Currency bill processing device and method

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/310,142 filed Mar. 3, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/330,071 filed Apr. 30, 2010, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to document processing. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for evaluating, authenticating, discriminating, sorting, and/or otherwise processing documents such as currency bills.

[0003] A variety of techniques and apparatuses have been used in automated or semi-automated currency bill handling and processing systems. For example, as the number of businesses that deal with large quantities of paper currency grow, such as banks, casinos, and armored carriers, these businesses are continually requiring not only that their currency be processed more quickly but, also, processed with greater accuracy and with more efficiency.

[0004] Some currency bill processing machines are capable of rapidly discriminating and counting multiple currency denominations, and then sorting the currency bills into a multitude of output receptacles. However, many of these high-end machines are very large and cumbersome such that they are commonly found only in large institutions. These machines are not readily available to businesses which have space constraints, but still have the need to process large volumes of currency. For example, one of these machines can cost upwards of $500,000, and with added currency document receiving units, such as strapping units, additional output receptacles, and/or a shredder, the machines may be too large to fit within a standard room found in many buildings. Many of these systems are too large for the operator to be close to the input receptacle, operating panel, and output receptacles while remaining in one position. Thus, a need exists for an improved apparatus, method, and system. The present disclosure is directed to satisfying one or more of these needs and solving other problems.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a currency bill processing device includes a housing, an input receptacle, a first output receptacle, a second output receptacle, at least one detector, and a transport mechanism. The housing has a front side in opposing spaced relation to a back side, and a first end in opposing spaced relation to a second end. The front and the back sides of the housing are generally orthogonal with respect to the first and the second ends of the housing. The input receptacle is positioned proximate the first end of the housing. The input receptacle is configured to receive a stack of bills. The second output receptacle is proximate the second end of the housing and the first output receptacle is horizontally offset from the second output receptacle in a direction toward the first end of the housing. The housing is configured to provide access openings in the front side of the housing. The access openings are proximate the first and the second output receptacles thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side of the housing. The least one detector is positioned between the input receptacle and the first output receptacle. The transport mechanism is configured to transport bills from the input receptacle, one at a time, along a transport path originating at the input receptacle proximate the first end of the housing. The transport path extends generally horizontally past the at least one detector toward the second end of the housing. The transport path transitions generally-vertically upward between the first and the second output receptacles. The transport mechanism is further configured to deliver some of the bills toward the first end into the first output receptacle and some of the bills toward the second end into the second output receptacle.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a currency bill processing device for processing a stack of currency bills includes an input receptacle, a first output receptacle, a second output receptacle, at least one detector, and a transport mechanism. The input receptacle is configured to receive the stack of currency bills. Each of the output receptacles has a receiving opening (or receiving passage) and an access opening associated therewith. The receiving openings are configured to receive bills therethrough, and the access openings are proximate a front side of the currency bill processing device thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side of the currency bill processing device. The receiving opening of the first output receptacle faces the receiving opening of the second output receptacle such that the first and the second output receptacles are oriented in a back-to-back manner with respect to each other. The at least one detector is positioned between the input receptacle and the output receptacles. The transport mechanism is configured to transport currency bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past the at least one detector to one or more of the output receptacles.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method of transporting bills from a stack of bills in an input receptacle of a currency bill processing device to at least one of a plurality of output receptacles including first and second horizontally-offset output receptacles includes receiving a stack of bills in the input receptacle of the currency bill processing device and transporting the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle along a first segment of a transport path past at least one detector. The first segment includes a generally-horizontal portion. The method further includes generating data associated with the bills via the at least one detector and transporting the bills from the first segment along a second segment of the transport path. The second segment extends in a generally horizontal direction beneath the first and the second output receptacles. The method further includes transporting the bills from the second segment along a third segment of the transport path that extends generally vertically from the second segment between the first and the second output receptacles and delivering some of the bills from third segment into the first output receptacle and delivering some of the bills from third segment into the second output receptacle. The bills are delivered to one of the plurality of output receptacles based in part on the generated data.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a currency processing system includes a currency processing device and a first base module. The currency processing device has a first end and a second opposing end. The currency processing device includes an input receptacle, at least one detector, and a device transport mechanism. The input receptacle is configured to receive a plurality of bills and is positioned proximate to the first end. The at least one detector is configured to detect characteristic information from the bills and to generate data associated with each bill. The at least one detector is positioned between the first and the second ends of the currency processing device. The device transport mechanism is configured to transport the plurality of bills, one at a time, along a first segment of a transport path. The first segment of the transport path extends from the input receptacle past the at least one detector to a device outlet opening. The device outlet opening is located in the second end of the currency processing device. The first base module is configured to detachably connect to the second end of the currency processing device. The first base module includes a first end, a second opposing end, a top, and an opposing bottom. The first base module further includes a first base module inlet opening, a first outlet opening, a second outlet opening, a first output receptacle, a second output receptacle, and a first base module transport mechanism. The first base module inlet opening is in operative communication with the device outlet opening of the currency processing device such that the first base module inlet opening receives bills transported through the device outlet opening via the device transport mechanism. The first base module inlet opening is located in the first end of the first base module. The first outlet opening of the first base module is located in the second end of the first base module and the second outlet opening of the first base module is located in the top of the first base module. The first and the second output receptacles are configured to receive bills. The first and the second output receptacles are positioned between the first and the second ends and between the top and the bottom of the first base module. The first base module transport mechanism is configured to selectively transport bills received through the first base module inlet opening along a second segment of the transport path. The second segment of the transport path extends from the first base module inlet opening to the first outlet opening of the first base module. The second segment is positioned beneath the first and the second output receptacles. A third segment of the transport path extends generally-vertically upward from the second segment of the transport path between the first and the second output receptacles. The first base module transport mechanism is further configured to selectively deliver some of the bills from the third segment into the first output receptacle, some of the bills from the third segment into the second output receptacle, some of the bills from the second segment to the first outlet opening of the first base module, and some of the bills from the third segment to the second outlet opening of the first base module.

[0009] The foregoing and additional aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided next.

[0094] Other than schematic and block diagrams, the figures are drawn to scale. Accordingly, the following figures were generated from a CAD system and are drawn to scale: FIGS. 2A-2D, 4A-12H.

[0095] When describing various embodiments, the term “currency bills” or “bills” refers to official currency bills including both U.S. currency bills, such as a $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, or $100 bills, and foreign currency bills. Foreign currency bills are notes issued by a non-U.S. governmental agency as legal tender, such as a euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling (e.g., British pound), Canadian dollar, Australian dollar bill, Mexican Peso, or Turkish lira.

[0096] The term “brick U.S. currency bills” generally refers to U.S. currency bills in mint or near mint condition having the highest fitness level. Brick U.S. currency can also refer to non-circulated U.S. currency bills, such as, for example, new bills shipped by the U.S. Federal Reserve to commercial banks. Brick U.S. currency bills are crisp, free of holes, free of tears, free of wrinkles, free of stray markings (e.g., pen and/or pencil marks), etc.

[0097] The term “general circulation U.S. currency bills” refers to random U.S. currency bills having a variety of different fitness levels (e.g., some mint bills, some near mint bills, some heavily worn bills, some bills with holes, some bills with tears, some soiled bills, or combinations thereof). For example, general circulation U.S. currency bills would include currency bills scheduled to be deposited by a retail store in a bank for a given workday and/or work week that were collected from customers. For another example, general circulation U.S. currency bills include all of or a portion of the bills in a bank vault. For another example, general circulation U.S. currency bills do not only include heavily worn bills and/or torn bills.

[0098] “Substitute currency notes” are sheet-like documents similar to currency bills, but are issued by non-governmental agencies such as casinos and amusement parks and include, for example, casino script and Disney Dollars. Substitute currency notes each have a denomination and an issuing entity associated therewith such as, for example, a $5 Disney Dollar, a $10 Disney Dollar, a $20 ABC Casino note, and a $100 ABC Casino note.

[0099] “Currency notes” consist of currency bills and substitute currency notes.

[0100] “Substitute currency media” are non-currency bill documents that represent a value by some marking or characteristic such as a bar code, color, size, graphic, or text. Examples of “substitute currency media” include without limitation: casino cashout tickets (also variously called cashout vouchers or coupons) such as, for example, “EZ Pay” tickets issued by International Gaming Technology or “Quicket” tickets issued by Casino Data Systems; casino script; promotional media such as, for example, Disney Dollars or Toys 'R Us “Geoffrey Dollars”; or retailer coupons, gift certificates, gift cards, or food stamps. Accordingly, substitute currency media includes, but is not limited to, substitute currency notes. Substitute currency media may or may not be issued by a governmental body.

[0101] The term “currency documents” includes both currency bills and “substitute currency media.” The term “non-currency documents” includes any type of document except currency documents. For example, non-currency documents include personal checks, commercial checks, deposit slips, loan payment documents, cash credit or cash debit tickets, etc. The terms “financial documents” and “documents” are used throughout the specification to generally refer to any of currency bills, substitute currency notes, currency notes, substitute currency media, currency documents, checks, and non-currency documents. According to some embodiments, the term document can also refer to full sheets of letter sized (e.g., 8½″×11″) and/or A4 sized documents. According to some such embodiments, a document processing system or device of the present disclosure can be configured to run in a scan-only mode that scans documents, including full sheets of letter and/or A4 sized documents, to generate a visually readable image of the document.

[0102] The term “deposit document” includes deposit slips, cash-in tickets, and cash-out tickets. A deposit document is generally associated with a deposit of currency bills and/or checks into, for example, a financial bank account by a bank customer. A deposit slip can include information such as, for example, a customer financial account number, a total deposit amount, a total currency bill deposit amount, a number of deposited currency bills broken down by denomination, a total check deposit amount, a number of deposited checks broken down by on-us checks and transit checks, a total on-us check deposit amount, a total transit check deposit amount, a total cashout amount, or combinations thereof.

[0103] Everyday, businesses and people unknowingly accept counterfeit currency documents as genuine. A counterfeit currency document is a currency document which is not issued by an authorized maker and/or a currency document which has been altered, for example, a $1 bill which has been altered to appear to be a $20 bill. For example, in the case of U.S. currency bills, a counterfeit currency bill would be a document printed to look like a genuine U.S. bill but not printed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing or one that has been tampered with or altered. As another example, in the case of casino script, a counterfeit currency document would be a script that is not issued by the corresponding casino or one that has been tampered with or altered.

[0104] The term “financial institution” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, banks, such as, brick and mortar banks, internet/online banks, casinos, brokers, investment banks, and armored carriers. Armored carriers can be stand alone financial institutions and/or agents of another financial institution.

[0105] Throughout this disclosure, the term “operator” is used to refer to a person or persons operating a document processing device or system under normal operating conditions such as, for example, a store clerk, a store manager, a bank employee, a bank teller, or a bank customer.

[0106] The term “teller” is used to refer to a person or persons that processes deposits of documents at a bank branch, a bank vault, an armored carrier, etc.

[0107] Throughout this disclosure, the term “batch” is used to refer to a set of documents that is associated with a transaction. A batch of documents can include one or more deposit documents, one or more currency bills, one or more checks, a header card, a trailer card, or any combination thereof. For example, a batch of documents associated with a first transaction between a store and a bank can include ten documents, the ten documents including one deposit slip, eight currency bills, and one check. For another example, a batch of documents associated with a second transaction between an individual and a bank can include twenty-five documents, the twenty-five documents including one deposit slip, twenty currency bills, and four checks.

[0108] There are at least two types of batches of documents, which include a “sorted” batch of documents and an “intermingled” or “commingled” batch of documents. A sorted batch of documents is a batch of documents wherein the order of different types of documents, such as, for example, currency bills, checks, and deposit documents, is arranged by groups, wherein each batch consists of at most only one group for each type of document. For example, for a batch consisting of ten checks and ten currency bills, a sorted batch of documents would include one group of the ten checks preceding or following a group of the ten currency bills. For another example, for a batch consisting of one deposit slip, five checks, and five currency bills, a sorted batch of documents would include the deposit slip and one group of the five checks preceding or following a group of the five currency bills. It is contemplated that the deposit slip can precede or follow either of the two groups of documents.

[0109] An intermingled batch of documents is a batch of documents wherein the order of different types of documents, such as, for example, currency bills, checks, and deposit documents, is mixed or random. For example, a batch consisting of ten checks and ten currency bills would be an intermingled batch of documents if the batch consisted of, in order, two bills, then three checks, then one bill, then seven checks, and finally seven bills. For another example, a batch consisting of one deposit slip, one cash-out ticket, ten currency bills, and twenty checks would be an intermingled batch of documents if the batch consisted of, in order, the deposit slip, five currency bills, ten checks, the cash-out ticket, five checks, five currency bills, and finally five checks.

[0110] A batch of documents including currency bills, checks, and/or deposit documents can be processed in a document processing device or system according to several modes of operation, such as, for example, a sorted-group mode, an ordered-batch mode, and an intermingled-batch mode. According to some embodiments, sorted batches of documents can be processed according to the sorted-group mode or the ordered-batch mode. According to some embodiments, intermingled batches of documents can be processed according to the intermingled-batch mode.

[0111] In the sorted-group mode, the currency bills are processed in separate groups from the checks. For example, for a batch of documents that includes one hundred currency bills and twenty-five checks, the one hundred currency bills are input into an input receptacle of the document processing device and processed as a first group of documents. Subsequently, the twenty-five checks are input into an input receptacle of the document processing device and processed separately as a second group of documents. That is, the currency bills and the checks of the batch of documents are processed in separate groups of documents by the same device.

[0112] In the ordered-batch mode, the currency bills are sorted from the checks into separate groups of documents, but the currency bills and the checks are input into an input receptacle of the document processing device together as a single batch of documents such that the document processing device can process the currency bills and then process the checks as a batch of documents associated with a transaction. For example, for a batch of documents that includes three hundred and fifty-five currency bills and six hundred checks, according to some embodiments, the three hundred and fifty-five currency bills are input into the input receptacle of the document processing device and the six hundred checks are positioned on top of the currency bills such that the currency bills are transported and processed first, and then the checks are transported and processed second. That is, the currency bills and the checks of the batch of documents are processed together, one after the other. For another example, for a sorted batch of documents that includes five currency bills and ten checks, according to some embodiments, the ten checks are input into the input receptacle of the document processing device and the five currency bills are positioned on top of the checks such that the checks are transported and processed first, and then the currency bills are transported and processed second.

[0113] In the intermingled-batch mode, the currency bills are mixed with the checks and input into the input receptacle of the document processing device together as a single intermingled or commingled batch of documents. For example, for a batch of documents that includes ten currency bills and ten checks, where the documents are ordered from one to twenty, the batch can be ordered such that the first five documents in the batch are currency bills, the second five documents in the batch are checks, then three currency bills, then two checks, then two currency bills, followed by three checks. In the intermingled-batch mode, the document processing device is configured to process the mixed currency bills and checks of the intermingled or commingled batch of documents together. Furthermore, in the intermingled-batch mode, the order of the documents does not matter and the processing device does not expect or require the documents in a batch to be in any particular order. Thus, a sorted batch of documents can be processed in the intermingled-batch mode.

[0114] Throughout this disclosure, the term “stack” or stack of documents is used to refer to a set of documents that is received in an input receptacle of a document processing device or system. A stack of documents can include a group of currency bills only; a group of checks only; a batch of documents including currency bills, checks, and/or other documents, such as deposit documents; one or more batches of documents; one or more subbatches of documents, one or more ordered batches of documents; an intermingled batch of documents; one or more deposit documents; one or more header cards and/or trailer cards; or any combination thereof.

[0115] Throughout this disclosure, the term “visually readable image,” as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, refers to image data or a portion of image data obtained for a document, that image data or portion thereof being reproducible as a visually readable image—that is, a visually readable image is reproducible from or using image data. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand a visually readable image would be reproduced on a display device, or otherwise, for viewing by a human user of the devices and systems described herein. The visually readable image reproduced on the display device is associated with image data or a portion of image data obtained from a physical document (for example, currency bill, check, deposit slip). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the phrases “image data” and “visually readable image,” as either individually or in some combination, to generally refer to and include image data or a portion of image data from which a visually readable image may be produced. In some contexts, reference may be made to, for example, the electronic storage or transmittal of image data that is reproducible as a visually readable image. In other contexts, reference may be made to, for example, the electronic storage or transmittal of a visually readable image. In both contexts, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand both phrases to generally be the same or similar, that is, image data, or a portion thereof, from which a visually readable image may be produced. The image data and/or visually readable images of the present disclosure can be in any of a variety of file formats, such as, for example, JPEG, JFIF, Exif, TIFF, RAW, PNG, GIF, BMP, etc.

Currency Processing System

[0116] Referring to FIG. 1, a document processing system 100 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 100 is a currency processing system. The document processing system 100 includes a document processing device 101, a first base module 102, a second base module 103, a first pocket module 104, and a second pocket module 105. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 is configured to process a variety of documents such as currency bills, checks, header/trailer cards, deposit slips, cash-in tickets, and cash-out tickets. While FIG. 1 illustrates a document processing system 100 having a particular number and arrangement of devices and modules, it is contemplated that a document processing system according to the present disclosure can have a variety of other numbers of devices and modules with the same and/or different relative positions. For example, according to some embodiments, a document processing system can have between one and four base modules and between zero and twelve pocket modules. For another example, according to some embodiments, a document processing system can have between one and ten base modules and/or between zero and one hundred pocket modules. Various other numbers of base module and pocket module combinations are possible and are contemplated, such as, for example, those shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3F, 7A-7G, 8A-8G, 9A-9G, 10A-10G, 11A-11G, and 12A-12H.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, a document processing system 200 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The document processing system 200 is similar to the document processing system 100 in that the document processing system 200 includes a document processing device 101, a first base module 102, and a first pocket module 104, which are the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101, the first and/or the second base modules 102, 103, and the first and/or the second pocket modules 104, 105 respectively. Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to the document processing systems 100 and 200 for illustrative purposes where like components/elements have like reference numbers. While system 100 includes modules (the second base module 103 and the second pocket module 105) not included in the document processing system 200, it is understood that the document processing system 200 can include such additional modules and/or fewer modules.

