Cash dispensing automated banking machine deposit accepting system and method

ES 2 393 068 T3

DESCRIPTION

Automatic bank cash distribution machine deposit acceptance system and method

Technical field

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, the exemplary form of this invention relates to systems and associated methods for accepting items for deposit in an automated banking cash dispensing machine as well as providing items such as empty deposit envelopes to users of the banking machine who can be useful for carrying out transactions.

Background of the technique

Automatic banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). ATMs are used to carry out self-service type banking transactions. ATMs can distribute cash to users from their account. Some ATMs can accept deposits. Other ATMs can perform functions such as distributing stamps, printing tickets, producing vouchers, cashing checks, printing money transfers, and performing other types of transactions. For the purposes of this description, any machine that can carry out transactions involving transfers of value is called an automated banking machine.

Deposit-accepting automated banking machines typically require the user to enter a deposit item into the machine where it is processed and / or stored for later withdrawal by authorized persons. Sometimes the deposit item may be an envelope or other container to hold deposit contents therein. Such content may include items of value such as cash, checks, money transfers, gift certificates, coupons, currency, or other types of instruments. When depositing items of deposit in this manner the user is sometimes required to provide inputs through input devices in the banking machine indicative of the value associated with the item being deposited. This is usually a total value of the cash, checks or other content within the deposited item. The automated banking machine can store information about the indicated deposit value and / or can print value information on the deposited item along with a transaction number, account number or other information that allows the deposit to be related to a user and / or a particular transaction.

In order to verify the indicated deposit value, the operator of the banking machine often has to later retrieve the deposit item from a storage area within the machine. The operator opens the deposit item and determines whether the content and the actual deposit value of the item correspond to the indicated deposit value. In most cases the actual deposit value corresponds to the indicated deposit value and is credited to the customer's account accordingly. In other cases, there is a discrepancy between the actual deposit value and the indicated deposit value. In such cases the customer may be notified as to the amount of credit to be given for the deposit instead of the stated deposit value that was provided to the machine.

Sometimes when deposited items are removed from the banking machine, the items are damaged. Such damage may include for example a tear or else an open envelope. In some cases the deposit item or remnants of it may not contain any deposit content. In some cases the deposit contents may be loose in the storage area at the banking machine. In other cases, the content may not be found in its entirety.

Deposited items are sometimes removed from the banking machine into a tamper evident deposit container and transported to a remote location for verification. In other situations the deposited items may be transferred to a bag or other container at the automated banking machine site. Items can be taken to a remote location for content verification of deposited items.

In some circumstances, the contents of an open or damaged warehouse item may not be found at the remote location. This can present problems as to whether the customer may have deliberately deposited an empty and damaged envelope into the banking machine. Alternatively, doubts may arise as to whether the persons responsible for removing the deposits from the machine may have misappropriated the deposit contents. Finally, doubts may arise as to whether the persons responsible for verifying the deposit amount may have lost or misappropriated the contents of the deposit item. In some circumstances because responsibility for the missing content cannot be established, the ATM operator may choose to pay the customer the indicated deposit value even though the deposit content has never been found. In some circumstances the user may be committing fraud by deliberately attempting to deposit a damaged deposit item.

Damage to escrow items can be caused by a number of factors. The inclusion of various types of deposit items such as envelopes containing folded sheets or bills or coins can result in irregularly shaped deposit items. Envelopes containing such items may be subject to tearing due to their irregular contours. Tearing such irregularly shaped deposit items into envelopes can further contribute to uncertainty as to the contents of deposit envelopes.

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A possible additional problem with deposits is that a banking machine customer who wants to make a deposit may not have an envelope available. Although envelope supplies may be provided, such open supplies may be subject to vandalism and / or removal of all deposit envelopes. Such open supplies can also result in unused envelopes being thrown around the banking machine area providing an unappealing appearance.

Other problems can arise due to the inability to mark proper marks on deposit envelopes. Although different types of printing devices have been used to mark such envelopes, it is common for such printing devices to experience difficulties resulting in a lack of printing of legible information on deposit envelopes.

Deposit envelopes are also often difficult to distribute. This is sometimes due to a desire to distribute envelopes with adhesive or self-adhesive strips to hold the envelope flaps in a secure condition. The use of such adhesive strips or other adhesive can avoid the need for users to lick or otherwise wet the envelope to seal it. The use of such sachets may be desirable to provide more hygienic conditions. However, the presence of such adhesive mechanisms can present difficulties for the transportation and distribution of empty envelopes to users of the banking machine.

Warehouse items are often of significant value. For this reason, criminals can try to use fraudulent devices to obtain deposit items. For example, criminals may attempt to place items within a storage opening to trap the storage items so that they can be removed. Alternatively, criminals may attempt to use devices to "fish" deposited items that have already been moved to a storage area within the machine.

