Modularized ticket handling system for use in automatic ticket processing system

A ticket handling system for use in a ticket processing system that includes transducer means for reading an encoded ticket entered by a patron and for providing a read signal in response thereto and means for subsequently passing said ticket to an exit position where said ticket is accessible for return to said patron, the ticket handling system comprising

• a transport module including the transducer means for reading a said encoded ticket and for providing a said read signal in response thereto;
• and
• an entry module for entering said ticket into the transport module;
• wherein the entry module includes first sensing means for sensing the width of a said entered ticket and the passage of said ticket through the entry module;
• wherein the transport module includes
• transport means for transporting said entered ticket;
• and
• drive means for driving the transport means;
• and
• wherein the ticket handling system includes a control means coupled to the first sensing means and the drive means for causing said ticket to be transported toward the transducer means in response to the first sensing means sensing entry of a ticket of a predetermined width.

A ticket handling system, for use in a ticket processing system that includes transducer means for reading an encoded ticket entered by a patron and for providing a read signal in response thereto and means for subsequently passing said ticket to an exit position where said ticket is accessible for return to said patron, and processing means for processing the read signal and for providing control signals subsequent thereto to indicate whether the ticket is to be returned to said patron or captured, the ticket handling system comprising

• a transport module including the transducer means for reading a said encoded ticket and for providing a said read signal in response thereto;
• an exit module mechanically interfaced with the transport module and including means defining a return passage for passing said ticket from the transport module to an exit position where said ticket is accessible for return to said patron;
• and
• a diverter module mechanically interfaced with the transport module and including means defining a capture passage for passage said ticket from the transport module to a capture position where said ticket is inaccessible to said patron.

A ticket handling system for use in a ticket processing system that includes transducer means for reading an encoded ticket entered by a patron and for providing a read signal in response thereto and means for subsequently passing said ticket to an exit position where said ticket is accessible for return to said patron, the ticket handling system comprising

• a transport module including the transducer means for reading a said encoded ticket and for providing a said read signal in response thereto;
• and
• an entry module for entering said ticket into the transport module;
• wherein the entry module includes sensing means for sensing the passage of said ticket through the entry module;
• wherein the transport module includes
• bidirectional transport means for transporting said entered ticket;
• and
• drive means for driving the transport means;
• and
• wherein the ticket handling system includes a control means coupled to the sensing means, the drive means and the transducer means for causing said ticket to be transported toward the transducer means in response to the sensing means sensing entry of said ticket, and for causing the said ticket to be transported back through the entry module to an exit position subsequent to said provision of said read signal by the transducer means.