Document Processing Device

[0118] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, according to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes an input receptacle 110, a device transport mechanism 120, and a device outlet opening 130. While, only one input receptacle 110 and one device outlet opening 130 are shown, it is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 may include a plurality of input receptacles 110 and/or a plurality of device outlet openings 130. Details of such systems/devices are described in International Publication No. WO 97/45810 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,819, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Document Processing”, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 1, the input receptacle 110 is positioned proximate to a first end 101a of the document processing device 101. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 is configured to receive only one document at a time. According to other embodiments, the document processing device 101 is configured to receive a stack of documents 135 in the input receptacle 110. According to some embodiments, the stack of documents 135 only includes U.S. currency bills. It is contemplated that in lieu of or in addition to bills, the stack of bills 135 can include one or more of a variety of other types of documents, such as, for example, currency bills of one or more countries, financial documents such as, for example, checks, and/or deposit documents such as those described above in the Definitions Section. According to some embodiments, the stack of documents 135 can include one or more sorted batches of documents and/or one or more intermingled batches of documents, such as, for example, intermingled bills and checks.

[0120] According to some embodiments, the stack of documents 135 includes a first batch of documents and a second batch of documents. According to some such embodiments, the first batch of documents solely includes bills and the second batch of documents solely includes checks. According to some embodiments, the first batch of documents is inputted and processed separately from the second batch of documents. According to some embodiments, the first batch of documents is received in a first input receptacle and the second batch of documents is received in a second separate input receptacle. In such embodiments, the first and the second batches of documents can be run and/or transported simultaneously or one after the other.

[0121] The device transport mechanism 120 is coupled to the input receptacle 110 and is configured to transport the plurality of documents 135 along a first segment 125a of a transport path. The documents, such as bills 135a (shown in FIG. 1 at various positions as 135a_1-7), are transported via the device transport mechanism 120 in the direction of arrow A from the first end 101a to a second opposing end 101b of the document processing device 101, past at least one detector, and to the device outlet opening 130, which is located in the second end 101b of the document processing device 101.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the at least one detector is configured to detect characteristic information from the documents 135 and generate one or more electrical signals associated with the documents. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes a plurality of detector bays for mounting a plurality of detectors. In some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes two or more detector bays. In some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes three or four detector bays along a first side of the first segment of the transport path such as adjacent to a top side of the transport path, and/or three or four corresponding detector bays along a second opposing side of the first segment of the transport path such as adjacent to a bottom side of the transport path. According to some embodiments, the plurality of detector bays are universal such that each one of the detector bays is configured to receive a variety of different types of detectors and/or sensors, such as, for example, image scanners, authentication sensors, and density sensors.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the at least one detector includes one or more denomination sensors, one or more image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b, one or more authentication sensors or units 145, one or more density sensors, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes a single image scanner 140a to scan and/or image one or both sides of each passing bill. According to other embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes a first image scanner 140a to scan and/or image a first side of each passing document and a second scanner 140b to scan and/or image a second opposing side of each respective passing document. The second image scanner 140b is positioned on an opposing side of the first segment 125a of the transport path as compared with the position of the first image scanner 140a. According to some embodiments, the second image scanner 140b is opposite or off-set up or downstream from the first image scanner 140a.

[0124] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 does not include any image scanners. According to some such embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes denomination sensors for denominating currency bills. Additional details on such non-imaging denominating devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,196, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Currency Discrimination and Counting”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,592, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Discriminating and Counting Documents”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,697, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Discriminating and Counting Documents”; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes an authentication sensor or authentication unit 145. Yet according to other embodiments, the document processing device 101 does not include an authentication sensor/unit 145. In some such embodiments, the lack of the authentication sensor/unit 145 reduces the overall weight and cost of the document processing device 101. For bills, authentication can be accomplished using the authentication sensor/unit 145 and/or by using a database of serial numbers for known or suspected counterfeit currency bills. The authentication sensor/unit 145 is optionally positioned adjacent to the first segment 125a of the transport path in a similar fashion as the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b. The authentication sensor/unit 145 is configured to authenticate the documents 135 based on one or more criteria and/or authentication tests as is commonly known in the art. Some examples of authentication sensors/units and authentication tests are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,463, issued on Jun. 17, 1997, entitled “Method and Apparatus For Authenticating Documents Including Currency”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,693, issued on Aug. 4, 1998, entitled “Currency Discriminator and Authenticator”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,601, issued on Nov. 30, 1999, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Document Identification and Authentication”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,103, issued on Sep. 28, 1999, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Authenticating Currency”; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the input receptacle 110 is configured to receive the stack of bills or documents 135 with a wide edge or a longer edge of the documents 135 being initially fed into the document processing device 101. That is, according to some embodiments, the wide edge of the stack of bills or documents 135 is perpendicular to the direction of arrow A (FIGS. 1 and 2A), which is also called the feed direction. According to some embodiments, the documents are transported in a wide edge leading manner such that one of the wide edges of each document is the sole leading edge during the transport of that document from the input receptacle to an output receptacle, such as one of the output receptacles 190a-h, which are described in below.

[0127] According to some embodiments, transporting the stack of bills/documents 135 with the wide edge leading can increase the overall processing speed of the document processing device 101. According to some embodiments, the transport mechanism(s) (e.g., device transport mechanism 120) can transport the stack of documents 135 with the wide edge leading at a decreased linear speed while simultaneously increasing the processing speed of the document processing device 101. According to some embodiments, transporting the stack of documents 135 with the wide edge leading uses shorter transport paths as compared to systems that transport with the narrow edge leading. According to some embodiments, the shorter transport paths are employed to minimize and/or reduce the size and weight of the document processing system 100, 200.

[0128] According to some embodiments, the documents are transported in a wide edge leading manner such that each of the documents is moved from the input receptacle 110 to one of the plurality of output receptacles 190a-h without rotating the document around an axis passing through a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document. That is, according to some embodiments, a document is not flipped about an axis passing through its leading edge and its trailing edge to change the face orientation of the document. It is contemplated that according to such embodiments, for documents transported in a wide edge leading manner as described above, the documents can be faced by rotating and/or flipping the documents about an axis passing through both of the narrower edges. Such a facing can occur as the documents are deposited into one of the output receptacles. For example, as a bill is transported in the wide edge leading manner in the direction of arrow F (FIGS. 1 and 2B), the bill can be directed and deposited in the third output receptacle 190c such that a first side of the bill is facing upwards or the bill can be directed and deposited in the fourth output receptacle 190d such that a second opposing side of the bill is facing upwards. It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, to face documents—that is, to deposit documents in the output receptacles 190a-h such that all documents face in the same direction, e.g., upward—the document processing systems 100, 200 can determine the face orientation of the documents and deposit the documents in an appropriate output receptacle such that the documents are all faced without rotating a single one of the documents about an axis passing through a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the input receptacle 110 includes two slidable guides that are adjustable such that the input receptacle 110 can receive the stack of documents 135 with the wide edge leading or a narrow edge or shorter edge of the documents leading. That is, according to some alternative embodiments, the narrow edge of the documents 135 is perpendicular to the feed direction.

[0130] According to some embodiments, a controller or processor 150 is coupled to the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b, the device transport mechanism 120, a memory 160, an operator interface or control panel 170, and a communications port or network device 180. The controller 150 is configured to control the operation of the device transport mechanism 120 and the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b. The controller 150 is also configured to communicate information to and from the memory 160, the control panel 170, and the communications port 180. For example, the controller 150 may send information to and receive operator input from the control panel 170. The control panel 170 can be configured to display information regarding the documents 135 and/or status information concerning the operation of the document processing system 100. For example, according to some embodiments, the control panel 170 is configured to display an image or a partial image (e.g., snippet image) of a document of concern, such as, for example, a currency bill that is identified as a possible counterfeit currency bill, also known as a suspect currency bill. According to some embodiments, the controller 150 comprises one or more computers. In these embodiments, the controller 150 can include a plurality of memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Hard Drive, etc.), processor(s), etc. necessary to perform a plurality of document processing actions within the document processing system 100. Some examples of document processing actions may include, but are not limited to, cropping and deskewing images and/or data, compressing data, down-sampling, denominating bills, extracting information (e.g., character information, serial numbers, MICR lines, etc.), comparing extracted data with one or more databases, determining information from and/or analyzing data, storing data, transmitting data, etc.

[0131] According to some embodiments, in response to the image scanners 140a and/or 140b scanning and/or imaging documents, the image scanners 140a and/or 140b generate one or more electrical signals associated with the scanned and/or imaged documents. According to some embodiments, the one or more electrical signals are transmitted to one or more controllers and/or processors, such as, for example, the controller 150. The controller 150 is configured to receive the one or more electrical signals and to derive and/or generate data therefrom. According to some embodiments, the one or more electrical signals are analog signals that the controller 150 is configured to convert into one or more digital signals using, for example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The derived data can include, for example, image data, authentication data, positional data (e.g., position of document along the first segment), etc. According to some embodiments, the image data can be reproduced as one or more visually readable images of the documents.

[0132] According to some embodiments, the operator can initiate document processing via use of the control panel 170. According to some embodiments, the operator can initiate document processing via use of a computer (not shown) communicatively connected to the document processing device 101 via, for example, the communications port 180. According to some embodiments, the control panel 170 is a full graphics color touch screen display with various soft touch keys used to operate the document processing system 100, 200 such as the control panel 170 shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel 170 may contain physical keys or buttons and/or another type of display such as an LED display. For example, a QWERTY keyboard and/or a ten key numerical keypad may be utilized. According to some embodiments, the control panel 170 displays “functional” keys when appropriate. According to some embodiments, the control panel 170 is integrated within a single housing of the document processing device 101. Alternatively, the control panel 170 can be remotely positioned from the document processing device 101, but communicatively connected therewith via, e.g., a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.

[0133] In response to the initiation of document processing, the device transport mechanism 120 transports the stack of documents 135 in the direction of arrow A in a serial fashion, one document at a time, one after another. As the documents 135 are transported along the first segment 125a of the transport path via the device transport mechanism 120, data associated with each document, such as, for example, bill 135a₁, is generated and/or derived using the at least one detector, such as, for example, the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b and/or the controller 150.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the generated and/or derived data is image data that is reproducible as a visually readable image or a human readable image of substantially the entire bill 135a₁ (a “full image”) and/or of selected portions of the bill 135a₁ (a “snippet image”). According to some embodiments, a visually readable and/or human readable image is defined based on a number of dots or pixels per inch (“DPI”) that form the image. For purposes of the present disclosure, a visually readable image is an image having a resolution of at least 50 DPI×50 DPI—that is, the image includes 2500 dots or pixels per square inch. According to some embodiments, the visually readable image is formed with a resolution of at least 100 DPI×100 DPI. According to some embodiments, the visually readable image is formed with a resolution of at least 200 DPI×100 DPI. According to some embodiments, the visually readable image is formed with a resolution of at least 200 DPI×200 DPI. As the DPI increase, the amount of data generated by the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b increases, which may be a factor in causing relatively slower processing speeds in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the resolution of an image is defined as P DPI X Q DPI, where P is the resolution in the x-direction or the direction perpendicular to the feed direction, and Q is the resolution in the y-direction or the direction parallel to the feed direction.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b, the controller 150, and/or the memory 160 includes data extraction software such as optical character recognition (OCR) software for identifying characters contained in one or more fields of the visually readable images of the documents 135 and extracting the characters as extracted data. It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, other software can be used to extract character or symbol information from the visually readable images. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 100 uses the OCR software to obtain or extract identifying information from each of the visually readable images. For example, the OCR software may implement a search of the visually readable image of a currency bill for a serial number data field and extract a serial number of the currency bill once the data field is located. Additional details regarding OCR can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/259,018, filed Nov. 6, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the visually readable image is formed with a resolution of 300 DPI×200 DPI, 300 DPI×300 DPI, 400 DPI×200 DPI, or 400 DPI×400 DPI. Such elevated resolutions can be desired when using OCR software to extract relatively small characters from an image. For example, when trying to extract small characters on a currency bill, such as, for example, back plate numbers found on U.S. currency bills, the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b can be configured to generate visually readable images having elevated resolutions (e.g., 400 DPI×200 DPI). According to some embodiments, if fine printing defects are to be identified, a higher resolution, such as, for example, 1200 DPI×1200 DPI or 2400 DPI×2400 DPI, could be used.

[0137] According to some embodiments, the memory 160 is configured to store and/or buffer data associated with the documents 135. The data can be reproducible as a visually readable image when read and displayed on a display device (e.g., control panel 170) or printed on a printing device (not shown). The visually readable image can be a full visually readable image that depicts the bill 135a₁ or a partial or snippet visually readable image (e.g., serial number snippet image) that depicts the bill 135a₁. According to some embodiments, the memory 160 is configured to store and/or buffer extracted and/or inputted data, such as, for example, identifying information and/or transactional information associated with the stack of documents 135. The identifying information can include, for example, serial numbers, denominations, batch/deposit identification numbers, MICR data/lines, etc. The transaction information can include, for example, a financial institution account number, a transaction identifier, a customer name, address, phone number, a total deposit amount, a total currency bill deposit amount, and/or a number of deposited currency bills broken down by denomination, a total check deposit amount, and/or a number of deposited checks.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the memory 160 is configured to store a database and/or a suspect database. According to some embodiments, a number of types of information can be used to assess whether a currency bill is a suspect currency bill, including serial number, denomination, series, check letter and quadrant number, check letter and face plate number, back plate number, federal reserve letter/number, signatories, issuing bank, image quality, infrared characteristics, magnetic characteristics, ultraviolet characteristics, color shifting ink, watermarks, metallic threads, holograms, etc., or some combination thereof. Additional details on databases and authentication using such databases are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/259,018, entitled “Apparatus for Imaging Currency Bills and Financial Documents and System and Method for Using the Same”, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 is configured to determine a fitness of each document being processed. For example, the document processing device 101 can employ one or more fitness sensors to determine if a currency bill is worn, torn, soiled, holes, marked, etc. According to some such embodiments, unfit documents can be sorted to one or more specified output receptacles for further processing by an operator of the document processing system 100. Additional disclosure on determining fitness of a document can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,260, entitled “Currency Processing System with Fitness Detection” and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0122023 A1, entitled “Currency Processing System with Fitness Detection”.

[0140] As described above, according to some embodiments, the controller 150 is configured to communicate information to and from the communications port 180. The communications port 180 is configured to be communicatively connected to a network (e.g., Internet, private network, customer network, financial institution network, LAN, WAN, secured network, etc.) to permit information to be transmitted to and from the document processing device 101. For example, according to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 comprises an Ethernet card comprising the communications port 180 that is communicatively connected to a network. It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the document processing device 101 includes two or more communications ports 180 to increase the flow and/or transfer of data to and from the document processing device 101.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 2A, the document processing device 101 is shown with a moveable upper portion 215 in an open position. Opening the moveable upper portion 215 provides access to one or more detectors and a portion of the transport mechanism 120 such that an operator can remove jammed documents, clean scanheads, etc. According to some embodiments, the moveable upper portion 215 pivots open about 30 degrees. According to some embodiments, the moveable upper portion 215 pivots open about 45 degrees. According to some embodiments, the moveable upper portion 215 pivots open about 60 degrees. According to some embodiments, the moveable upper portion 215 pivots open about 90 degrees. According to some embodiments, the moveable upper portion 215 pivots open about 120 degrees. According to some embodiments, the control panel 170 is mounted on the moveable upper portion 215 such that the control panel 170 moves with the moveable upper portion 215. According to other embodiments, the control panel 170 is mounted remote from the moveable upper portion 215 on the housing of the document processing device 101 or elsewhere, such as remote from the document processing system 200.

First Base Module

[0142] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, according to some embodiments, the first base module 102 has a first end 102a and a second opposing end 102b; and a top 102c and an opposing bottom 102d. The first base module 102 includes a first base module transport mechanism 121a, a first output receptacle 190a, a second output receptacle 190b, a first base module 2-way diverter 194a (FIG. 2B), and a first base module 3-way diverter 195a (FIGS. 1 and 2B).

[0143] According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the second end 101b of the document processing device 101. That is, the first end 102a of the first base module 102 abuts the second end 101b of the document processing device 101 such that a first base module inlet opening 115a (FIGS. 1 and 2B) located in the first end 102a of the first base module 102 aligns with the device outlet opening 130 (FIG. 1). According to some embodiments, the first base module inlet opening 115a is communicatively coupled with the device outlet opening 130 such that documents (e.g., bill 135a₁) can be transported by the device transport mechanism 120, through the device outlet opening 130, through the first base module inlet opening 115a, and further transported by the first base module transport mechanism 121a. According to some embodiments, mechanically coupling and/or abutting the first base module 102 with the document processing device 101 also communicatively and/or electronically couples the first base module 102 with the document processing device 101 such that one or more components of the document processing device 101 (e.g., the controller 150) is communicatively connected with one or more components (e.g., the first base module 3-way diverter 195a) of the first base module 102.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b (FIGS. 1, 2A-2C) are configured to receive documents, such as, the bill 135a₁. The first and the second output receptacles 190a,b are positioned between the first end 102a and the second end 102b and between the top 102c and the bottom 102d of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b are horizontally offset from one another.