Accepting deposits at automated banking machines also poses additional challenges. Some tanks can be difficult to repair or replace. Additionally, containers used to hold warehouse items may be subject to abuse or tampering.

Other features of existing bank machine deposits and systems can benefit from improvements.

EP 0 543 559 describes an envelope dispensing module for use in an ATM and includes feed belts for feeding the lowermost envelope of a stack of envelopes along a feed path into an exit slot. Pulse generating means includes a roller which is pushed to engage the underside of the lowermost envelope as this envelope is fed along the feed path. During such a feeding movement, a sensor associated with a timing disk mounted for rotation with the roller generates a series of timing pulses in response to rotation of the roller due to its engagement with the lowermost envelope. Electronic control means are arranged to stop the feed belts with the lowermost envelope in its correct presentation position in the exit slot in response to the control means counting a predetermined number of timing pulses after edge detection. front of this envelope by means of detection located behind the exit slot.

Description of the invention

Particular aspects of the invention are defined in the independent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising an automated banking machine including a housing; at least one input device in support connection with the housing and adapted to receive at least one input associated with each user of the machine; a cash dispensing mechanism in support connection with the housing; a container for containing deposit envelopes in supporting connection with the housing, the container for containing deposit envelopes being adapted to contain a stack of empty deposit envelopes and having a floor support adapted to hook an end envelope delimiting one end bottom of the stack, at least one movable collection element adjacent to the floor support and adapted to engage and push a bottom side of the stack end envelope in a first direction from the container to contain deposit envelopes, at least one release member comprising at least one elastic release surface that engages an upper side of the end envelope and resists movement of the envelope in the first direction and adapted to generally prevent envelopes in the stack other than the envelope end move from container to hold deposit envelopes; and at least one transport member adapted to move the end envelope that has been moved in the first direction of the stack to a deposit opening extending through the housing, wherein an envelope in the deposit opening is accessible from outside the housing, characterized in that the floor stand is movably mounted in support connection with the housing; and moves vertically with respect to the at least one collection element, wherein in a first vertical position of the floor support the end envelope is arranged vertically above the at least one collection element, and in a second vertical position of the support The end envelope engages with the at least one pickup element.

It is an object of one form of the present invention by way of example to provide an automated banking machine.

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It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a deposit for use in combination with an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a deposit for an automated banking machine that supplies a user with an envelope the moment a user wishes to make their deposit.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a deposit for an automated banking machine that will reliably handle envelopes of uneven contour.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide a deposit for an automated banking machine that provides improved security.

Other objects of exemplary forms of the present invention will be apparent from the following Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention and the appended claims.

Some of the above objects are achieved in an exemplary embodiment by an automated banking machine that accepts deposit items such as envelopes. In the exemplary embodiment the user provides inputs through one or more input devices on the machine that identify a user and / or their account (s). Inputs through input devices in the machine may also include an indicated deposit amount associated with a deposit item.

In the exemplary embodiment a transport member is provided that can supply the empty envelopes as well as transport filled regular or irregular envelopes containing deposit material to a storage location. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, security features are provided to minimize the risk that criminals may gain unauthorized access through the transport element to deposited items. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, steps are taken to ensure more reliable marking printing on deposited envelopes by capturing excess ink or other materials in an area away from deposited items and / or providing appropriate maintenance for a device that prints marks on deposit envelopes.

The deposited item in an exemplary embodiment is accepted into the machine and its thickness and / or other properties are detected at one or more locations on the deposited item. Information regarding thickness and / or other properties is recorded. In some embodiments, the thickness information or other detected parameters may be recorded by printing or other means directly on the deposited item. Alternatively in some embodiments the information recorded on the deposited item may be correlated with the thickness and / or other detected information recorded in a memory accessible by a computer.

In an exemplary embodiment the deposited item is stored with other deposited items in a storage area in the automated banking machine. The deposited item is subsequently removed from the storage area by an authorized person and opened or otherwise checked for verification. The thickness data and / or other parameters related to each deposited item can be reviewed to determine the content of the item at the time of deposit. For example, recorded thickness information relating to a deposit envelope that is empty and damaged at the time of verification will indicate whether the materials contained in the envelope at the time of deposit. This can be done for example by comparing the measured thickness of the damaged envelope with the recorded thickness information. Similarly, the thickness information and / or other parameters recorded relative to an envelope that is not damaged but open at the time of verification will indicate whether the envelope contained items at the time of deposit. Likewise, envelopes that are damaged or opened at the time of the verification process can be analyzed by comparison with stored data to determine if items have been removed since the time of deposit in the machine. Various approaches can be taken depending on the particular system and the type of items deposited.

In further exemplary embodiments a deposit mechanism is provided that contains a magazine of deposit envelopes or other suitable deposits containing containers within the machine. At the time the user wishes to deposit, the machine operates to separate a single deposit envelope from the supply and to supply it outside the machine to the user. The user can then place items for deposit into the envelope and supply the deposit into the machine through the same opening through which the envelope was delivered.

