Foreign object detector

A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector including:

• structure defining a note path;
• an insertion slot at one end of the note path and a drive mechanism for moving the note along the note path;
• a gate in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate, wherein the gate is biased towards the fully closed position;
• a spaced sensing device including first and second sensors positioned on different sides of the note path co-operable with the gate so that only when the gate is in the fully closed position is a gate closed indication provided;
• and
• control means that responds to the absence of a gate closed indication from the spaced sensing device as an indication that there is a string or tape in the note path;
• by opening the gate and reversing movement of the drive mechanism to move the note and the string or tape out through the insertion slot.

A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector comprising:

• structure defining a note path;
• an insertion slot at one end of the note path and a drive mechanism for moving the note along the note path;
• a gate in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate, wherein the gate is biased towards the fully closed position;
• and
• a spaced sensing device, the sensing device including a first electrical contact positioned at a first side of the gate and a second electrical contact positioned at a second side of the gate, the spaced sensing device being physically contacted by the gate when the gate is in the fully closed position, thereby closing an electrical circuit and generating a gate closed indication;
• wherein, in the fully closed position, a leading edge of the gate extends outside the note path and is received within a channel in the structure defining the note path, wherein a string or tape in the note path obstructing the channel prevents the gate from reaching the fully closed position, the spaced sensing means thereby detecting the presence of the string or tape in the note path by the absence of a gate closed indication;
• and wherein the foreign object detector further includes control means that responds to the absence of a gate closed indication from the spaced sensing device by opening the gate and reversing movement of the drive mechanism to move the note and the string or tape out through the insertion slot.

A method implemented in a foreign object detector for a note validator for determining a presence of a foreign object in the foreign object detector, the foreign object detector including structure defining a note path, a gate in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate, the method comprising:

• on the foreign object detector, receiving a note in an insertion slot at one end of the note path;
• detecting the presence of the note in the note path and opening the gate in response to the detected note;
• moving the note past the gate along the note path by a drive means;
• detecting a rear edge of the note passing a leading edge of the gate;
• closing the gate, wherein the leading edge of the gate extends outside the note path in the fully closed position and is received within a channel in the structure defining the note path;
• determining the presence of string or tape in the note path by the absence of a gate closed indication, the gate closed indication provided by a spaced sensing device, the spaced sensing device including a first electrical contact positioned at a first side of the gate and a second electrical contact positioned at a second side of the gate, wherein when the first and second electrical contacts are physically contacted by the gate, an electrical circuit is completed and the gate closed indication is generated;
• and
• upon determining the presence of string or tape in the note path, returning the note and the string or tape to the insertion slot by opening the gate and reversing movement of the drive means.