[0145] According to some embodiments, each of the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b includes a stacker plate 190a₁, 190b₁ configured to allow processed bills to rest thereon. According to some embodiments, the output receptacles 190a,b further include entry rollers (e.g., including drive roller 192b, belt 192c, and wheels 192d,e described below and shown in FIG. 2D). The entry rollers bridge the gap between the transport mechanism and the output receptacle by receiving bills from the transport mechanism and delivering the bills into the output receptacle. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle optionally includes a stacker wheel (e.g., stacker wheels 197a,b shown in FIGS. 2B-2D) positioned between the stacker plate 190a₁, 190b₁ and the entry rollers. The stacker wheel can be configured to receive bills from the entry rollers and to deliver bills to the stacker plate. While the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b are shown as including stacker plates, entry rollers, and stacker wheels, it is contemplated that first and the second output receptacles 190a,b may include only one or two of these components. For example, it is contemplated that first and the second output receptacles 190a,b can only include a stacker plate without a stacker wheel and without entry rollers. Alternatively or additionally other mechanisms and arrangements for receiving documents in output receptacles known in the art may be employed according to some embodiments.

[0146] The first base module transport mechanism 121a (FIGS. 1 and 2A) is configured to transport documents along a second segment 125b (FIGS. 1 and 2B) of the transport path in the direction of arrow B. The second segment 125b extends generally from the first base module inlet opening 115a to a first outlet opening 131a (FIG. 1) located in the second end 102b of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, the second segment 125b is positioned at least partially beneath the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b. The first base module transport mechanism 121a is further configured to selectively transport documents along a third segment 125c (FIGS. 1 and 2B) of the transport path. The third segment 125c extends generally-vertically upward from the second segment 125b of the transport path in the direction of arrow C and between the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b. According to some embodiments, a controller (e.g., the controller 150) controls whether the first base module transport mechanism 121a delivers a document along the second segment 125b beneath the third segment 125c and toward the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 102 or transports the document generally upward in the direction of arrow C along the third segment 125c. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to control the first base module 2-way diverter 194a (FIGS. 2B-2C) positioned at the junction of the second segment 125b and the third segment 125c to selectively direct documents along the second segment 125b or the third segment 125c of the transport path.

[0147] According to some embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a (FIGS. 1 and 2B-2D) is positioned along the third segment 125c of the transport path and between the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b. According to some embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a is configured to transition between at least three distinct positions to selectively direct documents along one of at least three distinct paths or directions. According to some such embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a is configured to rotate and/or pivot about an axis between the at least three distinct positions. According to some embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a is a single unitary piece made of, for example, extruded plastic, molded plastic, and/or metal. According to some embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a includes a slot configured to pass documents therethrough. For example, the slot can be large enough such that a U.S. currency bill can be transported through the slot in a wide-edge leading manner.

[0148] According to some embodiments, the first base module 3-way diverter 195a includes two 2-way diverters, where each of the 2-way diverters are a single unitary piece made of, for example, extruded plastic, molded plastic, and/or metal. According to such embodiments, the two 2-way diverters are configured to be controlled and/or to move in unison and/or in a cooperative fashion to selectively direct documents being transported. For example, the two 2-way diverters can be configured to be controlled by a controller to selectively direct documents into one of the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b and/or past both of the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b such as to a second outlet opening 131b. It is contemplated that the 3-way diverters of the present disclosure can be a single unitary 3-way diverter or a 3-way diverter comprised of two cooperative 2-way diverters as described above. According to some embodiments, the diverters are not made of a single unitary member but are constructed of several pieces.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 2D, according to some embodiments, a controller is configured to cause the first base module 3-way diverter 195a to reside in and/or rotate to a position to selectively direct documents being transported via the first base module transport mechanism 121a along the third segment 125c of the transport path. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first base module 3-way diverter 195a to reside in a first position to selectively direct documents from the third segment 125c in the direction of arrow D into the first output receptacle 190a. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first base module 3-way diverter 195a to reside in a second position to selectively direct documents from the third segment 125c in the direction of arrow E into the second output receptacle 190b. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first base module 3-way diverter 195a to reside in a third position to selectively direct documents in the direction of arrow C past both the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b toward the second outlet opening 131b located in the top 102c of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, in response to the first base module 3-way diverter 195a residing in the third position, documents are transported in the direction of arrow C through the slot of the first base module 3-way diverter 195a. Thus, the first base module transport mechanism 121a can transport documents from the first base module inlet opening 115a to one of four locations including, but not limited to, the first outlet opening 131a, the first output receptacle 190a, the second output receptacle 190b, and the second outlet opening 131b.

[0150] With reference to FIG. 2D, according to some embodiments, as the documents are selectively directed to one of the first or the second output receptacles 190a,b, the documents are transported along a respective transition surface 192a, 193a. For example, for a document being transported from the third segment 125c of the transport path to the first output receptacle 190a via the first base module transport mechanism 121a, the document is transported from the third segment 125c in the direction of arrow D where the document is engaged between drive roller 192b and belt 192c. According to some embodiments, the belt 192c is a passive belt around non-driven rollers or wheels 192d,e. The driver roller 192b moves the document further along the transport path and into engagement with stacker wheels 197a (also shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C) which rotate to deposit the document in the first output receptacle 190a.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the belt 192c is not employed and a transport plate is positioned between rollers or wheels 192d,e. In such embodiments, the transport plate operates to guide documents from being positioned between roller 193e and roller 192b to being positioned between roller 193d and roller 192b. Rollers 192d,e are positioned to engage and be driven by roller 192b.

[0152] For another example, for a document being transported from the third segment 125c of the transport path to the second output receptacle 190b via the first base module transport mechanism 121a, the document is transported from the third segment 125c in the direction of arrow E where the document is engaged between drive roller 193b and belt 193c. According to some embodiments, the belt 193c is a passive belt around non-driven rollers or wheels 193d,e. The driver roller 193b moves the document further along the transport path and into engagement with stacker wheels 197b (also shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C) which rotate to deposit the document in the second output receptacle 190b.

[0153] According to some embodiments, as a document is transported along the transition surface 192a,193a from the third segment 125c of the transport path and into the first or the second output receptacle 190a,b, the document is rotated by at least about 90 degrees and/or the forward direction of the document is changed by at least about 90 degrees. According to some embodiments, as a document is transported along the transition surface 192a,193a from the third segment 125c of the transport path and into the first or the second output receptacle 190a,b, the document is rotated between about 100 degrees and about 140 degrees.

[0154] Referring generally to FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments, the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b each define a respective receiving opening or passage and a respective access opening. The receiving openings or passages provide document access into the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b in response to the first base module 3-way diverter 195a diverting documents therein from the third segment 125c of the transport path. The receiving opening of the first output receptacle 190a is positioned adjacent to a first side of the third segment 125c of the transport path and the receiving opening of the second output receptacle 190b is positioned adjacent to a second opposing side of the third segment 125c of the transport path. That is, the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b are positioned within the first base module 102 such that the receiving opening of the first output receptacle 190a faces the receiving opening of the second output receptacle 190b. Such an output receptacle configuration is called back-to-back output receptacles. That is, two adjacent output receptacles on opposite sides of a transport segment of a transport path that each receive documents from a common transport mechanism are oriented in a back-to-back manner with respect to each other.

[0155] The access openings provide operator access from a front side of the first base module 102 to permit an operator to remove documents transported to and deposited within one of the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b. The access openings can be provided in any of a variety of shapes with any of a variety of dimensions such that an operator can remove deposited documents from the front side of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, the access openings are selectively closed (not shown). For example, a door (not shown) can be provided to restrict physical access to documents deposited within the first or the second output receptacles 190a,b. The door can be large enough to restrict access into both of the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b. Alternatively, individual doors can be provided for restricting access into each of the output receptacles 190a,b.

[0156] According to some embodiments, each of the receiving openings lays in one or more parallel receiving planes and each of the access openings lays in one or more parallel access planes that are orthogonal or generally orthogonal to the one or more receiving planes.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, according to some embodiments, the first base module 102 includes an output receptacle 191a. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle 191a is the same as, or similar to, the output receptacles 190a-h. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle 191a is an offsort pocket or a reject pocket. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle 191a facilitates off-sorting of larger documents, such as, for example, commercial checks and 8.5″×11″ sheets. While the first base module 102 is illustrated as including the output receptacle 191a, according to some embodiments, the first base module 102 does not include the output receptacle 191a.

[0158] Referring back to FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments, the first base module transport mechanism 121a includes a lower moveable transport plate 127 and an upper stationary transport plate 126. According to some embodiments, the moveable transport plate 127 has an open position (shown in FIG. 2A) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C). According to some such embodiments, the moveable transport plate 127 is pivotably coupled within the first base module 102 such that the moveable transport plate 127 can pivot between the open and closed positions. In response to the moveable transport plate being in the closed position, the moveable transport plate 127 is generally parallel to the stationary transport plate 126. According to some embodiments, in response to the moveable transport plate 127 being in the open position, documents, such as currency bills, remaining on the moveable transport plate 127 slide toward a front side of the first base module 102. For example, during the processing of documents, currency bills are being transported between the stationary and the moveable transport plates 126,127. In the case of a jam, an operator can open and/or move the moveable transport plate 127 into the open position, whereby the bills are free to fall or slide toward the front of the module 102 due to gravity. That is, document jams can be cleared using gravity to cause the jammed documents to fall out of the system 100, 200.

[0159] According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 includes a latch assembly including a latch 128a and a knob 128b. According to such embodiments, the latch assembly is configured to selectively retain the moveable transport plate 127 in its closed position. According to some embodiments, the knob 128b is rigidly mounted to the moveable transport plate 127 and the latch 128a is pivotably mounted to the stationary transport plate 126. According to some embodiments, the latch 128a can include a roller or an angled engagement surface at one end thereof. According to some embodiments, the knob 128b is configured to receive and mate with the roller or the angled engagement surface and thereby lock the latch 128a to the knob 128b such that the moveable transport plate 127 is retained in the closed position. According to some embodiments, the latch assembly further includes a biasing member configured to bias the latch 128a into the latched orientation.

[0160] According to some embodiments, a width W of the first base module 102 is between about twelve inches (30 cm) and about eighteen inches (46 cm). According to some embodiments, the width W of the first base module 102 is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, a height H of the first base module 102 is between about eighteen inches (46 cm) and about twenty-two inches (56 cm). According to some embodiments, the height H of the first base module 102 is about twenty inches (51 cm). According to some embodiments, a depth D of the first base module 102 is between about fifteen inches (38 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth D of the first base module 102 is about seventeen inches (43 cm).

[0161] According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 has a footprint of less than about two and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 has a footprint of less than about two square feet. According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 has a footprint of less than one and a half square feet.

[0162] According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 occupies less than about four and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 occupies less than about three and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 occupies less than about three cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the first base module 102 occupies less than about two and a half cubic feet.

First Pocket Module

[0163] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 has a first end 104a and a second opposing end 104b; and a top 104c and an opposing bottom 104d. The first pocket module 104 includes a first pocket module transport mechanism 122a, a third output receptacle 190c, a fourth output receptacle 190d, and a first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a.

[0164] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the top 102c of the first base module 102. That is, the bottom 104d of the first pocket module 104 abuts the top 102c of the first base module 102 such that a first pocket module inlet opening 116a located in the bottom 104d of the first pocket module 104 aligns with the second outlet opening 131b of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module inlet opening 116a is communicatively coupled with the second outlet opening 131b of the first base module 102 such that documents (e.g., bill 135a₃) can be transported by the first base module transport mechanism 121a, through the second outlet opening 131b of the first base module 102, through the first pocket module inlet opening 116a, and further transported by the first pocket module transport mechanism 122a. According to some embodiments, mechanically coupling and/or abutting the first pocket module 104 with the first base module 102 also communicatively and/or electronically couples the first pocket module 104 with the first base module 102 and/or the document processing device 101 such that one or more components of the document processing device 101 (e.g., the controller 150) is communicatively connected with one or more components (e.g., the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a) of the first pocket module 104.

[0165] According to some embodiments, the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d are configured to receive documents, such as, the bill 135a₆. The third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d are positioned between the first end 104a and the second end 104b and between the top 104c and the bottom 104d of the first pocket module 104. According to some embodiments, the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d are horizontally offset from one another.

[0166] The first pocket module transport mechanism 122a is configured to transport documents along a fourth segment 125d of the transport path in the direction of arrow F. The fourth segment 125d extends generally from the first pocket module inlet opening 116a to a first pocket module outlet opening 132a located in the top 104c of the first pocket module 104. According to some embodiments, the fourth segment 125d extends generally vertically upward from the first pocket module inlet opening 116a and is positioned at least partially between the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d.

[0167] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a is positioned along the fourth segment 125d of the transport path and between the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a is configured to transition between at least three distinct positions to selectively direct documents along one of at least three distinct paths or directions. According to some such embodiments, the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a is configured to rotate and/or pivot about an axis between the at least three distinct positions.

[0168] According to some embodiments, a controller is configured to cause the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a to reside in and/or rotate to a position to selectively direct documents being transported via the first pocket module transport mechanism 122a along the fourth segment 125d of the transport path. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a to reside in a first position to selectively direct documents from the fourth segment 125d in the direction of arrow G into the third output receptacle 190c. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a to reside in a second position to selectively direct documents from the fourth segment 125d in the direction of arrow H into the fourth output receptacle 190d. According to some such embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a to reside in a third position to selectively direct documents in the direction of arrow F past both the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d toward the first pocket module outlet opening 132a located in the top 104c of the first pocket module 104. Thus, the first pocket module transport mechanism 122a can transport documents from the first pocket module inlet opening 116a to one of three locations including, but not limited to, the third output receptacle 190c, the fourth output receptacle 190d, and the first pocket module outlet opening 132a.

[0169] According to some embodiments, the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d each define a respective receiving opening and a respective access opening. The receiving openings provide document access into the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d in response to the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a diverting documents therein from the fourth segment 125d of the transport path. The receiving opening of the third output receptacle 190c is positioned adjacent to a first side of the fourth segment 125d of the transport path and the receiving opening of the fourth output receptacle 190d is positioned adjacent to a second opposing side of the fourth segment 125d of the transport path. That is, the third and the fourth output receptacles 190c,d are positioned within the first pocket module 104 such that the receiving opening of the third output receptacle 190c faces the receiving opening of the fourth output receptacle 190d in a back-to-back manner as defined above. The access openings of the first pocket module 104 are the same as, or similar to, the access openings of the first base module 102 discussed above.

[0170] According to some embodiments, a width W of the first pocket module 104 is between about twelve inches (30 cm) and about eighteen inches (46 cm). According to some embodiments, the width W of the first pocket module 104 is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, a height H of the first pocket module 104 is between about four inches (10 cm) and about seven inches (18 cm). According to some embodiments, the height H of the first pocket module 104 is about five and a half inches (14 cm). According to some embodiments, a depth D of the first pocket module 104 is between about fifteen inches (38 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth D of the first pocket module 104 is about seventeen inches (43 cm).

[0171] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 has a footprint of less than about two and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 has a footprint of less than about two square feet. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 has a footprint of less than one and a half square feet.

[0172] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 occupies less than about one and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 occupies less than about one cubic foot. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 occupies less than about 0.9 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 occupies less than about 0.8 cubic feet.

Second Base Module

[0173] According to some embodiments, the second base module 103 has a first end 103a and a second opposing end 103b; and a top 103c and an opposing bottom 103d. The second base module 103 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the second end 102b of the first base module 102 in the same, or similar manner, as the first end 102a of the first base module 102 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the second end 101b of the document processing device 101. That is, the first end 103a of the second base module 103 abuts the second end 102b of the first base module 102 such that a second base module inlet opening 115b located in the first end 103a of the second base module 103 aligns with the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 102. According to some embodiments, the second base module inlet opening 115b couples with the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 102 such that documents (e.g., bill 135a₂) can be transported by the first base module transport mechanism 121a, through the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 102, through the second base module inlet opening 115b, and further transported by the second base module transport mechanism 121b. According to some embodiments, mechanically coupling and/or abutting the second base module 103 with the first base module 102 also communicatively and/or electronically couples the second base module 103 with the first base module 102 and/or the document processing device 101 such that one or more components of the document processing device 101 (e.g., the controller 150) is communicatively connected with one or more components (e.g., a second base module 3-way diverter 195b) of the second base module 103.

[0174] According to some embodiments, the second base module 103 includes an output receptacle 191b. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle 191b is the same as, or similar to, the output receptacles 190a-h. According to some embodiments, the output receptacle 191b is an offsort pocket or a reject pocket.

[0175] According to some embodiments, the first and the second base modules 102, 103 are structurally identical and operatively interchangeable. In some such embodiments, the second base module 103 can be detachably and operatively connected with the second end 101b of the document processing device 101 in the same, or similar, manner as the first end 102a of the first base module 102 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the second end 101b of the document processing device 101.

[0176] According to some embodiments, the second base module 103 is the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102, where like reference numbers are used to indicate like components. For example, the second base module 103 includes the second base module inlet opening 115b, a first outlet opening 131c of the second base module 103, a second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103, a second base module transport mechanism 121b including a fifth segment 125e and a sixth segment 125f of the transport path, a fifth output receptacle 190e, a sixth output receptacle 190f, a second base module 2-way diverter 194b, and the second base module 3-way diverter 195b, which are the same as, or similar to, the first base module inlet opening 115a, the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 102, the second outlet opening 131b of the first base module 102, the first base module transport mechanism 121a including a second segment 125b and a third segment 125c of the transport path, the first output receptacle 190a, the second output receptacle 190b, the first base module 2-way diverter 194a, and the first base module 3-way diverter 195a, respectively. According to some embodiments, the second base module transport mechanism 121b of the second base module 103 includes an upper stationary transport plate (not shown) and a lower moveable transport plate (not shown), which are the same as, or similar to, the stationary transport plate 126 and the moveable transport plate 127 described above in reference to the first base module 102.