Of course it should be understood that the devices, systems and methods described are exemplary and that the principles described may be applied to other systems and / or that additional features and functions may be used.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine in operational connection with an ATM transaction network.

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Figure 2 is a schematic view of a deposit item, transport member, and components for measuring properties of a deposited item and for registering marks on the item.

Figure 3 is an example of a deposited item that has trademarks on it corresponding to thickness and a particular transaction.

Figure 4 is a representative graph of the thickness of a deposited item versus distance or time when the item passes a sensor.

Figure 5 is a representative schematic plan view of the detected properties of an exemplary deposited item that includes instruments such as checks.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a deposited item on which machine-readable marks representative of the article's properties have been registered, and a reading device for reading the machine-readable marks and for retrieving information relating to the properties of the deposited article. of a memory.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary deposited item that is damaged and includes thickness information recorded therein suggesting that the item was empty at the time of deposit into the automated banking machine.

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an alternative deposit mechanism that is operative to distribute empty deposit envelopes to a user of an automated banking machine.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of an envelope dispensing mechanism portion of the deposit acceptance mechanism shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an alternate isometric view of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 11 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 12 is an end view of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 13 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism shown in a position for dispensing an envelope.

Figure 14 is an end view of the envelope dispensing mechanism shown in an envelope dispensing position.

Fig. 15 is a right side view of the envelope dispenser mechanism and the transport member shown with an envelope that has been moved from an envelope supply position that is moved on a transport member towards a customer.

Figure 16 is a right side view of the envelope dispensing mechanism operating to minimize the risk of additional envelopes leaving the supply with a first envelope collected.

Figure 17 is a schematic view of a base assembly used in conjunction with the exemplary deposit acceptance mechanism.

Fig. 18 is an isometric view further showing the base assembly and the envelope supply and the print head holding actuator arm used in an exemplary embodiment of the envelope dispensing mechanism.

Figure 19 is a schematic view of a curved portion of an envelope transport member used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the deposit acceptance mechanism.

Figure 20 is a schematic view of the portion of the envelope transport element shown in Figure 19 with an envelope shown therein and a schematic representation of the forces acting on such an envelope.

Figure 21 is a top plan view of the transport element shown in Figure 20 together with the rollers and the transport belt used in conjunction therewith.

Figure 22 is an isometric view of features adjacent the outer end of the envelope transport member including the belts and rollers adjacent thereto.

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Fig. 23 is a right side schematic view showing the outer portion of the transport member including a gate in an open position allowing it to be dispensed from or deposited on the transport member.

Figure 24 is a schematic view showing the translation of the rollers adjacent to the outer end of the conveying element that may occur due to the acceptance of the regularly deposited items.

Figure 25 is a front plan view of the outer end of the transport member including the gate associated therewith shown with the gate in an open position.

Figure 26 is a schematic view of the outer end of the transport member showing acceptance of an irregularly shaped deposit envelope including coins.

Figure 27 is an outer end view of the transport member showing acceptance of an irregularly shaped deposit envelope including sheets and the displacement of the roller shaft associated with such acceptance in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 24.

Figure 28 is an isometric view of rollers and a support shaft that can be used in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment of the envelope deposit system.

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the rollers shown in Figure 28.

Figure 30 is a schematic view showing the mounting of the rollers shown in Figure 28 on the shaft.

Figure 31 is an isometric view showing alternate rollers using similar mounting features as shown in connection with the rollers in Figures 28-30.

Figure 32 is an isometric view of an alternative exit end construction for an envelope transport system that includes elements that facilitate acceptance into the transport member of irregularly contoured items.

Figure 33 is a side view of the structures shown in Figure 32.

Figure 34 is an alternative structure for an outer end of a transport member that includes transversely disposed envelope guides to facilitate outward movement of envelopes that may be misaligned on the transport member.

Figure 35 is a further isometric view of the outer end of the transport member shown in Figure 34 including the envelope guides.

Figure 36 is an end view demonstrating the operation of the envelope guides in relation to handling envelopes that are not aligned.

Fig. 37 is a schematic top view showing the outer end of the transport member with an envelope in misaligned relationship therewith.

Figure 38 is a top view of the transport member with the guides showing the misaligned envelope moved further into the transport member.

Figure 39 is a top plan view of the outer end of the transport member showing the envelope misaligned relative to it, the transport member in Figure 39 not including the guides shown in Figure 34.

Figure 40 is a top plan view of the envelope transport member with the envelope shown in Figure 39 moved further into the transport member.

Figure 41 is an end view of the transport element shown in Figure 39 and depicting the state that may occur with respect to rejection of a misaligned envelope or dispensing of a misaligned envelope if the guides shown in the figure are not used. 3. 4.

Figure 42 is an isometric view of the construction of the support base for the outer end of the transport member.

