Edge sensing apparatus in automated transaction machine

A method for detecting an edge of a paper received in an automated transaction machine (ATM) comprising:

• positioning at least one light emitter along a path of movement of the paper and on a first side of the path, the path defined in the ATM, the light emitter emitting light across the path to a second side of the path, the second side of the path the opposite of the first side of the path;
• positioning at least one light detector along the path on the first side of the path with the light emitter, the light detector configured to detect light and emit a signal corresponding to an amount of detected light;
• controlling a flow of power to the light emitter with a control circuit;
• receiving the signal emitted from the light detector with the control circuit;
• and
• positioning first and second faces of at least one light guiding trough toward the path on the second side of the path, the first face confronting the light emitter and thereby receiving light emitted by the light emitter, the second face confronting the light detector and thereby emitting light toward the light detector.

An automated transaction machine (ATM) comprising:

• a center and de-skew assembly configured to receive a paper and including:
• a first platen defining a first side of a path of movement of the paper,
• a second platen that defines a second side of said path opposite said first side, the path defined by a gap between said first platen and said second platen,
• at least one plate mounted on said first platen for movement toward and away from a central axis of said path
• at least one roller extending into the gap between said first platen and said second platen and configured to engage the paper and move the paper along said path;
• at least one wheel extending into said gap and configured to engage the paper and move at least a portion of the paper transverse to said path
• at least one sensing apparatus positioned along said path, configured to detect an edge of received paper, and including:
• at least one light emitter mounted on said at least one plate and thereby positioned along said path on said first side of said path, said at least one light emitter directed to emit light across said path to said second side of said path;
• at least one light detector mounted on said at least one plate and thereby positioned along said path on said first side with said at least one light emitter, said at least one light detector configured to detect light and emit a signal corresponding to an amount of detected light;
• a control circuit configured to control a flow of power to said at least one light emitter and to receive the signal emitted by said at least one light detector;
• and
• at least one light guiding trough positioned on said second side of said path and having first and second faces, each of said first and second faces facing said path, said first face positioned to confront said at least one light emitter and thereby receive light emitted by said at least one light emitter, said second face positioned to confront said at least one light detector and thereby emit light toward said at least one light detector.