[0177] According to some embodiments, the first outlet opening 131c of the second base module 103 is configured to be mechanically coupled with and/or abutting a strapper module (not shown), a facing module (not shown), an inlet opening of another base module (e.g., inlet opening 115a), or another ancillary device and/or module. According to some embodiments, mechanically coupling and/or abutting the second base module 103 with an ancillary device or module also communicatively and/or electronically couples the second base module 103 with the ancillary device or module such that one or more components of the document processing device 101 (e.g., the controller 150) is communicatively connected with one or more components (e.g., a strapping unit) of the ancillary device or module.

Second Pocket Module

[0178] According to some embodiments, the second pocket module 105 has a first end 105a and a second opposing end 105b; and a top 105c and an opposing bottom 105d. The second pocket module 105 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the top 103c of the second base module 103 in the same, or similar manner, as the bottom 104d of the first pocket module 104 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the top 102c of the first base module 102. That is, the bottom 105d of the second pocket module 105 abuts the top 103c of the second base module 103 such that a second pocket module inlet opening 116b located in the bottom 105d of the second pocket module 105 aligns with the second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103. According to some embodiments, the second pocket module inlet opening 116b couples with the second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103 such that documents (e.g., bill 135a₅) can be transported by the second base module transport mechanism 121b, through the second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103, through the second pocket module inlet opening 116b, and further transported by the second pocket module transport mechanism 122b. According to some embodiments, mechanically coupling and/or abutting the second pocket module 105 with the second base module 103 also communicatively and/or electronically couples the second pocket module 105 with the second base module 103, the first base module 102, the first pocket module 104, and/or the document processing device 101 such that one or more components of the document processing device 101 (e.g., the controller 150) is communicatively connected with one or more components (e.g., the second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b) of the second pocket module 105.

[0179] According to some embodiments, the first and the second pocket modules 104, 105 are structurally identical and operatively interchangeable. In some such embodiments, the second pocket module 105 can be detachably and operatively connected with the top 102c of the first base module 102 in the same, or similar manner, as the bottom 104d of the first pocket module 104 is configured to be detachably and operatively connected with the top 102c of the first base module 102.

[0180] According to some embodiments, the second pocket module 105 is the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104, where like reference numbers are used to indicate like components. For example, the second pocket module 105 includes a second pocket module inlet opening 116b, a second pocket module outlet opening 132b, a second pocket module transport mechanism 122b including a seventh segment 125g of the transport path, a seventh output receptacle 190g, an eighth output receptacle 190h, and a second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b, which are the same as, or similar to, first pocket module inlet opening 116a, the first pocket module outlet opening 132a, the first pocket module transport mechanism 122a including the fourth segment 125d of the transport path, the third output receptacle 190c, the fourth output receptacle 190d, and the first pocket module 3-way diverter 196a, respectively.

Interchangeable and Stackable Modules

[0181] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 can be detachably connected to the top 103c of the second base module 103 and receive documents transported through the second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103. Similarly, the second pocket module 105 can be detachably connected to the top 102c of the first base module 102 and receive documents transported through the second outlet opening 131b of the first base module 102.

[0182] According to some embodiments, the first pocket module 104 can be detachably connected to the top 105c of the second pocket module 105 to receive documents therethrough. That is, the first pocket module 104 can be detachably connected to the second pocket module 105 such that the first pocket module inlet opening 116a mates with the second pocket module outlet opening 132b to receive documents therefrom. Similarly, the second pocket module 105 can be detachably connected to the top 104c of the first pocket module 104 to receive documents transported therethrough. That is, the second pocket module 105 can be detachably connected to the first pocket module 104 such that the second pocket module inlet opening 116b mates with the first pocket module outlet opening 132a to receive documents therefrom.

Document Transport Path Examples

[0183] According to some embodiments, a stack of bills 135 is received in the input receptacle 110 of the document processing device 101. As described above, the device transport mechanism 120 transports the bills one at a time along the transport path. The following description focuses on some of the various transport paths of one of the bills 135a. As shown in FIG. 1, the bill 135a₁ is first shown in the first segment 125a of the transport path being transported in the direction of arrow A past the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b. According to some embodiments, as the bill 135a₁ is transported in the direction of arrow A along the first segment 125a of the transport path, the document processing system 100 determines a desired final destination or location for the bill 135a based at least in part on data generated by the image scanner(s) 140a and/or 140b and/or the authentication unit 145 and/or other sensor(s).

[0184] For example, the document processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes eight output receptacles 190a-h. The document processing system 100, thus, can determine to transport and deliver the bill 135a into any one of the eight output receptacles 190a-h based on a bill's denomination, authenticity, fitness, face orientation, etc. According to some embodiments, each one of the output receptacles 190a-h is assigned a denomination of a currency bill. For a standard set of U.S. currency bills having seven different denominations (e.g., $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100), one of the eight output receptacles remains to serve as a reject receptacle, or as a duplicate receptacle.

[0185] According to some embodiments, the first output receptacle 190a is assigned to receive $1's, the second output receptacle 190b is assigned to receive $2's, the third output receptacle 190c is assigned to receive $5's, the fourth output receptacle 190d is assigned to receive $10's, the fifth output receptacle 190e is assigned to receive $20's, the sixth output receptacle 190f is assigned to receive $50's, the seventh output receptacle 190g is assigned to receive $100's, and the eighth output receptacle 190h can be assigned to receive suspect bills. It is contemplated that various other assignments of output receptacles 190a-h are possible. According to some embodiments, an operator of the document processing system 100 can assign a particular denomination and/or document type (e.g., check, deposit slip, header/trailer card, etc.) to a particular output receptacle via the control panel 170. According to some embodiments, each output receptacle 190a-h is automatically assigned a denomination and/or document type. It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, assignment of the output receptacles 190a-h can be manual, automatic, or a combination thereof.

[0186] Proceeding with the above example and assuming that the bill 135a is a $100, the device transport mechanism 120 transports the bill 135a₁ in the direction of arrow A along the first segment 125a of the transport path through the device outlet opening 130. The document processing device 101 determines that the bill 135a₁ is a non-suspect $100 bill and thus should be transported and delivered to the seventh output receptacle 190g. In response to the determination of the bill 135a₁, the bill 135a₂ is received through the first base module inlet opening 115a and engaged with the first base module transport mechanism 121a. The bill 135a₂ is transported beneath the first and the second output receptacles 190a,b in the direction of arrow B, under or past the first base module 2-way diverter 194a, and to the first outlet opening 131a of the first base module 103. The bill 135a₄ is received through the second base module inlet opening 115b and engaged with the second base module transport mechanism 121b. The bill 135a₄ is transported beneath the fifth output receptacle 190e in the direction of arrow I and then transitioned and/or diverted from the fifth segment 125e of the transport path in a generally vertical manner in the direction of arrow J onto the sixth segment 125f of the transport path via the second base module 2-way diverter 194b. The bill 135a₅ is transported between the fifth and the sixth output receptacles 190e,f and past or through the second base module diverter 195b towards the second outlet opening 131d of the second base module 103. The bill 135a₇ is received through the second pocket module inlet opening 116b and engaged with the second pocket module transport mechanism 122b. The bill 135a₇ is transported in a generally vertical manner in the direction of arrow M toward the second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b. According to some embodiments, the controller 150 instructs and/or causes the second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b to adjust its position such that the bill 135a₇ is directed in the direction of arrow N into the seventh output receptacle 190g as the second pocket module transport mechanism 122b transports the bill 135a₇ along the seventh segment 125g of the transport path.

[0187] According to some embodiments of the example disclosed above, assuming the bill 135a was determined to be a suspect bill rather than a non-suspect, the document processing system 100 determines to transport and deliver the bill 135a to the eight output receptacle 190h, which was designated as the reject receptacle. Thus, instead of the controller 150 instructing and/or causing the second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b to adjust its position such that the bill 135a₇ is directed in the direction of arrow N, the controller instructs and/or causes the second pocket module 3-way diverter 196b to adjust its position such that the bill 135a₇ is directed in the direction of arrow O into the eight output receptacle 190h as the second pocket module transport mechanism 122b transports the bill 135a₇ along the seventh segment 125g of the transport path.

[0188] In a similar fashion, the document processing system 100 can direct the bill 135a into any one of the output receptacles 190a-h by controlling the various transport mechanisms and diverters.

Document Processing System Configurations

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3F, several block diagrams of currency processing systems are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A currency processing system 300a is shown in FIG. 3A. The currency processing system 300a includes a currency processing device 301 and one base module 302a. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101 and the base module 302a is the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103.

[0190] A currency processing system 300b is shown in FIG. 3B. The currency processing system 300b includes a currency processing device 301, one base module 302a, and one pocket module 304a. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101, the base module 302a is the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103, and the pocket module 304a is the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104 and/or the second pocket module 105.

[0191] A currency processing system 300c is shown in FIG. 3C. The currency processing system 300c includes a currency processing device 301 and four base modules 302a-d. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101 and the base modules 302a-d are the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103.

[0192] A currency processing system 300d is shown in FIG. 3D. The currency processing system 300d includes a currency processing device 301, two base modules 302a,b, and two pocket modules 304a,b. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101, the base modules 302a,b are the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103, and the pocket modules 304a,b are the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104 and/or the second pocket module 105.

[0193] A currency processing system 300e is shown in FIG. 3E. The currency processing system 300e includes a currency processing device 301, four base modules 302a-d, and four pocket modules 304a-d. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101, the base modules 302a-d are the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103, and the pocket modules 304a-d are the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104 and/or the second pocket module 105.

[0194] A currency processing system 300f is shown in FIG. 3F. The currency processing system 300f includes a currency processing device 301, four base modules 302a-d, and twelve pocket modules 304a-1. According to some embodiments, the currency processing device 301 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101, the base modules 302a-d are the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103, and the pocket modules 304a-1 are the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104 and/or the second pocket module 105.

Device, Module, and System Dimensions and Pocket Density

[0195] According to some embodiments, the document and/or currency processing systems of the present disclosure (e.g., systems 100, 200, 300a-f, and 400a-f) can include more output receptacles per square foot of faceprint, per square foot of footprint, and/or per cubic foot of volume as compared with prior document processing systems. The output receptacle density is generally referred to herein as a system's pocket density. The pocket density can be defined in a number of ways such as: (1) a number of output receptacles/square foot of faceprint, (2) a number of output receptacles/square foot of footprint, (3) a number of output receptacles/cubic foot of volume, (4) a number of output receptacles enclosed within a specified area or a specified distance (e.g., circular area, arc area, etc.), and (5) a number of output receptacles per lineal foot of transport path length. According to some embodiments, an increased pocket density can reduce the size and cost of the document processing systems of the present disclosure as compared to other document processing systems without such pocket densities. It is contemplated that the pocket density varies with the configuration of the document processing system. For example, the pocket density varies for each of the systems 300a-300f illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3F and for each of the systems 400a-f illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 7A-12H. According to some embodiments, one non-limiting factor/feature that increases the pocket density of the document processing systems of the present disclosure is the back-to-back orientation of output receptacles as shown in the FIGS. and as described herein.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4G, a document processing device 401 is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing device 401 is the same as, or similar to, the document processing device 101 described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The document processing device 401 can optionally include an input receptacle hopper or tray 411 to hold and/or guide documents while being processed. The document processing device 401 has a width, W_D, a depth, D_D, a height without the hopper 411, H_D1, and a height with the hopper 411, H_D2.

[0197] According to some embodiments, the width, W_D, of the document processing device 401 is between about ten inches (25 cm) and about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_D, of the document processing device 401 is about thirteen inches (33 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_D1, of the document processing device 401 without the hopper 411 is between about six inches (15 cm) and about ten inches (26 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_D1, of the document processing device 401 without the hopper 411 with the moveable upper portion 215 in the closed position is about eight inches (20 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_D2, of the document processing device 401 with the hopper 411 is between about ten inches (25 cm) and about fourteen inches (36 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_D2, of the document processing device 401 with the hopper 411 with the moveable upper portion 215 in the closed position is about twelve inches (30½ cm). According to some embodiments, a depth, D_D, of the document processing device 401 is between about twelve inches (30 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth, D_D, of the document processing device 401 is about fifteen and a half inches (39 cm).

[0198] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a width, W_D, less than about sixteen inches (41 cm), a depth, D_D, less than about nineteen inches (49 cm), and a height, H_D1,D2, less than about fourteen inches (36 cm). According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a width, W_D, of about 12.9 inches, a depth, D_D, of about 15.4 inches, and a height without the hopper, H_D1, of about 8.3 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a width, W_D, of about 12.9 inches, a depth, D_D, of about 15.4 inches, and a height with the hopper, H_D2, of about 11.7 inches.

[0199] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing device 401 is between about 0.4 square feet (ft²) and about 1.6 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing device 401 is defined as the width, W_D, multiplied by the height, H_D1,D2, of the document processing device 401 (W_D×H_D1,D2). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing device 401 without the hopper 411 is about 0.7 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing device 401 with the hopper 411 is about 1.1 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing device 401 is less than about 1.6 square feet (ft²).

[0200] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a footprint of less than about two square feet, where the footprint of the document processing device 401 is defined as the width, W_D, multiplied by the depth, D_D, of the document processing device 401 (W_D×D_D). According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a footprint of less than about one and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a footprint of less than one and a quarter square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a footprint of about 1.4 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing device 401 is between about two square feet (ft²) and about one and a quarter square feet (ft²).

[0201] According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a volume of less than about four cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the width, W_D, multiplied by the height, H_D1,D2, multiplied by the depth, D_D, of the document processing device 401 (W_D×H_D1,D2×D_D). According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a volume of less than about two cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a volume of less than about one and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a volume of less than about one and a quarter cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing device 401 has a volume of about 1.4 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing device 401 is between about four cubic feet (ft³) and about one and a quarter cubic feet (ft³).

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5N, a base module 402 is shown according to some embodiments. The base module 402 is the same as, or similar to, the first base module 102 and/or the second base module 103. The base module 402 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5G as including attached covers and in FIGS. 5H-5N without the attached covers for illustrative purposes. The base module 402 has a width including attached covers, W_BC, a width without attached covers, W_B, a depth including attached covers, D_BC, a depth without attached covers, D_B, a height including attached covers, H_BC, and a height without attached covers, H_B. The base module 402 is shown as including three output receptacles where one of the output receptacles can operate as a reject or offsort receptacle as described elsewhere herein. However, according to some embodiments, the base module includes two output receptacles. Such a base module is denoted herein as base module 402′.

[0203] According to some embodiments, the width, W_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_BC, of the base module 402 less than about twenty inches (51 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is less than about twenty inches (51 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_BC, of the base module 402 less than about seventeen inches (43 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is less than about seventeen inches (43 cm).

[0204] According to some embodiments, the height, H_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is between about eleven inches (27 cm) and about seventeen inches (44 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is about fourteen inches (36 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is between about ten inches (25 cm) and about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is about thirteen inches (33 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is less than about eighteen inches (46 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is less than about seventeen inches (43 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is less than about fifteen inches (38 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is less than about fourteen inches (36 cm).

[0205] According to some embodiments, a depth, D_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is between about fourteen inches (35 cm) and about twenty inches (51 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth, D_BC, of the base module 402 including the attached covers is about seventeen inches (43 cm). According to some embodiments, a depth, D_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about eighteen inches (46 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth, D_B, of the base module 402 without the attached covers is about fifteen and a half inches (39 cm).

[0206] According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₁, (FIG. 5I) between two horizontally adjacent output receptacles of the base module 402, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about six inches (15 cm) and about nine inches (23 cm). According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₁, is about seven and a half inches (19 cm). According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₂, between two vertically adjacent output receptacles of the base module 402, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about four inches (10 cm) and about seven inches (18 cm). According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₂, is about five and a half inches (14 cm).

[0207] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the base module 402 is between about 0.9 square feet (ft²) and about 2.25 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the base module 402 is defined as the width, W_BC,B, multiplied by the height, H_BC,B, of the base module 402 (W_BC,B×H_BC,B). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the base module 402 without the attached covers is about 1.4 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the base module 402 including the attached covers is about 1.5 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the base module 402 is less than about 2.3 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the base module 402 (with or without covers) is less than about 2 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the base module 402 (with or without covers) is less than about 1½ square feet (ft²).

[0208] According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a footprint of less than about three square feet, where the footprint of the base module 402 is defined as the width, W_BC,B, multiplied by the depth, D_BC,B, of the base module 402 (W_BC,B×D_BC,B). According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a footprint of less than about two square feet. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a footprint of less than one square feet. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a footprint of about 1.7 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the base module 402 is between about three square feet (ft²) and about one square feet (ft²).

[0209] According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a volume of less than about four cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the width, W_BC,B, multiplied by the height, H_BC,B, multiplied by the depth, D_BC,B, of the base module 402 (W_BC,B×H_BC,B×D_BC,B). According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a volume of less than about three cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a volume of less than about two cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a volume of less than about one cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a volume of about 1.8 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the base module 402 is between about four cubic feet (ft³) and about one cubic feet (ft³).