Figure 43 is an isometric view from below demonstrating the mounting of the components of the used base at the outer end of the transport member.

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Figure 44 is a side view showing the assembled elements that constitute the base of the outer end of the transport element.

Fig. 45 is an isometric view showing the outer end of the transport member including overlapping bevel and movable gate parts.

Figure 46 is an isometric view schematically showing the components associated with the movement of the gate that selectively blocks access to the transport member.

Figure 47 is a side view showing the transport gate in a fully open position.

Figure 48 is a side view similar to Figure 47 showing the gate in a partially open position.

Figure 49 is a side view similar to Figure 47 showing the transport gate in an open position.

Figure 50 is a view similar to Figure 47 with the gate in a fully closed position in which the gate engages adjacent structures to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to the transport element.

Fig. 51 is a side schematic view showing an exemplary shape of the portion of the transport member that includes an ink jet recording device and an additional ink capture device or container for capturing excess ink from the printing device.

Figure 52 is an isometric view showing the ink capture device of Figure 51 with the access door thereto in an open position.

Figure 53 is an isometric view similar to Figure 52 but showing the ink capture device with the access door thereto in a closed position and schematically indicating the removable rotary assembly thereof.

Fig. 54 is a side schematic view showing the mechanism for holding the ink jet cartridge nozzles of the exemplary embodiment through a cleaning action.

Fig. 55 is a side view showing the ink jet cartridge of the exemplary embodiment together with a movable wiper element that provides such a cleaning action to a brush portion.

Fig. 56 is an isometric view schematically showing the cleaning element in the print head.

FIG. 57 is a further isometric view showing the cleaning element and the print head.

Figure 58 is an exploded view of a removable reservoir container and movable door mechanism used in connection with an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 59 is an enlarged isometric view of a container top and associated movable door mechanism.

Figure 60 is an interior isometric view showing the construction of the movable door mechanism used in connection with an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 61 is an isometric view of the container for holding tanks and the movable door mechanism of an exemplary embodiment that includes features to facilitate changing of the movable door.

Fig. 62 is a top isometric view showing a locking mechanism used in conjunction with locking the movable door of the container for holding tanks of an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 63 is a side isometric view showing an exemplary mounting for the container for holding reservoirs and interlocking capabilities used in connection with some embodiments to prevent access to the reservoir acceptance mechanism when the container for containing reservoirs is in operating position.

Figure 64 is a further isometric view showing the exemplary interlocking mechanism with the container for holding reservoirs in an operative position.

Figure 65 is a further isometric view showing the interlocking mechanism that allows movement of the deposit acceptance mechanism when the container for holding deposits has been moved from the operative position.

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FIG. 66 is a right side view similar to FIG. 65 showing the container for holding deposits that has been removed and the interlocking mechanism that allows movement of the deposit acceptor.

Figure 67 is a top plan view similar to Figure 62 but with the exemplary locking mechanism shown in a position that allows the door of the container to hold reservoirs to be opened.

Figure 68 is a right side schematic view indicating exemplary sensors to provide improved security against tampering and unauthorized access to the deposit acceptance mechanism.

Fig. 69 is an isometric exploded view showing exemplary outer end engagement of the deposit accepting mechanism with a floating plate portion movably mounted relative to the plate of an automated banking machine.

Fig. 70 is an isometric front view showing the bevel at the outer end of the deposit accepting mechanism engaged with a movable plate portion of an automated banking machine.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic view of a first embodiment of an automated banking machine indicated generally at 10. The first exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine is an automated teller machine. which can be used to carry out banking transactions such as distributing cash and depositing items. It should be understood however that the principles of the present invention can be applied to other types of automated banking machines that perform other functions or additional functions.

The automated banking machine 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 in the exemplary embodiment includes a chest portion 14 and an upper housing portion 16. Each of the chest and upper housing part which may alternatively be referred to herein as a cabinet part are accessible to authorized persons through suitable access doors which are controlled by locking mechanisms. As shown schematically, the ark portion has a ark door that includes a safe-box style combination lock shown schematically at 18, which operates to limit access to authorized personnel. The upper housing portion includes a key lock (not shown separately) in operative connection with a door that can be moved relative to the housing and that allows authorized persons to access the interior of the upper housing portion. Of course, other access control and locking mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

The automated banking machine 10 further includes input devices. Exemplary input devices on the machine include a numeric keypad 20 through which users can provide manual inputs. A further input device in the exemplary embodiment is a card reader 22. In some embodiments, the card reader may be adapted to read magnetic stripe cards and / or smart cards that include programmable memory therein. Of course, in other embodiments, card readers that read contactless cards or other devices can be used.

