Sheet Separating apparatus
AssigneeNCR Corporation
InventorsJohn A. Peebles, Robert J. Suttie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In sheet separating apparatus suitable for use in an automated teller machine (ATM), sheets, such as banknotes, are removed singly from a stack (14) using reduced pressure derived from a vacuum pump (86). An air filter (72) is provided in the vacuum supply line (16) from the vacuum pump (86). A pressure sensor (68) senses the pressure in the vacuum supply line (16) and when this rises to a threshold value, causes the vacuum pump to supply reverse air flow through the air filter (72) to transport any dust particles impeding the operation of the air filter (72) to a dust collection container (106).
Claims16
Sheet separating apparatus for removing sheets singly from a stack of sheets, the sheet separating apparatus comprising:
- suction means for separating the top sheet of the stack;
- vacuum pump means for supplying a reduced pressure to the suction means;
- air filter means connected between the vacuum pump means and the suction means such that air is drawn by the vacuum pump means in a first direction through the air filter means to create the reduced pressure;
- pressure sensing means for sensing the pressure supplied to the suction means;
- and
- control means for, when the sensed pressure attains a predetermined value, causing an air flow to be supplied by the vacuum pump means through the air filter means in a second direction and towards a dust collection means.
Sheet separating apparatus for removing sheets singly from a stack of sheets, the sheet separating apparatus comprising:
- a suction unit for separating the top sheet of the stack;
- a vacuum pump for supplying a reduced pressure to the suction unit;
- an air filter connected between the vacuum pump and the suction unit such that air is drawn by the vacuum pump in a first direction through the air filter to create the reduced pressure;
- a pressure sensing unit for sensing the pressure supplied to the suction unit;
- and
- a control unit for, when the sensed pressure attains a predetermined value, causing an air flow to be supplied by the vacuum pump through the air filter in a second direction and towards a dust collector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.