[0210] According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density between about 1.3 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 3.3 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of about 2.1 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 1.3 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 2 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density between about 1.1 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 2.6 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of about 1.8 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 1.1 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 1.8 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 2 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density between about 0.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 3 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of about 1.7 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 1 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 1½ pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density of at least about 2 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0211] According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a width, W_BC,B, less than about nineteen inches, a depth, D_BC,B, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_BC,B, less than about seventeen inches. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a width, W_BC, of about 15.9 inches, a depth, D_BC, of about 17.1 inches, and a height, H_BC, of about 14.1 inches. According to some embodiments, the base module 402 has a pocket density greater than about 1.3 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 1.1 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0212] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6N, a pocket module 404 is shown according to some embodiments. The pocket module 404 is the same as, or similar to, the first pocket module 104 and/or the second pocket module 105. The pocket module 404 is shown in FIGS. 6A-6G as including attached covers and in FIGS. 6H-6N without the attached covers for illustrative purposes. The pocket module 404 has a width including attached covers, W_PC, a width without attached covers, W_P, a depth including attached covers, D_PC, a depth without attached covers, D_P, a height including attached covers, H_PC, and a height without attached covers, H.

[0213] According to some embodiments, the width, W_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is about sixteen inches (41 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is less than about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is less than about seventeen inches (43 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is less than about nineteen inches (49 cm). According to some embodiments, the width, W_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is less than about seventeen inches (43 cm).

[0214] According to some embodiments, the height, H_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is between about seven inches (17 cm) and about ten inches (26 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is about eight and a half inches (22 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is between about five inches (12 cm) and about seven inches (18 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is about six inches (15 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is less than about ten inches (26 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is less than about nine inches (23 cm). According to some embodiments, the height, H_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is less than about seven inches (18 cm).

[0215] According to some embodiments, a depth, D_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is between about fourteen inches (35 cm) and about twenty inches (51 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth, D_PC, of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is about seventeen inches (43 cm). According to some embodiments, a depth, D_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is between about thirteen inches (33 cm) and about eighteen inches (46 cm). According to some embodiments, the depth, D_P, of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is about fifteen and a half inches (39 cm).

[0216] According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₃, between two horizontally adjacent output receptacles of the pocket module 404, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about six inches (15 cm) and about nine inches (23 cm). According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₃, is about seven and a half inches (19 cm). According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₃, is substantially the same as the distance or length, L₁.

[0217] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the pocket module 404 is between about 0.4 square feet (ft²) and about 1.4 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the pocket module 404 is defined as the width, W_PC,P, multiplied by the height, H_PC,P, of the pocket module 404 (W_PC,P×H_PC,P). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the pocket module 404 without the attached covers is about 0.6 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is about 0.9 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the pocket module 404 including the attached covers is less than about 1.4 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the pocket module 404 without the covers is less than about 1.4 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the pocket module 404 without the covers is less than about 1 square feet (ft²).

[0218] According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a footprint of less than about three square feet, where the footprint of the pocket module 404 is defined as the width, W_PC,P, multiplied by the depth, D_PC,P, of the pocket module 404 (W_PC,P×D_PC,P). According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a footprint of less than about two square feet. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a footprint of less than one square foot. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a footprint of about 1.7 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the pocket module 404 is between about three square feet (ft²) and about one square feet (ft²).

[0219] According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a volume of less than about two and a half cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the width, W_PC,P, multiplied by the height, H_PC,P, multiplied by the depth, D_PC,P, of the pocket module 404 (W_PC,P×H_PC,P×D_PC,P). According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a volume of less than about one and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a volume of less than about one half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a volume of about 0.8 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the pocket module 404 is between about two and a half cubic feet (ft³) and about one cubic feet (ft³).

[0220] According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density between about 1.5 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 4.5 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density of about 3.3 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density between about 0.7 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 1.7 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density of about 1.2 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density between about 0.9 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 4.1 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density of about 2.6 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0221] According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a width, W_PC,P, less than about nineteen inches, a depth, D_PC,P, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_PC,P, less than about ten inches. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a width, W_PC, of about 15.9 inches, a depth, D_PC, of about 17.1 inches, and a height, H_PC, of about 8.5 inches. According to some embodiments, the pocket module 404 has a pocket density greater than about 1.5 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 0.7 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.9 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7G, a document processing system 400a is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400a includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410a. The output portion 410a of the document processing system 400a, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7G, includes the base module 402 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N. That is, the document processing system 400a includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410a, where the output portion 410a includes one or more modules (e.g., a base module). The document processing system 400a includes three output receptacles or three pockets. The document processing system 400a has a system width, W_S1, a system depth, D_S1, and a system height, H_S1. The output portion 410a has a width, W_OP1, a depth, D_OP1, and a height, H_OP1, where the width, W_OP1, is the same as the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP1, is the same as the system depth, D_S1, and the height, H_OP1, is the same as the system height, H_S1.

[0223] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S1, of the document processing system 400a is between about twenty-five inches and about thirty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S1, of the document processing system 400a is about twenty-nine inches.

[0224] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S1, of the document processing system 400a is between about eleven inches and about seventeen inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S1, of the document processing system 400a is about fourteen inches.

[0225] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S1, of the document processing system 400a is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S1, of the document processing system 400a is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0226] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400a is between about 1.9 square feet (ft²) and about 3.9 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400a is defined as the system width, W_S1, multiplied by the system height, H_S1, of the document processing system 400a (W_S1×H_S1). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400a is about 2.8 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400a is less than about 4.0 square feet (ft²).

[0227] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a footprint of less than about five square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400a is defined as the system width, W_S1, multiplied by the system depth, D_S1, of the document processing system 400a (W_S1×D_S1). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a footprint of less than about four square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a footprint of less than two and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a footprint of about 3.5 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400a is between about five square feet (ft²) and about two and a half square feet (ft²).

[0228] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a volume of less than about six and a half cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S1, multiplied by the system height, H_S1, multiplied by the system depth, D_S1, of the document processing system 400a (W_S1×H_S1×D_S1). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a volume of less than about five cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a volume of less than about three and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a volume of less than about two and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a volume of about 4.1 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400a is between about six and a half cubic feet (ft³) and about two and a half cubic feet (ft³).

[0229] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density between about 0.8 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 1.6 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density of about 1.1 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density between about 0.6 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 1.2 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density of about 0.9 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density between about 0.4 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 1.3 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density of about 0.7 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0230] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a width, W_S1, less than about thirty-three inches, a depth, D_S1, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S1, less than about seventeen inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a width, W_S1, of about 28.8 inches, a depth, D_S1, of about 17.6 inches, and a height, H_S1, of about 14.1 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400a has a pocket density greater than about 0.7 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 0.6 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.4 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0231] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8G, a document processing system 400b is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400b includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410b. The output portion 410b of the document processing system 400b, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8G, includes the base module 402 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N and the pocket module 404 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6N. That is, the document processing system 400b includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410b, where the output portion 410b includes one or more modules (e.g., a base module and a pocket module). The document processing system 400b includes five output receptacles or five pockets. The document processing system 400b has a system width, W_S2, a system depth, D_S2, and a system height, H_S2. The output portion 410b has a width, W_OP2, a depth, D_OP2, and a height, H_OP2, where the width, W_OP2, is the same as the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP2, is the same as the system depth, D_S2, and the height, H_OP2, is the same as the system height, H_S2.

[0232] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S2, of the document processing system 400b is between about twenty-five inches and about thirty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S2, of the document processing system 400b is about twenty-nine inches.

[0233] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S2, of the document processing system 400b is between about seventeen inches and about twenty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S2, of the document processing system 400b is about twenty inches.

[0234] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S2, of the document processing system 400b is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S2, of the document processing system 400b is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0235] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400b is between about 3.0 square feet (ft²) and about 5.3 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400b is defined as the system width, W_S2, multiplied by the system height, H_S2, of the document processing system 400b (W_S2×H_S2). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400b is about 4.0 square inches (in²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400b is less than about 5.3 square feet (ft²).

[0236] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a footprint of less than about five square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400b is defined as the system width, W_S2, multiplied by the system depth, D_S2, of the document processing system 400b (W_S2×D_S2). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a footprint of less than about four square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a footprint of less than two and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a footprint of about 3.5 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400b is between about five square feet (ft²) and about two and a half square feet (ft²).

[0237] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a volume of less than about nine cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S2, multiplied by the system height, H_S2, multiplied by the system depth, D_S2, of the document processing system 400b (W_S2×H_S2×D_S2). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a volume of less than about seven cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a volume of less than about five cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a volume of less than about three and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a volume of about 5.9 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400b is between about nine cubic feet (ft³) and about three and a half cubic feet (ft³).

[0238] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density between about 0.9 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 1.7 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density of about 1.2 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density between about 1.0 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 1.9 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density of about 1.4 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density between about 0.5 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 1.4 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density of about 0.9 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0239] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a width, W_S2, less than about thirty-three inches, a depth, D_S2, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S2, less than about twenty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a width, W_S2, of about 28.8 inches, a depth, D_S2, of about 17.6 inches, and a height, H_S2, of about 19.6 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400b has a pocket density greater than about 0.9 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 1.0 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.5 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0240] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9G, a document processing system 400c is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400c includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410c. The output portion 410c of the document processing system 400c, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9G, includes the base module 402 (three pockets) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N and three base modules 402′ (two pockets each) described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N. That is, the document processing system 400c includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410c, where the output portion 410c includes one or more modules (e.g., four base modules). The document processing system 400c includes nine output receptacles or nine pockets. The document processing system 400c has a system width, W_S3, a system depth, D_S3, and a system height, H_S3. The output portion 410c has a width, W_OP3, a depth, D_OP3, and a height, H_OP3, where the width, W_OP3, is the same as, or substantially equal to, four times the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP3, is the same as the system depth, D_S3, and the height, H_OP3, is the same as the system height, H_S3.

[0241] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S3, of the document processing system 400c is between about seventy inches and about eighty-two inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S3, of the document processing system 400c is about seventy-six inches.

[0242] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S3, of the document processing system 400c is between about eleven inches and about seventeen inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S3, of the document processing system 400c is about fourteen inches.

[0243] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S3, of the document processing system 400c is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S3, of the document processing system 400c is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0244] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400c is between about 5.3 square feet (ft²) and about 9.7 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400c is defined as the system width, W_S3, multiplied by the system height, H_S3, of the document processing system 400c (W_S3×H_S3). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400c is about 7.4 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400c is less than about 9.7 square feet (ft²).

[0245] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a footprint of less than about eleven and a half square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400c is defined as the system width, W_S3, multiplied by the system depth, D_S3, of the document processing system 400c (W_S3×D_S3). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a footprint of less than about ten square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a footprint of less than seven and a quarter square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a footprint of about 9.2 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400c is between about eleven and a half square feet (ft²) and about seven and a quarter square feet (ft²).

[0246] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a volume of less than about sixteen and a half cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S3, multiplied by the system height, H_S3, multiplied by the system depth, D_S3, of the document processing system 400c (W_S3×H_S3×D_S3). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a volume of less than about twelve cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a volume of less than about eight cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a volume of less than about six and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a volume of about 10.8 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400c is between about sixteen and a half cubic feet (ft³) and about six and a half cubic feet (ft³).

[0247] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density between about 0.9 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 1.7 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density of about 1.2 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density between about 0.8 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 1.3 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density of about 1.0 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density between about 0.5 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 1.4 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density of about 0.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0248] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a width, W_S3, less than about eighty-two inches, a depth, D_S3, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S3, less than about seventeen inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a width, W_S3, of about 76.1 inches, a depth, D_S3, of about 17.6 inches, and a height, H_S3, of about 14.1 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400c has a pocket density greater than about 0.9 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 0.7 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.5 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0249] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10G, a document processing system 400d is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400d includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410d. The output portion 410d of the document processing system 400d, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10G, includes the base module 402 (three pockets) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, one base module 402′ (two pockets each) described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, and two pocket modules 404 (two pockets each) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6N. That is, the document processing system 400d includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410d, where the output portion 410d includes one or more modules (e.g., two base modules and two pocket modules). The document processing system 400d includes nine output receptacles or nine pockets. The document processing system 400d has a system width, W_S4, a system depth, D_S4, and a system height, H_S4. The output portion 410d has a width, W_OP4, a depth, D_OP4, and a height, H_OP4, where the width, W_OP4, is the same as, or substantially equal to, two times the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP4, is the same as the system depth, D_S4, and the height, H_OP4, is the same as the system height, H_S4.

[0250] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S4, of the document processing system 400d is between about forty inches and about fifty inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S4, of the document processing system 400d is about forty-five inches.

[0251] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S4, of the document processing system 400d is between about seventeen inches and about twenty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S4, of the document processing system 400d is about twenty inches.

[0252] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S4, of the document processing system 400d is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S4, of the document processing system 400d is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0253] According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₄, between two vertically adjacent output receptacles of the base module 402/402′ and the pocket module 404, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about four inches and about seven inches. According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₄, is about five and a half inches. According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₄, is substantially the same as the distance or length, L₂. According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₅, between two horizontally adjacent output receptacles of two separate pocket modules 404, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about seven inches and about nine inches. According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₅, is about eight and a quarter inches.

[0254] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400d is between about 4.7 square feet (ft²) and about 8.0 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400d is defined as the system width, W_S4, multiplied by the system height, H_S4, of the document processing system 400d (W_S4×H_S4). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400d is about 6.3 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400d is less than about 8.0 square feet (ft²).

[0255] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a footprint of less than about seven square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400d is defined as the system width, W_S4, multiplied by the system depth, D_S4, of the document processing system 400d (W_S4×D_S4). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a footprint of less than about five and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a footprint of less than four square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a footprint of about 5.5 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400d is between about seven square feet (ft²) and about four square feet (ft²).

[0256] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a volume of less than about thirteen and a half cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S4, multiplied by the system height, H_S4, multiplied by the system depth, D_S4, of the document processing system 400d (W_S4×H_S4×D_S4). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a volume of less than about ten cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a volume of less than about eight cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a volume of less than about six cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a volume of about 9.1 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400d is between about thirteen and a half cubic feet (ft³) and about six cubic feet (ft³).

[0257] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density between about 1.1 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 1.9 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density of about 1.4 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density between about 1.3 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 2.2 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density of about 1.6 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density between about 0.7 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 1.5 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density of about 1.0 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0258] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a width, W_S4, less than about fifty inches, a depth, D_S4, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S4, less than about twenty-three inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a width, W_S4, of about 44.6 inches, a depth, D_S4, of about 17.7 inches, and a height, H_S4, of about 19.6 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400d has a pocket density greater than about 1.1 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 1.3 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.6 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0259] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11G, a document processing system 400e is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400e includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410e. The output portion 410e of the document processing system 400e, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11G, includes the base module 402 (three pockets) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, one base module 402′ (two pockets each) described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, and six pocket modules 404 (two pockets each) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6N. That is, the document processing system 400e includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410e, where the output portion 410e includes one or more modules (e.g., two base modules and six pocket modules). The document processing system 400e includes seventeen output receptacles or seventeen pockets. The document processing system 400e has a system width, W_S5, a system depth, D_S5, and a system height, H_S5. The output portion 410e has a width, W_OP5, a depth, D_OP5, and a height, H_OP5, where the width, W_OP5, is the same as, or substantially equal to, two times the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP5, is the same as the system depth, D_S5, and the height, H_OP5, is the same as the system height, H_S5.

[0260] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S5, of the document processing system 400e is between about forty inches and about fifty inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S5, of the document processing system 400e is about forty-five inches.

[0261] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S5, of the document processing system 400e is between about twenty-eight inches and about thirty-four inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S5, of the document processing system 400e is about thirty-one inches.

[0262] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S5, of the document processing system 400e is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S5, of the document processing system 400e is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0263] According to some embodiments, a distance or length, L₆, between two vertically adjacent output receptacles of two separate pocket modules 404, such as measured between the stacker wheel shafts, is between about four inches and about seven inches. According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₆, is about five and a half inches. According to some embodiments, the distance or length, L₆, is substantially the same as the distance or length, L₄, and as the distance or length, L₃.

[0264] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400e is between about 7.7 square feet (ft²) and about 11.8 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400e is defined as the system width, W_S5, multiplied by the system height, H_S5, of the document processing system 400e (W_S5×H_S5). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400e is about 9.7 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400e is less than about 11.8 square feet (ft²).

[0265] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a footprint of less than about seven square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400e is defined as the system width, W_S5, multiplied by the system depth, D_S5, of the document processing system 400e (W_S5×D_S5). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a footprint of less than about five and a half square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a footprint of less than four square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a footprint of about 5.5 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400e is between about seven square feet (ft²) and about four square feet (ft²).

[0266] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a volume of less than about twenty cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S5, multiplied by the system height, H_S5, multiplied by the system depth, D_S5, of the document processing system 400e (W_S5×H_S5×D_S5). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a volume of less than about sixteen cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a volume of less than about thirteen cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a volume of less than about nine and a half cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a volume of about 14.1 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400e is between about twenty cubic feet (ft³) and about nine and a half cubic feet (ft³).