The exemplary embodiment further includes an image capture device depicted schematically at 24. In some embodiments, the image capture device may include, for example, a camera that captures one or more images of the person operating the machine. In other embodiments, the image capture device may comprise a biometric reader such as an iris scanner, an input device for a facial recognition system, or other similar device that serves as an input device to identify a user. Of course, the input devices discussed are exemplary and in other embodiments other input devices such as fingerprint readers, retinal scanners, voice recognition systems, touch screens, voice input systems and other types may be used. of devices that receive inputs that are suitable for identifying a user and / or their accounts, or that can be operated to provide instructions to or from the machine.

The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 further includes output devices. Such output devices include a visual display 26. The visual display 26 may be operated to provide instructions to a user regarding the operation of the machine as well as to provide information to the user. The machine further includes a printing device 28 that also serves as an output device. The printing device 28 in some exemplary embodiments may include a device for printing receipts that are provided to a user for the purpose of documenting transactions performed at the machine. Of course, other types of printing devices may be used in other embodiments. These may include for example devices that print tickets, vouchers, money transfers, checks, coupons, or other documents or instruments.

It should be understood that these output devices are exemplary and other types of output devices may be used in other embodiments. For example, other embodiments may include voice guidance systems, communication interfaces for communicating with wireless devices such as PDAs or mobile phones, electrical connectors.

ES 2 393 068 T3 cos to communicate with headphones or similar devices or other devices to provide outputs to a user.

In exemplary banking machine 10, users are allowed to receive cash from the machine, as well as make deposits to the machine. The exemplary machine includes a cash dispensing mechanism 30. The cash dispensing mechanism includes bill collecting mechanisms 32 and 34 that function to collect bills from one or more supplies of bills in the machine. For example, US Patent No. 4,664,369 which may be of interest to the skilled reader, includes examples of bill collection mechanisms that may be used in some embodiments. Of course, other types of bill collection mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

The cash dispenser 30 further includes a bill transport member 36 that moves the bills to a stacking and presenting mechanism 38. For example, US Patent No. 5,342,165, which may be of interest to the skilled reader, discloses a type of bill stacking and presenting mechanism that can be used in some embodiments. The cash dispenser is operative to supply notes to a user through a cash dispensing outlet 40. As schematically indicated, a suitable gate or other locking mechanism 42 is located adjacent the cash outlet to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the cash dispensing mechanism. Exemplary gate 42 is movable in response to motors, solenoids, or other suitable motion control mechanisms that may alternatively be referred to herein as actuators, to allow cash to be appropriately delivered to the user of a machine from a stacker and presenter mechanism, and to block access at other times.

The exemplary embodiment of the banking machine 10 further includes a first deposit accepting system that includes suitable mechanisms for receiving and storing deposited items. In the exemplary embodiment, the deposited items are envelopes. However, in other embodiments, other types of deposit items may be received such as checks, money transfers, tickets, coupons, deposit bags, conveyors for holding deposits, and other types of deposited items. Machine 10 includes a deposit opening, which may alternatively be referred to herein as an inlet, which extends into the housing and is dimensioned to accept deposited items such as envelopes. A suitable gate mechanism indicated schematically at 46 is movably located adjacent the reservoir inlet. Gate 46 can be moved through solenoids, motors, or other suitable motion devices to prevent access to the interior of the machine through the tank inlet except for times when the machine is in an appropriate mode for accepting deposits.

In the exemplary embodiment, the deposited items move along a deposit path through a transport member 48. The deposit transport element 48 is operative to move envelopes deposited by a user from the area adjacent to the deposit entrance to a storage area 50. In some exemplary embodiments, the tank transport member may be of the type shown in US Patent No. 4,884,679, the description of which may be of interest to the skilled reader.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the storage area 50 is bounded by a container 52 for containing removable reservoirs. The exemplary form of the container for holding deposits has an interior storage area that is operative to contain items 54 deposited therein. The container 52 for holding deposits can be removed from the machine by authorized personnel and transported to a remote location where the deposits can be validated. This can be done for example through a container for holding tanks with indication of tampering and self-locking as discussed in detail below which locks after removal from the machine and can only be properly opened by authorized persons at a remote location. Alternatively, the container for holding deposits may be such that persons who are authorized to access the chest part 14 can remove the items deposited individually therein and verify the contents thereof either at the machine or at a remote location. . Alternatively, other approaches may be used to verify deposited items depending on the type and nature of the deposits.

The exemplary machine 10 further includes at least one computer that may alternatively be referred to herein as a controller, indicated schematically at 56. The controller is in operative connection with at least one memory 58 or data store containing programming instructions, information on transactions, communication information and other data used in the operation of the machine. The controller 56 is in operative connection with the transaction function devices in the machine and controls the operation thereof in accordance with programmed instructions.

