A center-alignment apparatus for use in an ATM has a transport mechanism to transport a document into the ATM. One or more plates operable in tandem to move the document toward a centerline of a path the document is to travel. Edge-detection sensor(s) on the plate sense an edge of the document when the plate(s) is moved toward the centerline. A translate/rotate mechanism translates and rotates the document while the translate/rotate mechanism transversely moves the document toward the center until another edge-detection sensor detects an edge of the document to create a parallel-aligned document. The control logic controls the plate(s) to centers the parallel-aligned document about the centerline to create a centered document.

An ATM includes a sheet driving system with a sheet path along which sheets travel, and sheet sensors and sheet drive mechanisms adjacent the sheet path. One sheet drive mechanism is disposed apart from another sheet drive mechanism in a direction relative to the sheet path, and each sheet drive mechanism is selectively operative to change relative speed and direction of movement of disposed areas of a sheet as the sheet travels adjacent to the sheet drive mechanisms along the sheet path. A control system is responsive to sensing a sheet with a sensor to selectively actuate a sheet drive mechanism to change the position of the sheet relative to the sheet path.

An apparatus for aligning at least one note of value along a transport path includes at least one transport element driven by at least one first drive unit and at least one counter-pressure element arranged opposite to the transport element. The transport path of the note of value extends between the transport element and the counter-pressure element. The counter-pressure element is ball-shaped and is mounted so as to be freely rotatable. Further, the apparatus includes a second drive unit for displacing the transport element along its axis of rotation so that a note of value arranged between the transport element and the counter-pressure element is moved transversely to the transport direction during displacement of the transport element.

An apparatus for aligning at least one note of value along a transport path includes at least one transport element driven by at least one first drive unit and at least one counter-pressure element arranged opposite to the transport element. The transport path of the note of value extends between the transport element and the counter-pressure element. The counter-pressure element is ball-shaped and is mounted so as to be freely rotatable. Further, the apparatus includes a second drive unit for displacing the transport element along its axis of rotation so that a note of value arranged between the transport element and the counter-pressure element is moved transversely to the transport direction during displacement of the transport element.

A paper sheet handling apparatus includes a stacking unit which allows paper sheets transported by a transport unit to be stacked therein in alignment with faces of an adjacent pair of the paper sheets being in contact with each other. A recognition unit recognizes which of a face or back of each of the paper sheets transported faces up, and how each of the paper sheets is oriented. A controller classifies the paper sheets into a plurality of types different in thickness distribution based on the result of recognition, manages the number of paper sheets of each type stacked in the stacking unit, and makes a determination whether to permit the stacking of the paper sheets in the stacking unit based on the type of the paper sheets recognized by the recognition unit, and the number of paper sheets of each type that have been stacked in the stacking unit.

A paper sheet handling apparatus includes a stacking unit which allows paper sheets transported by a transport unit to be stacked therein in alignment with faces of an adjacent pair of the paper sheets being in contact with each other. A recognition unit recognizes which of a face or back of each of the paper sheets transported faces up, and how each of the paper sheets is oriented. A controller classifies the paper sheets into a plurality of types different in thickness distribution based on the result of recognition, manages the number of paper sheets of each type stacked in the stacking unit, and makes a determination whether to permit the stacking of the paper sheets in the stacking unit based on the type of the paper sheets recognized by the recognition unit, and the number of paper sheets of each type that have been stacked in the stacking unit.

In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet; a sheet discharge port through which the sheet is discharged; a sheet conveyance roller configured to convey the sheet to the sheet discharge port; a movable sheet guide, arranged in such a manner that an imaginary line connecting a portion contacting the sheet of the sheet conveyance roller with the sheet discharge port passes through a cross-sectional area, configured to be capable of moving in a direction away from a surface of the sheet; and a guide sensor configured to detect movement of the movable sheet guide.

In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section configured to form an image on a sheet; a sheet discharge port through which the sheet is discharged; a sheet conveyance roller configured to convey the sheet to the sheet discharge port; a movable sheet guide, arranged in such a manner that an imaginary line connecting a portion contacting the sheet of the sheet conveyance roller with the sheet discharge port passes through a cross-sectional area, configured to be capable of moving in a direction away from a surface of the sheet; and a guide sensor configured to detect movement of the movable sheet guide.

A flattening device includes: a holder configured to support the following components; at least one flattening roller set, including a first flattening roller and a second flattening roller arranged oppositely at two sides of a sheet medium conveying path; and a power mechanism configured to drive the first and second flattening rollers to rotate. A surface of the first flattening roller is distributed with n arc-shaped grooves arranged in parallel with an axis direction of the first flattening roller, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1; and a surface of the second flattening roller is provided with at least one arc-shaped protruding portion in rolling engagement with the arc-shaped grooves of the first flattening roller; and wherein, the first flattening roller and the second flattening roller are in rolling engagement to form a conveying passage for the sheet medium.

A sheet handling apparatus (e.g., banknote insertion/discharge mechanism 20) includes a transport unit (e.g., first transport unit 30) configured to transport a sheet (e.g., banknote) in a first transport path 30a; and driving units 36m and 38m configured to move, along the width direction of the first transport path 30a, at least portions of guiding members 36 and 38 forming edges of the first transport path 30a.