Apparatus for handling strip-like media

A bill handling system, comprising:

• a storage member having an inlet for receiving strip-like documents and an internal storage area for storing said documents in a stack;
• a transport mechanism for transporting documents in a predetermined path;
• a curved guide member moveable in an arced path between a first position projecting out of said storage area inlet towards the transport mechanism for directing documents from said transport mechanism in a generally downwardly inclined horizontal orientation into the storage area, and a second position within the storage area to urge elements into a stacked position within the storage area;
• and
• actuator means for moving the guide member between said first and second positions.

A handling apparatus for transferring strip-like elements into a storage area for stacking one on top of the other, comprising:

• first guide means for guiding the central longitudinal area of a strip-like element in a first curved path;
• drive means for driving the central area of the element along the first curved path;
• second guide means opposing the first guide means for guiding the outer areas of the element on opposite sides of the central area to follow curved paths different from the first path and for deforming the outer areas of the element out of the plane of the central area;
• the first and second guide means defining an exit opening through which the element is released;
• storage means having an entry opening for receiving strip-like elements from the exit opening of the guide means;
• third guide means for urging an element into a stacked position within the storage area;
• sensor means for detecting an element stuck at the storage area inlet;
• and
• means for operating said third guide means if said sensor means detects an element stuck at the storage area inlet.

A handling apparatus for transferring strip like elements into a storage area for stacking one on top of the other, comprising:

• first guide means for guiding the central longitudinal area of a strip-like element in a first curved path;
• drive means for driving the central area of the element along the first curved path;
• second guide means opposing the first guide means for guiding the outer area of the element on opposite sides of the central area to follow curved paths different from the first path and for deforming the outer areas of the element out of the plane of the central area;
• the first and second guide means defining an exit opening through which the element is released;
• storage means having an entry opening for receiving strip-like elements from the exit opening of the first and second guide means;
• a guide member moveable between a first position extending from the entry opening of the storage means towards the guide means exit opening for guiding elements from the exit opening into the storage area in a generally downwardly inclined path and a second position within the storage area to urge elements into a stacked condition within the storage area, the guide member comprising a curved resilient plate secured at one end within the storage area and bias means for urging the plate into its first position projecting out of the storage means;
• actuator means for moving said guide member between its first and second position in response to detection of an element stuck at the storage area inlet;
• first sensor means for detecting an element projecting out of the storage area inlet;
• second sensor means for detecting an element leaving the guide means exit opening;
• and
• means for operating said actuator means if said first sensor means detects an element at a predetermined time interval after said second sensor means is actuated.