Controller 56 is in operative connection with at least one communication device 60. The communications device allows the exemplary machine to communicate with at least one remote computer and data store in order to carry out transactions. As schematically depicted in Figure 1, the banking machine 10 is in operative connection with a network schematically indicated at 62. The network is in operational connection with computers in financial institutions 64 and 66 that operate systems that authorize and record information related to transactions carried out by users in the banking machine. Naturally, this communications approach to

ES 2 393 068 T3 via a banking network is exemplary and in other embodiments other communication approaches and / or authorization entities may be used.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the deposit transport element 48 used in an exemplary banking machine 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the deposited items in the form of envelopes 68 are moved along a conveying path in the direction of arrow D from the deposit entrance to the storage area. As the deposited items are moving along the conveying path, the properties of the deposited item are detected. In the embodiment shown, the thickness of the deposited item is sensed by a sensor 70. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 70 is a contact sensor that physically contacts the deposited item 68 to determine its thickness. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a contact roller 72 has an axis that can move in response to an envelope thickness and that deflectively engages the deposit envelope as it passes along the conveying path between the envelope. contact roller and a reference surface of a stationary axis roller 74. The displacement of the contact roll 72 from its reference position indicates the thickness of the deposited article through its length. The movement of the contact roller produces one or more signals from the sensor 70 that are transmitted to the controller and used for purposes discussed later.

It should be understood that although in the exemplary embodiment the contact type sensor is used to determine thickness, in other embodiments non-contact sensors may be used to determine the thickness or other properties of a deposited article. For example, non-contact sensors of the type shown in US Pat.^you 6,101,266, 6,242,733 and 6,241,244, in order to determine the thickness or other properties of the deposited articles. Such contact sensors can be used in place of, or in addition to, contact-type sensors to determine the thickness of the deposited item.

Additionally or alternatively, other types of sensors such as magnetic type sensors may be used in order to detect and / or determine the contents of the envelope. For example, magnetic sensors can be used to determine the presence of magnetic inks on checks, coins, paper money, or other instruments that are contained within deposit envelopes. Such non-contact sensors are schematically depicted at 76 in Figure 2. It should be understood that in some embodiments the thickness or other properties of the deposited item may be detected in or along a single detection area in the path of the envelope. In other embodiments, detection can be across all or a portion of the transverse width of the deposited item. The particular nature of the thickness and other properties of the deposit item that are detected and used in a particular embodiment may depend on the type of deposited item involved and the needs of the banking machine operator.

As shown in Figure 2, one or more recording devices indicated schematically at 78 are located adjacent to the deposition path. In the exemplary embodiment, the recording devices may comprise printers that are operative to print marks on deposited items. Such printers may include, for example, dot matrix printers, stamp-type printers, ink jet printers, or other suitable devices for registering marks on the deposited item. In other exemplary embodiments, systems that are operative to label the deposited item may be used, such as those shown in US Patent No. 4,435,243 that may be of interest to the skilled reader.

In the exemplary embodiment, the recording devices are operative to record on the deposited item, marks that correspond to the properties of the item being detected. This may include for example registering numerical marks indicating the thickness of the envelope on the deposited item at one or more locations therein. In other embodiments, the recording device may be operative to record an identification indicator such as an account number or transaction number on the envelope. These identification marks can then be correlated to the thickness or other properties of the deposited item by referring to data stored in memory at the machine or elsewhere on an operably connected computer. Alternatively or in addition, the trademarks on the deposited item may include an indicated deposit value that corresponds to the amount that a user of the machine indicated was included in or represented by the deposited item.

Figure 3 shows an example of a deposited item 80 that has been passed through the deposit of an exemplary automated banking machine. For this deposited item, the trademarks on the item include a transaction identification number 82. The transaction identification number may correspond, for example, to the particular transaction carried out by the machine and may correspond to the information stored in memory such as the identity of the particular user who performed the deposit transaction. In this exemplary embodiment, the deposited item 80 has further included among the marks, a deposit value indicated at 84. The indicated deposit value may include for example the amount of particular value that the user indicated they were depositing into the machine via inputs to the input devices at the time they made the deposit. The inclusion of the deposit value indicated with the trademarks can facilitate the verification of the deposit when it is removed from the machine as discussed later.

For the deposited item 80, the marks corresponding to the thickness are recorded on the item. The thickness markings 86 comprise a numerical indication of the thickness of the deposit envelope at various locations along the envelope at the time of deposit. These various locations in the embodiment shown are longitudinal locations.

ES 2 393 068 T3 separated along a single longitudinal line adjacent to the center of the envelope as it passes through the transport element. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness marks are printed adjacent to a transverse edge of the envelope so as not to interfere with other marks printed on the envelope. Of course, it should be understood that other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

As discussed below, the thickness and other markings associated with the envelope can be used when the envelope is subsequently opened to verify that the envelope contained deposit items therein at the time of deposit and / or the nature of such deposited items.

Figure 6 shows an alternative form of trademarks on a deposited item 88. In this exemplary embodiment, the trademarks of the deposited item include machine-readable marks 90. In this embodiment, the machine-readable marks comprise a barcode or similar machine-readable coding scheme.

