Banknote alignment system for banknote validator

A banknote validator comprising:

• a banknote processing pathway configured to allow movement of banknotes, the banknote processing pathway including a banknote inlet at a downstream end through which banknotes are received, the banknote processing pathway including an initiation sensor adjacent the banknote inlet and configured to activate when a portion of the banknote is inserted through the banknote inlet;
• a pair of drive rollers spaced in a width of and partially projecting into the banknote processing pathway at a position upstream of the initiation sensor, each of the drive rollers including an opposed passive roller located on an opposite side of and projecting into the banknote processing pathway to engage the respective drive roller when the banknote is not present and movable to accommodate a thickness of the banknote between the respective drive roller and passive roller;
• a power drive arrangement configured to allow a same rotational speed or different rotational speeds of the drive rollers while the drive rollers maintain engagement with and drive a banknote with respect to the banknote processing pathway, the power drive arrangement being initiated by the activation of the initiation sensor and configured to use the different rotational speeds to correct for misalignment of the banknote, wherein the power drive arrangement includes a control arrangement configured to cause displacement and angular movement of the banknote to align and center the banknote with respect to a longitudinal axis of the banknote processing pathway based on sensor information including sensing of a leading edge of the banknote;
• and
• a series of evaluation sensors located on a side of the banknote processing pathway and configured to assess a validity of received banknotes as the received banknotes are driven through the banknote processing pathway.