Cash dispensing apparatus

Claim 1

Cash dispensing apparatus comprising: at least one feed module (2) for storing banknotes and for delivering a selected sequence of banknotes; at least two stacking platforms (A, B), each platform having a dumping facility (11, 11') to dump a stack of banknotes supported on the platform; at least two dispensing stations (14A, 14A'; 14B, 14B') associated with each platform; a transfer means (13, 13') for each platform to transfer banknotes stacked on the platform to a selected one of the dispensing stations; diverter means (7), and a common flow-line (4) for banknotes leading from the feed modules (2) to the diverter means (7) which diverts them to a selected one (for example A) of the stacking platforms; detecting means (6) stationed on the common flow-line (4) for detecting the passage of multiple banknotes and for counting single banknotes; and central control means responsive to the detecting means (6) and to commands for a delivery of banknotes to a selected dispensing station (14A or 14A'); the central control means causing the diverter means (7) to divert single banknotes to the selected platform (A) associated with the selected dispensing station (14A, 14A'), but to divert multiple banknotes to another platform (B); causing the dumping facility at that other platform (B) to dump any multiple banknotes; and, if the detecting means (6) indicates an incorrect total count of single banknotes, also causing the dumping facility at the said selected platform (A) to dump the stack of single banknotes, but otherwise causing the transfer means (11) at that selected platform (A) to transfer the stack to the selected dispensing station (14A or 14A').