Machine-readable markings correspond to a particular numerical indicator or other indicator that is correlated with data related to the deposit, such as the identity of the customer and the indicated deposit value. In the exemplary embodiment, the markings also correspond to data about the particular deposit such as thickness data and / or other properties. This data that is captured from the contact and non-contact type sensors on the machine is correlated with the machine-readable markings 90. Such data can be accessed from the data store on the banking machine. Alternatively, such data may be transmitted to another data store in order to verify that the indicated deposit value corresponds to the actual deposit value of the contents of the envelope.

A reading device 92 is operative to read the machine-readable markings once the deposited item 88 has been removed from the storage area on the machine by an authorized representative of the machine operator. The reading device 92 is in operative connection with a computer or other device 94 that has therein, or has access to it, data in a data store 96. The data store 96 preferably includes data such as the indicated deposit value, the identity of the user, and the properties of the particular item deposited as detected by sensors in the banking machine near the time of deposit. With this information, the person who verifies the deposits can verify that the content of the envelope has, at the time of verification, a real deposit value that corresponds to the indicated deposit value. In the event of a discrepancy, the person verifying the deposit can use the thickness and other data that has been recorded in relation to the deposited item, to determine whether the deposited item actually contained items that had the expected thickness and / or other properties. properties at the time of deposit. This will allow a deposit verification person to better determine if the items were not included in the deposited item at the time of deposit or if the content of the deposited item was lost or misappropriated after deposit. Such information is useful in determining whether to credit the customer's account with the indicated deposit value as discussed below.

Figures 4 and 5 show by way of example types of data related to deposited items that may be represented by trademarks on deposited items. For example, Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the thickness of a deposited item versus time or distance when the item engages and passes a single contact-type sensor as the deposited item moves along the deposit path. in the banking machine. A line 98 corresponds to the one or more signals from the sensor indicative of thickness. Various embodiments such as for example a reservoir system used to produce the article 80 in Figure 3, record the thickness at a plurality of discrete spaced locations 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the movement of the envelope may be controlled through the operation of a speed controlled motor, stepper motor, or other controlled movement device such that the thickness indicative markings at each of the locations correspond relatively narrowly to the particular area on the deposited item where thickness is sensed. Appropriate circuitry is provided so that when the thickness markings as shown in Figure 3 are a fairly accurate representation of the thickness at the various locations at the time the envelope was deposited. As can be appreciated in embodiments where the deposit items move at a predictable and generally constant speed, thickness determinations can be based on the time elapsed since a leading edge of an envelope is detected. In other embodiments, encoders or other distance detectors can be used to directly detect the movement of the envelope. The graph in Figure 4 can be representative of outputs from a system of any type.

In some embodiments, it may be sufficient for markings to represent a maximum thickness of the deposited item as indicated in Figure 4 by a maximum 102 of line 98. The maximum is indicative of the maximum thickness of the envelope, and this may be sufficient in many realizations to indicate the nature of the content thereof. Thus, for example in systems where the maximum thickness is recorded, only the marks corresponding to a numerical value can be registered on the envelope and / or stored in memory as corresponding to the marks registered on the envelope.

In still other embodiments, it may be important to correlate with a deposited item, an amount indicative of the volume of the item. This may correspond to area 104 under line 98 in Figure 4. As can be appreciated, area 104 which is the integral of the overall thickness as measured by a thickness sensor, may be indicative of the overall content of the envelope.

ES 2 393 068 T3

Figure 5 shows still other data that can be recorded in relation to the particular deposited item. For example, certain contact and non-contact sensors can develop a detailed profile of a deposited item that includes the thicknesses associated with folds, flaps, and items contained within the envelope. Non-contact sensors can also detect other properties such as magnetic properties and the presence of inks or other indicators on or within the content.

For example, Figure 5 shows a deposited item 106. Non-contact sensors of the aforementioned type can use radiation to determine thickness and to determine envelope boundaries, as well as additional areas of thickness associated with envelope features such as flaps and folds 108. In addition, such non-contact sensors can detect additional thicknesses. in areas 110 and 112 inside the envelope. In areas 110 and 112, the additional thickness is caused by the presence of sheets such as instruments within the envelope. Radiation sensors that can detect radiation absorbing properties can detect areas that have been printed on items within the envelope. Additionally or alternatively, magnetic sensors can identify zones of magnetic activity represented by areas 114. Such magnetic activity may correspond to areas where magnetic inks have been printed on checks or other instruments.

As can be appreciated, some embodiments may provide a detailed profile of the deposited item and its contents. This profile can be correlated with the trademarks on the deposited item so that a person responsible for verifying deposits can determine whether the content of the deposited item at the time it is verified corresponds to the content at the time it was deposited.