[0267] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density between about 1.4 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 2.2 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density of about 1.8 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density between about 2.4 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 4.1 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density of about 3.1 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density between about 0.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 1.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density of about 1.2 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0268] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a width, W_S5, less than about fifty inches, a depth, D_S5, less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S5, less than about thirty-four inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a width, W_S5, of about 44.6 inches, a depth, D_S5, of about 17.5 inches, and a height, H_S5, of about 30.6 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400e has a pocket density greater than about 1.4 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 2.4 pockets/square foot of footprint, and greater than about 0.8 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 12A, a document processing system 400f is shown according to some embodiments. The document processing system 400f includes the document processing device 401 illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4G and an output portion 410f. The output portion 410f of the document processing system 400f, as shown in FIG. 12A, includes the base module 402 (three pockets) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, three base modules 402′ (two pockets each) described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5N, and twelve pocket modules 404 (two pockets each) illustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6N. That is, the document processing system 400f includes a document processing device 401 coupled to the output portion 410f, where the output portion 410f includes one or more modules (e.g., four base modules and twelve pocket modules). The document processing system 400f includes thirty-three output receptacles or thirty-three pockets OR₁₁-OR₈₄. Note, in the nomenclature of FIGS. 12A-12H output receptacles OR₁₁, OR₂₁, OR₁₂, etc. correspond to output receptacles 190a, 190b, 190c, etc. of prior figures. The document processing system 400f has a system width, W_S6, a system depth, D_S6 (not shown but the same as system width D_S5 shown in FIGS. 11A-11G), and a system height, H_S6. The output portion 410f has a width, W_OP6, a depth, D_OP6 (not shown but the same as the depth D_OP5 shown in FIGS. 11A-11G), and a height, H_OP6, where the width, W_OP6, is the same as, or substantially equal to, four times the width, W_BC, or the width, W_B, of the base portion 402 described above, the depth, D_OP6, is the same as the system depth, D_S6, and the height, H_OP6, is the same as the system height, H_S6.

[0270] According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S6, of the document processing system 400f is between about seventy inches and about eighty-two inches. According to some embodiments, the system width, W_S6, of the document processing system 400f is about seventy-six inches.

[0271] According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S6, of the document processing system 400f is between about twenty-eight inches and about thirty-four inches. According to some embodiments, the system height, H_S6, of the document processing system 400f is about thirty-one inches.

[0272] According to some embodiments, a system depth, D_S6 (not shown), of the document processing system 400f is between about fifteen inches and about twenty inches. According to some embodiments, the system depth, D_S6 (not shown), of the document processing system 400f is about seventeen and a half inches.

[0273] According to some embodiments, a faceprint of the document processing system 400f is between about 13.6 square feet (ft²) and about 19.4 square feet (ft²), where the faceprint of the document processing system 400f is defined as the system width, W_S6, multiplied by the system height, H_S6, of the document processing system 400f (W_S6×H_S6). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400f is about 16.4 square feet (ft²). According to some embodiments, the faceprint of the document processing system 400f is less than about 19.4 square feet (ft²).

[0274] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a footprint of less than about eleven and a half square feet, where the footprint of the document processing system 400f is defined as the system width, W_S6, multiplied by the system depth, D_S6 (not shown), of the document processing system 400f (W_S6×D_S6). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a footprint of less than about nine and a quarter square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a footprint of less than seven square feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a footprint of about 9.25 square feet. According to some embodiments, a footprint of the document processing system 400f is between about eleven and a half square feet (ft²) and about seven square feet (ft²).

[0275] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a volume of less than about thirty-three cubic feet, where the volume is defined as the system width, W_S6, multiplied by the system height, H_S6, multiplied by the system depth, D_S6 (not shown), of the document processing system 400f (W_S6×H_S6×D_S6). According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a volume of less than about twenty-seven cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a volume of less than about twenty-two cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a volume of less than about seventeen cubic feet. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a volume of about 23.9 cubic feet. According to some embodiments, a volume of the document processing system 400f is between about thirty-three cubic feet (ft³) and about seventeen cubic feet (ft³).

[0276] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density between about 1.7 pockets/square foot of faceprint and about 2.4 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density of about 2.0 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density of at least about 2.0 pockets/square foot of faceprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density between about 2.9 pockets/square foot of footprint and about 4.5 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density of about 3.6 pockets/square foot of footprint. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density between about 1.0 pockets/cubic foot of volume and about 2.0 pockets/cubic foot of volume. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density of about 1.4 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0277] According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a width, W_S6, less than about eighty-two inches, a depth, D_S6 (not shown), less than about twenty inches, and a height, H_S6, less than about thirty-four inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a width, W_S6, of about 76.1 inches, a depth, D_S6, of about 17.5 inches, and a height, H_S6, of about 30.6 inches. According to some embodiments, the document processing system 400f has a pocket density greater than about 1.7 pockets/square foot of faceprint, greater than about 2.9 pockets/square foot of footprint, and/or greater than about 1.0 pockets/cubic foot of volume.

[0278] According to some embodiments, as described above, the pocket density can be defined as a number of output receptacles enclosed within a specified area. The specified area can be any portion of the faceprint area and/or portion of the footprint area of a document processing system and/or an output portion of a document processing system. The specified area can be defined by, for example, an arc or circle through one or more points on the document processing system. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12B-12G, the specified area can be the area defined by an arc and/or a circle having a radius, r, and having its center at a point, C, on or off the document processing system. The center of the circle, C, can, for example, be positioned at or near a central location of the document processing system or output portion, such as, for example, at the geometric center of the document processing system (including or excluding a document processing device), at or near an outer portion of the document processing system, such as, for example, at the exit point of the input receptacle of the document processing device 401, I, or at the exit point of the first pair of rollers, S, downstream from the last denomination or authentication sensor in the document processing device 401. Exemplary arcs and circles are shown in FIGS. 12B-12G for illustrative purposes and for defining various pocket densities in connection with document processing system 400f and/or the output portion 410f. Similar arcs and circles can be used to define corresponding pocket densities for any of the other document processing systems (e.g., document processing systems 400a-e) described in this disclosure.

[0279] According to some embodiments, for purposes of defining pocket density, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if a portion of the output receptacle is included with the arc or circle defining the specified area. For example, according to some embodiments, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if at least a portion of the stacker plate is enclosed within the specified area. For another example, according to some embodiments, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if at least a portion of the stacker wheel is enclosed within the specified area. For yet another example, according to some embodiments, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if at least a portion of the entry rollers is enclosed within the specified area. For another example, according to some embodiments, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if the stacker plate, the stacker wheel, and the entry rollers is enclosed within the specified area. For another example, according to some embodiments, an output receptacle is considered to be enclosed within the specified area if a portion of the stacker plate, and a portion of the stacker wheel, and a portion of the entry rollers are enclosed within the specified area.

[0280] As shown in FIG. 12B, P₁₁-P₈₄ are points on respective stacker plates that correspond to the location that is adjacent to the position at which the center of a U.S. bill deposited in an output receptacle generally rests in the respective output receptacle (hereinafter, points P₁₁-P₈₄ are generally referred to as central plate locations). For example, point P₁₁ is a central plate location on a stacker plate ORP₁₁ that corresponds to the location that is adjacent to the position at which the center of a U.S. bill deposited in a first output receptacle OR₁₁ generally rests in the first output receptacle OR₁₁. For another example, point P₈₄ is a central plate location on a stacker plate ORP₈₄ that corresponds to the location that is adjacent to the position at which the center of a U.S. bill deposited in the thirty-third output receptacle OR₈₄ generally rests in the thirty-third output receptacle OR₈₄.

[0281] According to some embodiments, the distance between horizontally adjacent stacker plate locations P_XX is between about 1½ inches and about 14½ inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker plate locations P₂₁ and P₃₁ is about 1½ inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker plate locations P₁₁ and P₂₁ is about 14½ inches. According to some embodiments, the distance between vertically adjacent stacker plate locations P_XX is between about 5.0 inches and about 10.0 inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker plate locations P₁₁ and P₁₂ is about 5.5 inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker plate locations P₁₂ and P₁₃ is about 5.5 inches.

[0282] As shown in FIG. 12B, point I—which is the exit point of the input receptacle located at or near, for example, a pinch point between rollers at an enter point of the transport mechanism of the document processing device 401—is the geometric center of concentric arcs, where each arc passes through and thus encloses within the arc at least one central plate location P_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, point I is the geometric center of four concentric arcs IP₁₁, IP₂₂, IP₄₃, and IP₈₄ where the first arc IP₁₁ passes through and thus encloses within the first arc IP₁₁ one central plate location P₁₁. Similarly, the second arc IP₂₂ passes through and thus encloses within the second arc IP₂₂ seven central plate locations P₁₁, P₁₂, P₁₃, P₁₄, P₂₁, P₂₂, and P₃₁; the third arc IP₃ passes through and thus encloses within the third arc IP₄₃ seventeen central plate locations P₁₁, P₁₂, P₁₃, P₁₄, P₂₁, P₂₂, P₂₃, P₂₄, P₃₁, P₃₂, P₃₃, P₃₄, P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₅₁, and P₅₂; the fourth arc IP₈₄ passes through and thus encloses within the fourth arc IP₈₄ thirty-three central plate locations P₁₁-P₈₄. These arcs IP illustrate the number of pockets within a certain radial distance of an exit point of the input receptacle.

[0283] While not shown as arcs in FIG. 12B, point I may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs that pass through each of the points P₁₁-P₈₄. Similarly, Point S—which is located at or near a pinch point of a first pair of rollers downstream from a last denomination and/or authentication sensor in the document processing device 401—may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs (not shown) that pass through points P₁₁-P₈₄. According to some embodiments, any of the points P₁₁-P₈₄ can be used as a center of an arc for purposes of describing pocket densities, such as, for example, point P₁₁. Arcs from point S demonstrate the number of pockets within a certain radial distance of a pinch point of a first pair of rollers downstream from a last denomination and/or authentication sensor. Arcs from a given point in an output receptacle such as point P₁₁ demonstrate the number of pockets within a certain radial distance of that point.

[0284] The following table (“Table 1”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point I and each of the points P₁₁-P₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point I (as determined by pockets having their central plate location P_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point I.

[0285]

TABLE 1
From I to Pxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Pxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Pxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
P11	10.7	0.9	1	1.1	4.2	0.2	0.4	2.4
P12	13.3	1.1	2	1.8	5.2	0.4	0.5	3.8
P13	17.7	1.5	3	2.0	7.0	0.4	0.7	4.3
P14	22.5	1.9	4	2.1	8.8	0.5	0.9	4.5
P21	25.2	2.1	5	2.4	9.9	0.5	1.0	5.0
P31	26.1	2.2	6	2.8	10.3	0.6	1.0	5.8
P22	26.3	2.2	7	3.2	10.4	0.7	1.0	6.8
P32	27.4	2.3	8	3.5	10.8	0.7	1.1	7.4
P23	28.9	2.4	9	3.7	11.4	0.8	1.1	7.9
P33	29.7	2.5	10	4.0	11.7	0.9	1.2	8.6
P24	32.0	2.7	11	4.1	12.6	0.9	1.3	8.7
P34	32.7	2.7	12	4.4	12.9	0.9	1.3	9.3
P41	40.8	3.4	13	3.8	16.1	0.8	1.6	8.1
P42	41.7	3.5	15	4.3	16.4	0.9	1.6	9.1
P51	41.7	3.5	15	4.3	16.4	0.9	1.6	9.1
P52	42.6	3.5	16	4.5	16.8	1.0	1.7	9.5
P43	43.2	3.6	17	4.7	17.0	1.0	1.7	10.0
P53	44.1	3.7	18	4.9	17.4	1.0	1.7	10.4
P44	45.4	3.8	19	5.0	17.9	1.1	1.8	10.6
P54	46.2	3.8	20	5.2	18.2	1.1	1.8	11.0
P61	56.5	4.7	21	4.5	22.3	0.9	2.2	9.4
P62	57.2	4.8	22	4.6	22.5	1.0	2.3	9.8
P71	57.5	4.8	23	4.8	22.6	1.0	2.3	10.2
P72	58.1	4.8	24	5.0	22.9	1.1	2.3	10.5
P63	58.3	4.9	25	5.1	22.9	1.1	2.3	10.9
P73	59.2	4.9	26	5.3	23.3	1.1	2.3	11.2
P64	59.9	5.0	27	5.4	23.6	1.1	2.4	11.4
P74	60.8	5.1	28	5.5	23.9	1.2	2.4	11.7
P81	72.3	6.0	30	5.0	28.5	1.1	2.8	10.5
P80	72.3	6.0	30	5.0	28.5	1.1	2.8	10.5
P82	72.7	6.1	31	5.1	28.6	1.1	2.9	10.8
P83	73.6	6.1	32	5.2	29.0	1.1	2.9	11.0
P84	74.9	6.2	33	5.3	29.5	1.1	2.9	11.2

[0286] The following table (“Table 2”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point S and each of the points P₁₁-P₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point S (as determined by pockets having their central plate location P_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point S.

[0287]

TABLE 2
From S to Pxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Pxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Pxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
P11	4.4	0.4	1	2.7	1.7	0.6	0.2	5.8
P12	9.6	0.8	2	2.5	3.8	0.5	0.4	5.3
P13	15.0	1.2	3	2.4	5.9	0.5	0.6	5.1
P21	17.4	1.5	4	2.8	6.9	0.6	0.7	5.8
P31	18.3	1.5	5	3.3	7.2	0.7	0.7	6.9
P22	19.4	1.6	6	3.7	7.6	0.8	0.8	7.9
P32	20.2	1.7	7	4.2	7.9	0.9	0.8	8.8
P14	20.4	1.7	8	4.7	8.0	1.0	0.8	10.0
P23	22.5	1.9	9	4.8	8.9	1.0	0.9	10.1
P33	23.2	1.9	10	5.2	9.1	1.1	0.9	10.9
P24	26.5	2.2	11	5.0	10.4	1.1	1.0	10.6
P34	27.1	2.3	12	5.3	10.7	1.1	1.1	11.3
P41	33.0	2.7	13	4.7	13.0	1.0	1.3	10.0
P51	33.9	2.8	14	5.0	13.3	1.1	1.3	10.5
P42	34.0	2.8	15	5.3	13.4	1.1	1.3	11.2
P52	34.9	2.9	16	5.5	13.7	1.2	1.4	11.6
P43	35.9	3.0	17	5.7	14.1	1.2	1.4	12.0
P53	36.8	3.1	18	5.9	14.5	1.2	1.4	12.4
P44	38.5	3.2	19	5.9	15.2	1.3	1.5	12.5
P54	39.3	3.3	20	6.1	15.5	1.3	1.5	12.9
P61	48.6	4.1	21	5.2	19.1	1.1	1.9	11.0
P62	49.4	4.1	22	5.3	19.4	1.1	1.9	11.3
P71	49.5	4.1	23	5.6	19.5	1.2	2.0	11.8
P72	50.3	4.2	24	5.7	19.8	1.2	2.0	12.1
P63	50.7	4.2	25	5.9	20.0	1.3	2.0	12.5
P73	51.6	4.3	26	6.1	20.3	1.3	2.0	12.8
P64	52.6	4.4	27	6.2	20.7	1.3	2.1	13.0
P74	53.4	4.4	28	6.3	21.0	1.3	2.1	13.3
P81	64.3	5.4	29	5.4	25.3	1.1	2.5	11.4
P80	64.4	5.4	30	5.6	25.3	1.2	2.5	11.8
P82	64.9	5.4	31	5.7	25.5	1.2	2.6	12.1
P83	65.9	5.5	32	5.8	25.9	1.2	2.6	12.3
P84	67.4	5.6	33	5.9	26.5	1.2	2.7	12.4

[0288] The following table (“Table 3”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point P₁₁ and each of the points P₁₁-P₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point P₁₁ (as determined by pockets having their central plate location P_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point P₁₁.

[0289]

TABLE 3
From P11 to Pxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Pxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Pxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
P11	0.0	0.0	1	—	0.0	—	0.0	—
P12	5.5	0.5	2	4.4	2.2	0.9	0.2	9.2
P13	11.0	0.9	3	3.3	4.3	0.7	0.4	6.9
P21	14.2	1.2	4	3.4	5.6	0.7	0.6	7.2
P22	15.2	1.3	5	3.9	6.0	0.8	0.6	8.3
P31	15.8	1.3	6	4.6	6.2	1.0	0.6	9.7
P14	16.5	1.4	7	5.1	6.5	1.1	0.6	10.8
P32	16.7	1.4	8	5.8	6.6	1.2	0.7	12.2
P23	18.0	1.5	9	6.0	7.1	1.3	0.7	12.7
P33	19.2	1.6	10	6.2	7.6	1.3	0.8	13.2
P24	21.8	1.8	11	6.1	8.6	1.3	0.9	12.8
P34	22.8	1.9	12	6.3	9.0	1.3	0.9	13.4
P41	29.9	2.5	13	5.2	11.8	1.1	1.2	11.0
P42	30.4	2.5	14	5.5	12.0	1.2	1.2	11.7
P51	31.5	2.6	15	5.7	12.4	1.2	1.2	12.1
P43	31.9	2.7	16	6.0	12.6	1.3	1.3	12.7
P52	32.0	2.7	17	6.4	12.6	1.4	1.3	13.5
P53	33.4	2.8	18	6.5	13.1	1.4	1.3	13.7
P44	34.2	2.8	19	6.7	13.5	1.4	1.3	14.1
P54	35.6	3.0	20	6.7	14.0	1.4	1.4	14.3
P61	45.7	3.8	21	5.5	18.0	1.2	1.8	11.7
P62	46.0	3.8	22	5.7	18.1	1.2	1.8	12.1
P63	47.0	3.9	23	5.9	18.5	1.2	1.9	12.4
P71	47.3	3.9	24	6.1	18.6	1.3	1.9	12.9
P72	47.6	4.0	25	6.3	18.7	1.3	1.9	13.3
P73	48.5	4.0	26	6.4	19.1	1.4	1.9	13.6
P64	48.6	4.0	27	6.7	19.1	1.4	1.9	14.1
P74	50.0	4.2	28	6.7	19.7	1.4	2.0	14.2
P81	61.4	5.1	29	5.7	24.2	1.2	2.4	12.0
P82	61.7	5.1	30	5.8	24.3	1.2	2.4	12.4
P80	61.9	5.2	31	6.0	24.4	1.3	2.4	12.7
P83	62.4	5.2	32	6.2	24.6	1.3	2.5	13.0
P84	63.6	5.3	33	6.2	25.0	1.3	2.5	13.2

[0290] The first arc IP₁₁ defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 10.7 inches with one central plate location contained therein. Thus, the arc IP₁₁ has a pocket density of about 1.1 central plate locations/per lineal foot from point I. The second arc IP₂₂ defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 26.3 inches with seven central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IP₂₂ has a pocket density of about 3.2 central plate locations/per lineal foot from point I. The third arc IP₄₃ defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 43.2 inches with seventeen central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IP₄₃ has a pocket density of about 4.7 central plate locations/per lineal foot from point I. The fourth arc IP₈₄ defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 74.9 inches with thirty-three central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IP₈₄ has a pocket density of about 5.3 central plate locations/per lineal foot from point I. Similar calculations can be made for determining the pocket densities (central plate locations/per lineal foot from point I, point S, or any of the points P₁₁-P₈₄) associated with any of the other distances in Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 12C, points W₁₁-W₈₄ are the center points or axes of respective shafts upon which respective stacker wheels, associated with respective output receptacles, rotate (hereinafter, points W₁₁-W₈₄ are generally referred to as stacker wheel axes). For example, point W₁₁ is a stacker wheel axis of the shaft upon which the stacker wheel 197₁₁, associated with the first output receptacle OR₁₁, rotates. For another example, point W₈₄ is a stacker wheel axis of the shaft upon which the stacker wheel 197₈₄, associated with the thirty-third output receptacle OR₈₄, rotates.

