknotes, and other functions, described above are carried out under the control of the processor  830  of the banknote handler  800 .