[0292] As shown in FIG. 12C, point I is the geometric center of concentric arcs, where each arc passes through and thus encloses within the arc at least one stacker wheel axis W_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12C, point I is the geometric center of four concentric arcs IW₁₁, IW₂₂, IW₄₃, and IW₈₄ where the first arc IW₁₁ passes through and thus encloses within the first arc IW₁₁ one stacker wheel axis W₁₁. Similarly, the second arc IW₂₂ passes through and thus encloses within the second arc IW_2s six stacker wheel axes W₁₁, W₁₂, W₁₃, W₁₄, W₂₁, and W₂₂; the third arc IW₄₃ passes through and thus encloses within the third arc IW₄₃ fifteen stacker wheel axes W₁₁, W₁₂, W₁₃, W₁₄, W₂₁, W₂₂, W₂₃, W₂₄, W₃₁, W₃₂, W₃₃, W₃₄, W₄₁, W₄₂, and W₄₃; the fourth arc IW₈₄ passes through and thus encloses within the fourth arc IW₈₄ thirty-three stacker wheel axes W₁₁-W₈₄.

[0293] While not shown as arcs in FIG. 12C, point I may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs that pass through each of the points W₁₁-W₈₄. Similarly, Point S may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs (not shown) that pass through points W₁₁-W₈₄. According to some embodiments, any of the points W₁₁-W₈₄ can be used as a center of an arc for purposes of describing pocket densities, such as, for example, point W₁₁.

[0294] The following table (“Table 4”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point I and each of the points W₁₁-W₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point I (as determined by pockets having their stacker wheel axes W_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point I.

[0295]

TABLE 4
From I to Wxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Wxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Wxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
W11	14.4	1.2	1	0.8	5.7	0.2	0.6	1.8
W12	16.9	1.4	2	1.4	6.6	0.3	0.7	3.0
W13	20.6	1.7	3	1.8	8.1	0.4	0.8	3.7
W21	21.7	1.8	4	2.2	8.5	0.5	0.9	4.7
W22	23.4	1.9	5	2.6	9.2	0.5	0.9	5.4
W14	24.9	2.1	6	2.9	9.8	0.6	1.0	6.1
W23	26.2	2.2	7	3.2	10.3	0.7	1.0	6.8
W24	29.7	2.5	8	3.2	11.7	0.7	1.2	6.8
W31	29.8	2.5	9	3.6	11.7	0.8	1.2	7.7
W32	31.1	2.6	10	3.9	12.2	0.8	1.2	8.2
W33	33.2	2.8	11	4.0	13.1	0.8	1.3	8.4
W34	36.1	3.0	12	4.0	14.2	0.8	1.4	8.4
W41	37.3	3.1	13	4.2	14.7	0.9	1.5	8.9
W42	38.3	3.2	14	4.4	15.1	0.9	1.5	9.3
W43	40.0	3.3	15	4.5	15.8	1.0	1.6	9.5
W44	42.4	3.5	16	4.5	16.7	1.0	1.7	9.6
W51	45.5	3.8	17	4.5	17.9	0.9	1.8	9.5
W52	46.3	3.9	18	4.7	18.2	1.0	1.8	9.9
W53	47.8	4.0	19	4.8	18.8	1.0	1.9	10.1
W54	49.8	4.2	20	4.8	19.6	1.0	2.0	10.2
W61	52.9	4.4	21	4.8	20.8	1.0	2.1	10.1
W62	53.7	4.5	22	4.9	21.1	1.0	2.1	10.4
W63	54.9	4.6	23	5.0	21.6	1.1	2.2	10.6
W64	56.7	4.7	24	5.1	22.3	1.1	2.2	10.8
W71	61.2	5.1	25	4.9	24.1	1.0	2.4	10.4
W72	61.8	5.1	26	5.1	24.3	1.1	2.4	10.7
W73	62.9	5.2	27	5.2	24.8	1.1	2.5	10.9
W74	64.4	5.4	28	5.2	25.4	1.1	2.5	11.0
W80	68.5	5.7	29	5.1	27.0	1.1	2.7	10.8
W81	68.6	5.7	30	5.2	27.0	1.1	2.7	11.1
W82	69.2	5.8	31	5.4	27.2	1.1	2.7	11.4
W83	70.2	5.8	32	5.5	27.6	1.2	2.8	11.6
W84	71.6	6.0	33	5.5	28.2	1.2	2.8	11.7

[0296] The following table (“Table 5”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point S and each of the points W₁₁-W₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point S (as determined by pockets having their stacker wheel axes W_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point S.

[0297]

TABLE 5
From S to Wxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Wxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Wxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
W11	7.4	0.6	1	1.6	2.9	0.3	0.3	3.5
W12	11.6	1.0	2	2.1	4.6	0.4	0.5	4.4
W21	14.1	1.2	3	2.6	5.5	0.5	0.6	5.4
W13	16.6	1.4	5	3.6	6.5	0.8	0.7	7.7
W22	16.6	1.4	5	3.6	6.6	0.8	0.7	7.6
W23	20.4	1.7	6	3.5	8.0	0.7	0.8	7.5
W14	21.8	1.8	7	3.9	8.6	0.8	0.9	8.2
W31	22.0	1.8	8	4.4	8.7	0.9	0.9	9.2
W32	23.8	2.0	9	4.5	9.4	1.0	0.9	9.6
W24	24.9	2.1	10	4.8	9.8	1.0	1.0	10.2
W33	26.6	2.2	11	5.0	10.5	1.1	1.0	10.5
W41	29.4	2.5	12	4.9	11.6	1.0	1.2	10.4
W34	30.1	2.5	13	5.2	11.8	1.1	1.2	11.0
W42	30.7	2.6	14	5.5	12.1	1.2	1.2	11.6
W43	32.9	2.7	15	5.5	13.0	1.2	1.3	11.6
W44	35.9	3.0	16	5.4	14.1	1.1	1.4	11.3
W51	37.6	3.1	17	5.4	14.8	1.1	1.5	11.5
W52	38.6	3.2	18	5.6	15.2	1.2	1.5	11.8
W53	40.4	3.4	19	5.6	15.9	1.2	1.6	11.9
W54	42.8	3.6	20	5.6	16.9	1.2	1.7	11.9
W61	45.0	3.8	21	5.6	17.7	1.2	1.8	11.8
W62	45.9	3.8	22	5.8	18.1	1.2	1.8	12.2
W63	47.1	3.9	23	5.9	18.5	1.2	1.9	12.4
W64	49.5	4.1	24	5.8	19.5	1.2	1.9	12.3
W71	53.2	4.4	25	5.6	21.0	1.2	2.1	11.9
W72	54.0	4.5	26	5.8	21.3	1.2	2.1	12.2
W73	55.3	4.6	27	5.9	21.8	1.2	2.2	12.4
W74	57.1	4.8	28	5.9	22.5	1.2	2.2	12.5
W80	60.6	5.0	29	5.7	23.8	1.2	2.4	12.2
W81	60.7	5.1	30	5.9	23.9	1.3	2.4	12.5
W82	61.4	5.1	31	6.1	24.2	1.3	2.4	12.8
W83	62.5	5.2	32	6.1	24.6	1.3	2.5	13.0
W84	64.1	5.3	33	6.2	25.2	1.3	2.5	13.1

[0298] According to some embodiments, the distance between horizontally adjacent stacker wheel locations W_XX is between about 7½ inches and about 8¼ inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker wheel locations W₂₁ and W₃₁ is about 8¼ inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker wheel locations W₁₁ and W₂₁ is about 7½ inches. According to some embodiments, the distance between vertically adjacent stacker wheel locations W_XX is between about 5.0 inches and about 10.0 inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker wheel locations W₁₁ and W₁₂ is about 5.5 inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between stacker wheel locations W₁₂ and W₁₃ is about 5.5 inches.

[0299] The first arc IW₁₁ defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 14.4 inches with one stacker wheel axis contained therein. Thus, the arc IW₁₁ has a pocket density of about 0.8 stacker wheel axes/per lineal foot from point I. The second arc IW₂₂ defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 23.4 inches with five stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the arc IW₂₂ has a pocket density of about 2.6 stacker wheel axes/per lineal foot from point I. The third arc IW₄₃ defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 40.0 inches with fifteen stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the arc IW₄₃ has a pocket density of about 4.5 stacker wheel axes/per lineal foot from point I. The fourth arc IW₈₄ defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 71.6 inches with thirty-three stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the arc IW₈₄ has a pocket density of about 5.5 stacker wheel axes/per lineal foot from point I. Similar calculations can be made for determining the pocket densities (stacker wheel axes/per lineal foot from point I, point S, or any of the points W₁₁-W₈₄) associated with any of the other distances in Table 4 and Table 5.

[0300] As shown in FIG. 12D, points R₁₁-R₈₄ are pinch points between respective entry rollers through which bills are directed into respective output receptacles (hereinafter, points R₁₁-R₈₄ are generally referred to as entry roller locations or a central pinch points). For example, point R₁₁ is an entry roller location between the entry rollers through which bills are directed into the first output receptacle OR₁₁. For another example, point R₈₄ is an entry roller location between the entry rollers through which bills are directed into the thirty-third output receptacle OR₈₄.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 12D, point I is the geometric center of concentric arcs, where each arc passes through and thus encloses within the arc at least one entry roller location R_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12D, point I is the geometric center of four concentric arcs IR₁₁, IR₂₂, IR₄₃, and IR₈₄ where the first arc IR₁₁ passes through and thus encloses within the first arc IR₁₁ one entry roller location R₁₁. Similarly, the second arc IR₂₂ passes through and thus encloses within the second arc IR₂₂ four entry roller locations R₁₁, R₁₂, R₂₁, and R₂₂; the third arc IR₄₃ passes through and thus encloses within the third arc IR₄₃ fourteen entry roller locations R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₂₁, R₂₂, R₂₃, R₂₄, R₃₁, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₄₁, R₄₂, and R₄₃; the fourth arc IR₈₄ passes through and thus encloses within the fourth arc IR₈₄ thirty-three entry roller locations R₁₁-R₈₄.

[0302] While not shown as arcs in FIG. 12D, point I may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs that pass through each of the points R₁₁-R₈₄. Similarly, Point S may also serve as the geometric center of respective arcs (not shown) that pass through points R₁₁-R₈₄. According to some embodiments, any of the points R₁₁-R₈₄ can be used as a center of an arc for purposes of describing pocket densities, such as, for example, point R₁₁.

[0303] The following table (“Table 6”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point I and each of the points R₁₁-R₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point I (as determined by pockets having their entry roller locations R_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point I.

[0304]

TABLE 6
From I to Rxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Rxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Rxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
R11	17.0	1.4	1	0.7	6.7	0.1	0.7	1.5
R12	19.4	1.6	2	1.2	7.7	0.3	0.8	2.6
R21	19.8	1.6	3	1.8	7.8	0.4	0.8	3.9
R22	21.9	1.8	4	2.2	8.6	0.5	0.9	4.6
R13	23.0	1.9	5	2.6	9.1	0.6	0.9	5.5
R23	25.1	2.1	6	2.9	9.9	0.6	1.0	6.1
R14	27.2	2.3	7	3.1	10.7	0.7	1.1	6.5
R24	29.1	2.4	8	3.3	11.4	0.7	1.1	7.0
R31	32.3	2.7	9	3.3	12.7	0.7	1.3	7.1
R32	33.6	2.8	10	3.6	13.2	0.8	1.3	7.6
R41	35.2	2.9	11	3.8	13.8	0.8	1.4	7.9
R33	35.8	3.0	12	4.0	14.1	0.9	1.4	8.5
R42	36.4	3.0	13	4.3	14.3	0.9	1.4	9.1
R43	38.5	3.2	14	4.4	15.1	0.9	1.5	9.2
R34	38.7	3.2	15	4.7	15.2	1.0	1.5	9.9
R44	41.1	3.4	16	4.7	16.2	1.0	1.6	9.9
R51	47.9	4.0	17	4.3	18.8	0.9	1.9	9.0
R52	48.8	4.1	18	4.4	19.2	0.9	1.9	9.4
R53	50.3	4.2	19	4.5	19.8	1.0	2.0	9.6
R61	50.8	4.2	20	4.7	20.0	1.0	2.0	10.0
R62	51.7	4.3	21	4.9	20.3	1.0	2.0	10.3
R54	52.4	4.4	22	5.0	20.6	1.1	2.1	10.7
R63	53.1	4.4	23	5.2	20.9	1.1	2.1	11.0
R64	55.1	4.6	24	5.2	21.7	1.1	2.2	11.1
R71	63.5	5.3	25	4.7	25.0	1.0	2.5	10.0
R72	64.3	5.4	26	4.9	25.3	1.0	2.5	10.3
R73	65.4	5.4	27	5.0	25.7	1.0	2.6	10.5
R80	65.6	5.5	28	5.1	25.8	1.1	2.6	10.8
R81	66.5	5.5	29	5.2	26.2	1.1	2.6	11.1
R74	67.0	5.6	30	5.4	26.4	1.1	2.6	11.4
R82	67.1	5.6	31	5.5	26.4	1.2	2.6	11.7
R83	68.3	5.7	32	5.6	26.9	1.2	2.7	11.9
R84	69.8	5.8	33	5.7	27.5	1.2	2.7	12.0

[0305] The following table (“Table 7”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point S and each of the points R₁₁-R₈₄, the number of pockets within a given distance of point S (as determined by pockets having their entry roller locations R_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point S.

[0306]

TABLE 7
From S to Rxx
			# Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
			with Rxx	per		per		per
Point	Distance	Distance	within	Lineal	Distance	lineal	Distance	lineal
Rxx	(in.)	(ft.)	distance	Foot	(cm)	cm	(dm)	dm
R11	9.9	0.8	1	1.2	3.9	0.3	0.4	2.6
R21	12.4	1.0	2	1.9	4.9	0.4	0.5	4.1
R12	13.8	1.2	3	2.6	5.4	0.6	0.5	5.5
R22	15.7	1.3	4	3.1	6.2	0.6	0.6	6.5
R13	18.6	1.5	5	3.2	7.3	0.7	0.7	6.8
R23	20.0	1.7	6	3.6	7.9	0.8	0.8	7.6
R14	23.6	2.0	7	3.6	9.3	0.8	0.9	7.5
R31	24.5	2.0	8	3.9	9.6	0.8	1.0	8.3
R24	24.8	2.1	9	4.4	9.8	0.9	1.0	9.2
R32	26.3	2.2	10	4.6	10.4	1.0	1.0	9.6
R41	27.4	2.3	11	4.8	10.8	1.0	1.1	10.2
R42	29.0	2.4	12	5.0	11.4	1.0	1.1	10.5
R33	29.1	2.4	13	5.4	11.5	1.1	1.1	11.3
R43	31.6	2.6	14	5.3	12.4	1.1	1.2	11.3
R34	32.6	2.7	15	5.5	12.8	1.2	1.3	11.7
R44	34.8	2.9	16	5.5	13.7	1.2	1.4	11.7
R51	40.0	3.3	17	5.1	15.7	1.1	1.6	10.8
R52	41.1	3.4	18	5.3	16.2	1.1	1.6	11.1
R61	42.9	3.6	19	5.3	16.9	1.1	1.7	11.2
R53	43.0	3.6	20	5.6	16.9	1.2	1.7	11.8
R62	44.0	3.7	21	5.7	17.3	1.2	1.7	12.1
R54	45.4	3.8	22	5.8	17.9	1.2	1.8	12.3
R63	45.7	3.8	23	6.0	18.0	1.3	1.8	12.8
R64	48.0	4.0	24	6.0	18.9	1.3	1.9	12.7
R71	55.6	4.6	25	5.4	21.9	1.1	2.2	11.4
R72	56.5	4.7	26	5.5	22.2	1.2	2.2	11.7
R80	57.6	4.8	27	5.6	22.7	1.2	2.3	11.9
R73	57.8	4.8	28	5.8	22.8	1.2	2.3	12.3
R81	58.6	4.9	29	5.9	23.1	1.3	2.3	12.6
R82	59.4	4.9	30	6.1	23.4	1.3	2.3	12.8
R74	59.6	5.0	31	6.2	23.5	1.3	2.3	13.2
R83	60.6	5.1	32	6.3	23.9	1.3	2.4	13.4
R84	62.4	5.2	33	6.3	24.6	1.3	2.5	13.4

[0307] According to some embodiments, the distance between horizontally adjacent entry roller locations R_XX is between about 3 inches and about 12.8 inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between entry roller locations R₃₁ and R₄₁ is about 3 inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between entry roller locations R₂₁ and R₃₁ is about 12.8 inches. According to some embodiments, the distance between vertically adjacent entry roller locations R_XX is between about 5.0 inches and about 10.0 inches. For example, according to some embodiments, the distance between entry roller locations R₁₁ and R₁₂ is about 5.5 inches. For another example, according to some embodiments, the distance between entry roller locations R₁₂ and R₁₃ is about 5.5 inches.

[0308] The first arc IR₁₁ defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 17.0 inches with one entry roller location contained therein. Thus, the arc IR₁₁ has a pocket density of about 0.7 entry roller locations/per lineal foot from point I. The second arc IR₂₂ defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 21.9 inches with four entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IR₂₂ has a pocket density of about 2.2 entry roller locations/per lineal foot from point I. The third arc IR₄₃ defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 38.5 inches with fourteen entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IR₄₃ has a pocket density of about 4.4 entry roller locations/per lineal foot from point I. The fourth arc IR₈₄ defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 69.8 inches with thirty-three entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the arc IR₈₄ has a pocket density of about 5.7 entry roller locations/per lineal foot from point I. Similar calculations can be made for determining the pocket densities (entry roller locations/per lineal foot from point I, point S, or any of the points R₁₁-R₈₄) associated with any of the other distances in Table 6 and Table 7.

[0309] As shown in FIG. 12E, C_p is the geometric center of concentric circles, where each circle passes through and thus encloses within the circle at least four central plate locations P_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12E, C_p is the geometric center of six concentric circles C_p1, C_p2, C_p3, C_p4, C_p5, and C_p6. The first circle C_p1 passes through and thus encloses within the first circle C_p1 four central plate locations P₄₂, P₄₃, P₅₂, and P₅₃. Similarly, the second circle C_p2 passes through and thus encloses within the second circle C_p2 eight central plate locations P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₄₄, P₅₁, P₅₂, P₅₃, and P₅₄; the third circle C_p3 passes through and thus encloses within the third circle C_p3 twelve central plate locations P₃₂, P₃₃, P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₄₄, P₅₁, P₅₂, P₅₃, P₅₄, P₆₂, and P₆₃; the fourth circle C_p4 passes through and thus encloses within the fourth circle C_p4 sixteen central plate locations P₂₂, P₂₃, P₃₂, P₃₃, P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₄₄, P₅₁, P₅₂, P₅₃, P₅₄, P₆₂, P₆₃, P₇₂, and P₇₃; the fifth circle C_p5 passes through and thus encloses within the fifth circle C_p5 twenty central plate locations P₂₂, P₂₃, P₃₁, P₃₂, P₃₃, P₃₄, P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₄₄, P₅₁, P₅₂, P₅₃, P₅₄, P₆₁, P₆₂, P₆₃, P₆₄, P₇₂, P₇₃; the sixth circle C_p6 passes through and thus encloses within the sixth circle C_p6 twenty-four central plate locations P₂₁, P₂₂, P₂₃, P₂₄, P₃₁, P₃₂, P₃₃, P₃₄, P₄₁, P₄₂, P₄₃, P₄₄, P₅₁, P₅₂, P₅₃, P₅₄, P₆₁, P₆₂, P₆₃, P₆₄, P₇₁, P₇₂, P₇₃, and P₇₄.

[0310] While not shown as circles in FIG. 12E, C_p is also the geometric center of a circle, C_p7, that passes through points P₁₂, P₁₃, P₈₂, and P₈₃, which thus encloses within the circle twenty-eight central plate locations. Similarly, C_p is also the geometric center of a circle, C_p8, that passes through points P₁₁, P₁₄, P₈₁, and P₈₄, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-two central plate locations and C_p is also the geometric center of a circle, C_p9, that passes through point P₈₀, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-three central plate locations.

[0311] The first circle C_p1 defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 2.9 inches with four central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p1 has a pocket density of about 22.4 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The second circle C_p2 defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 8.3 inches with eight central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p2 has a pocket density of about 5.3 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The third circle C_p3 defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 15.2 inches with twelve central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p3 has a pocket density of about 2.4 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The fourth circle C_p4 defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 16.8 inches with sixteen central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p4 has a pocket density of about 2.6 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The fifth circle C_p5 defines a fifth specified circular area having a radius of about 17.1 inches with twenty central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p5 has a pocket density of about 3.1 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The sixth circle C_p6 defines a sixth specified circular area having a radius of about 18.5 inches with twenty-four central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p6 has a pocket density of about 3.2 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The seventh circle C_p7 defines a seventh specified circular area having a radius of about 30.8 inches with twenty-eight central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p7 has a pocket density of about 1.4 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The eighth circle C_p8 defines an eighth specified circular area having a radius of about 31.8 inches with thirty-two central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p8 has a pocket density of about 1.5 central plate locations/square foot of circular area. The ninth circle C_p9 defines a ninth specified circular area having a radius of about 33.7 inches with thirty-three central plate locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_p9 has a pocket density of about 1.3 central plate locations/square foot of circular area.

[0312] FIG. 13A is a table (“Table 9”) providing information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between point C_P and each of the points P₁₁-P₈₄ illustrated in FIG. 12E, the number of pockets within a given distance of point C_P (as determined by pockets having their central plate locations P_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point C_P, pocket density information given in terms of pockets per area, distances between the furthest points P_xx-P_xx which are equidistant from point C_P (e.g., for circle C_P1, and points P₄₂ and P₅₃ are furthest apart—they are spaced apart by the diameter of the circle C_P1), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit maximum distance between a set of points P_xx-P_xx which are equidistant from point C_P. For example,

[0313] According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 4 pockets having central plate locations within about 5.7 inches of each other. According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 4 pockets having central plate locations within about 6 inches of each other. According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 4 pockets having central plate locations within about 7 inches of each other.

[0314] According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 8 pockets having central plate locations within about 16.6 inches of each other. According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 8 pockets having central plate locations within about 17 inches of each other. According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have at least 8 pockets having central plate locations within about 20 inches of each other.

[0315] According to some embodiments, document processing systems and output portions of document processing systems are provided that have a pocket density about a given point in terms of compactness of the central plate locations of pockets of at least 0.8 pockets per inch or that have a pocket density about a given point in terms of compactness of the central plate locations of pockets of at least 9.5 pockets per foot.

[0316] As shown in FIG. 12F, C_w is the geometric center of concentric circles, where each circle passes through and thus encloses within the circle at least four stacker wheel axes W_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12F, C_w is the geometric center of six concentric circles C_w1, C_w2, C_w3, C_w4, C_w5, and C_w6 where the first circle C_w1 passes through and thus encloses within the first circle C_w1 four stacker wheel axes W₄₂, W₄₃, W₅₂, and W₅₃. Similarly, the second circle C_w2 passes through and thus encloses within the second circle C_w2 eight stacker wheel axes W₄₁, W₄₂, W₄₃, W₄₄, W₅₁, W₅₂, W₅₃, and W₅₄; the third circle C_w3 passes through and thus encloses within the third circle C_w3 twelve stacker wheel axes W₃₂, W₃₃, W₄₁, W₄₂, W₄₃, W₄₄, W₅₁, W₅₂, W₅₃, W₅₄, W₆₂, and W₆₃; the fourth circle C_w4 passes through and thus encloses within the fourth circle C_w4 sixteen stacker wheel axes W₃₁, W₃₂, W₃₃, W₃₄, W₄₁, W₄₂, W₄₃, W₄₄, W₅₁, W₅₂, W₅₃, W₅₄, W₆₁, W₆₂, W₆₃, and W₆₄; the fifth circle C_w5 passes through and thus encloses within the fifth circle C_w5 twenty stacker wheel axes W₂₂, W₂₃, W₃₁, W₃₂, W₃₃, W₃₄, W₄₁, W₄₂, W₄₃, W₄₄, W₅₁, W₅₂, W₅₃, W₅₄, W₆₁, W₆₂, W₆₃, W₆₄, W₇₂, and W₇₃; the sixth circle C_w6 passes through and thus encloses within the sixth circle C_w6 twenty-four stacker wheel axes W₂₁, W₂₂, W₂₃, W₂₄, W₃₁, W₃₂, W₃₃, W₃₄, W₄₁, W₄₂, W₄₃, W₄₄, W₅₁, W₅₂, W₅₃, W₅₄, W₆₁, W₆₂, W₆₃, W₆₄, W₇₁, W₇₂, W₇₃, and W₂₂.

[0317] While not shown as circles in FIG. 12F, C_w is also the geometric center of a circle, C_w7, that passes through points W₁₂, W₁₃, W₈₂, and W₈₃, which thus encloses within the circle twenty-eight stacker wheel axes. Similarly, C_w is also the geometric center of a circle, C_w8, that passes through points W₁₁, W₁₄, W₈₁, and W₈₄, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-two stacker wheel axes and C_w is also the geometric center of a circle, C_w9, that passes through point W₈₀, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-three stacker wheel axes.

[0318] The first circle C_w1 defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 5.0 inches with four stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w1 has a pocket density of about 7.5 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The second circle C_w2 defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 9.2 inches with eight stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w2 has a pocket density of about 4.3 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The third circle C_w3 defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 12.0 inches with twelve stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w3 has a pocket density of about 3.9 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The fourth circle C_w4 defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 14.3 inches with sixteen stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w4 has a pocket density of about 3.6 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The fifth circle C_w5 defines a fifth specified circular area having a radius of about 20.1 inches with twenty stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w5 has a pocket density of about 2.3 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The sixth circle C_w6 defines a sixth specified circular area having a radius of about 21.5 inches with twenty-four stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w6 has a pocket density of about 2.4 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The seventh circle C_w7 defines a seventh specified circular area having a radius of about 27.5 inches with twenty-eight stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w7 has a pocket density of about 1.7 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The eighth circle C_w8 defines an eighth specified circular area having a radius of about 28.6 inches with thirty-two stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w8 has a pocket density of about 1.8 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area. The ninth circle C_w9 defines a ninth specified circular area having a radius of about 30.6 inches with thirty-three stacker wheel axes contained therein. Thus, the circle C_w9 has a pocket density of about 1.6 stacker wheel axes/square foot of circular area.

[0319] As shown in FIG. 12G, C_R is the geometric center of concentric circles, where each circle passes through and thus encloses within the circle at least four entry roller locations R_xx. For example, as shown in FIG. 12G, C_R is the geometric center of six concentric circles C_R1, C_R2, C_R3, C_R4, C_R5, and C_R6 where the first circle C_R1 passes through and thus encloses within the first circle C_R1 four entry roller locations R₄₂, R₄₃, R₅₂, and R₅₃. Similarly, the second circle C_R2 passes through and thus encloses within the second circle C_R2 eight entry roller locations R₃₂, R₃₃, R₄₂, R₄₃, R₅₂, R₅₃, R₆₂, and R₆₃; the third circle C_R3 passes through and thus encloses within the third circle C_R3 twelve entry roller locations R₃₂, R₃₃, R₄₁, R₄₂, R₄₃, R₄₄, R₅₁, R₅₂, R₅₃, R₅₄, R₆₂, and R₆₃; the fourth circle C_R4 passes through and thus encloses within the fourth circle C_R4 sixteen entry roller locations R₃₁, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₃₄, R₄₁, R₄₂, R₄₃, R₄₄, R₅₁, R₅₂, R₅₃, R₅₄, R₆₁, R₆₂, R₆₃, and R₆₄; the fifth circle C_R5 passes through and thus encloses within the fifth circle C_R5 twenty entry roller locations R₂₂, R₂₃, R₃₁, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₃₄, R₄₁, R₄₂, R₄₃, R₄₄, R₅₁, R₅₂, R₅₃, R₅₄, R₆₁, R₆₂, R₆₃, R₆₄, R₇₂, and R₇₃; the sixth circle C_R6 passes through and thus encloses within the sixth circle C_R6 twenty-four entry roller locations R₂₁, R₂₂, R₂₃, R₂₄, R₃₁, R₃₂, R₃₃, R₃₄, R₄₁, R₄₂, R₄₃, R₄₄, R₅₁, R₅₂, R₅₃, R₅₄, R₆₁, R₆₂, R₆₃, R₆₄, R₇₁, R₇₂, R₇₃, and R₇₄.

[0320] While not shown as circles in FIG. 12G, C_R is also the geometric center of a circle, C_R7, that passes through points R₁₂, R₁₃, R₈₂, and R₈₃, which thus encloses within the circle twenty-eight entry roller locations. Similarly, C_R is also the geometric center of a circle, C_R8, that passes through points R₁₁, R₁₄, R₈₁, and R₈₄, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-two entry roller locations and C_R is also the geometric center of a circle, C_R9, that passes through point R₈₀, which thus encloses within the circle thirty-three entry roller locations

[0321] The first circle C_R1 defines a first specified circular area having a radius of about 7.0 inches with four entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R1 has a pocket density of about 3.8 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The second circle C_R2 defines a second specified circular area having a radius of about 9.7 inches with eight entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R2 has a pocket density of about 3.9 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The third circle C_R3 defines a third specified circular area having a radius of about 10.4 inches with twelve entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R3 has a pocket density of about 5.1 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The fourth circle C_R4 defines a fourth specified circular area having a radius of about 12.5 inches with sixteen entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R4 has a pocket density of about 4.7 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The fifth circle C_R5 defines a fifth specified circular area having a radius of about 22.3 inches with twenty entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R5 has a pocket density of about 1.8 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The sixth circle C_R6 defines a sixth specified circular area having a radius of about 23.6 inches with twenty-four entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R6 has a pocket density of about 2.0 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The seventh circle C_R7 defines a seventh specified circular area having a radius of about 25.3 inches with twenty-eight entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R7 has a pocket density of about 2.0 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The eighth circle C_R8 defines an eighth specified circular area having a radius of about 27.4 inches with thirty-two entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R8 has a pocket density of about 2.0 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area. The ninth circle C_R9 defines a ninth specified circular area having a radius of about 28.3 inches with thirty-three entry roller locations contained therein. Thus, the circle C_R9 has a pocket density of about 1.9 entry roller locations/square foot of circular area.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 12H, the transport mechanism(s) of the document processing system 400f includes various segments or portions located throughout the modules 402, 402′, 404, and/or device 401. Each of the base modules 402 and 402′ include horizontal and vertical transport path segments. Each of the pocket modules 404 include vertical transport path segments. The portions of the transport mechanism(s) include diverters D₁₀-D₄₄ as shown in FIG. 12H.

[0323] The following table (“Table 8”) provides information, according to some embodiments, concerning distances between the tip of diverter D₁₀ (the decision point associated with diverter D₁₀ along the transport path) to the tip of each of the other diverters D_XX (the decision points associated with diverters D_xx along the transport path), the number of pockets within a given distance of the tip of diverter D₁₀ (as determined by pockets having the tip of a corresponding output diverter R_xx within that distance), and pocket density information given in terms of number of pockets per unit distance from point D₁₀ as well as other exemplary information associated with transport path lengths between other diverters.

[0324]

TABLE 8
			Pockets	Pockets		Pockets		Pockets
		# Pockets	per	per		per		per
	Distance	within	distance	distance	Distance	distance	Distance	distance
Dxx	(in.)	distance	(in.)	(ft.)	(cm)	(cm)	(dm)	(dm)
Transport Path Distances from Diverter D10 to Dxx
D10	0.0	0	—	—	—	—	—	—
D11	4.7	2	0.4	5.1	11.9	0.2	1.2	1.7
D12	10.2	4	0.4	4.7	25.9	0.2	2.6	1.5
D13	15.7	6	0.4	4.6	39.9	0.2	4.0	1.5
D20	15.8	6	0.4	4.6	40.1	0.1	4.0	1.5
D21	20.5	8	0.4	4.7	52.1	0.2	5.2	1.5
D14	21.2	10	0.5	5.7	53.8	0.2	5.4	1.9
D22	26.0	12	0.5	5.5	66.0	0.2	6.6	1.8
D23	31.5	14	0.4	5.3	80.0	0.2	8.0	1.7
D30	31.6	14	0.4	5.3	80.3	0.2	8.0	1.7
D31	36.3	16	0.4	5.3	92.2	0.2	9.2	1.7
D24	37.0	18	0.5	5.8	94.0	0.2	9.4	1.9
D32	42.5	20	0.5	5.6	108.0	0.2	10.8	1.9
D33	48.0	22	0.5	5.5	121.9	0.2	12.2	1.8
D40	47.4	23	0.5	5.8	120.4	0.2	12.0	1.9
D41	52.1	25	0.5	5.8	132.3	0.2	13.2	1.9
D34	57.6	27	0.5	5.6	146.3	0.2	14.6	1.8
D42	63.1	29	0.5	5.5	160.3	0.2	16.0	1.8
D43	68.6	31	0.5	5.4	174.2	0.2	17.4	1.8
D44	74.1	33	0.4	5.3	188.2	0.2	18.8	1.8
Transport Path Distances from Diverter Dxx to Dxx
D11-D12	5.5	4	0.7	8.7	14.0	0.3	1.4	2.9
D12-D13	5.5	4	0.7	8.7	14.0	0.3	1.4	2.9
D11-D13	11.0	6	0.5	6.5	27.9	0.2	2.8	2.1
D11-D14	16.5	8	0.5	5.8	41.9	0.2	4.2	1.9