In operation of an exemplary embodiment, a user operates the automated banking machine 10 to perform banking transactions. This includes for example that the user provides the machine's card reader 22 with a debit card that includes a magnetic stripe. The magnetic stripe may include information that identifies the user and / or their account such as a user's primary account number (PAN). The user can further verify his identity by providing the machine with a personal identification number (PIN) through the numeric keypad 20. If the PIN entered corresponds to the data registered on the card, the user can be authorized to carry out transactions on the machine. It should be understood that the use of these inputs by the user to the machine to identify the user is exemplary and in other embodiments other useful inputs may be used to identify the particular user or an account.

A user also provides one or more inputs through input devices on the machine to indicate the type of transaction he wishes to perform. If the user provides one or more inputs indicating that they wish to perform a deposit transaction, the controller in the machine will operate according to its programming to present prompts to the user through display 26 or other output devices requesting the user to indicate the deposit values ​​item or items they wish to deposit. After providing the indicated deposit value, the controller operates the machine to open gate 46 to deposit transport member 48 so that a user can insert the deposited item. As the user inserts the deposited item, it moves through the transport member 48 where the properties of the deposited item are sensed. This includes in exemplary embodiments, detecting the thickness and / or other properties of the deposited article as discussed above. Controller 56 further operates recording device 78, such as one or more printers, to record marks on the deposited item corresponding to particular detected properties or characteristics. Once the marks have been registered on the deposited item, the item passes into storage area 50 where it is kept in the banking machine for later verification.

Periodically, the machine operator or other authorized entity accesses the interior of the machine to remove and verify the deposited items. This is accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by opening the lock 18, moving the ark door, and accessing the ark portion 14 to remove the container 52 for holding deposits. In some embodiments, the deposited items can be removed from the container to hold deposits in the machine and opened for verification in an area adjacent to the machine. Alternatively the container for holding deposits can be closed and transported to a remote location for verification of deposits.

In the exemplary embodiment, the container for holding tanks is to be transported to a remote location and an empty container for holding tanks is placed in the machine to receive additional tanks. The banking machine is then returned to operation. The deposited items are removed from the container to hold deposits at a remote facility and their contents are reviewed. Content that may include cash, checks, or other deposited items is added for each deposited item to get an actual deposit value. The actual deposit value is then compared to the indicated deposit value to determine if there is a discrepancy. If the actual deposit value and the indicated deposit value are different, the user of the machine may have made a mistake in providing the indicated deposit value. Alternatively, the user can attempt to perpetrate fraud by falsifying the value of the deposit. Alternatively, the deposited items may have been misappropriated by persons having access to the deposited items either on the machine, on the conveyor, or at the location where the deposited value is verified.

The actual deposited value can be compared to the indicated deposit value by checking the numerical markings corresponding to the thickness recorded on the deposited item as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, give them

ES 2 393 068 T3 The transaction number or other machine-readable markings can be electronically correlated with the indicated deposit value. Naturally, in cases where the actual deposit value corresponds to the indicated deposit value, the user has deposited the indicated amount and the indicated deposit value is credited to the account of the user or other appropriate entity.

In some circumstances, however, the indicated deposit value does not correspond to the actual deposit value of the item. At the deposit verification facility, depositors can inspect deposited items for damage. This may include, for example, torn deposit envelopes or envelopes that have not been sealed or appear to have been cut or opened or otherwise. An example of a damaged deposit envelope is indicated at 116 in Figure 7. Damaged or otherwise opened deposit envelopes may have no content or may still have items contained therein. When there are still items contained in them, the question arises as to whether all the items are still housed within the damaged warehouse item.

When those responsible for verifying deposits are faced with damaged or otherwise opened deposited items such as envelopes, questions may arise as to whether the items were damaged and / or emptied at the time of deposit or whether the contents were lost or it was stolen after depositing it in the machine. By reviewing the trademarks on the deposited item that correspond to thickness and / or other properties, such doubts can often be resolved.

For example, if the deposited article was emptied at the time of deposit, then the recorded thickness information related to the article can be used to verify that the thickness of the empty envelope at the time of verification corresponds to the thickness at the time of deposit. This is indicated with respect to the damaged envelope 116 in FIG. 7 which shows that the thickness information at a plurality of locations is constant and corresponds to the thickness of the empty damaged envelope. This suggests, for example, that a user may attempt to perpetrate fraud by deliberately depositing an empty envelope that is damaged and that the user may later claim that the materials contained correspond to the stated deposit value. In cases where the registered thickness or other properties show that the indicated deposit value was not correct, the institution that operates the machine will not credit the user's account with the indicated deposit value.

In other circumstances an open or damaged deposit item may have a corresponding thickness or other data showing that the deposited item contained items at the time of deposit that are not contained at the time of verification. In such circumstances you will know that such items have subsequently disappeared at the time of deposit. The institution that operates the automated banking machine can credit the user's account with the indicated deposit value, thus documenting that at least part of the deposited items had apparently been lost by mistake or misappropriation.

Naturally, in some embodiments where the deposited item data includes magnetic sensors and detailed profile information, relatively accurate data showing the type and number of deposited items can be obtained from the data stored in memory. In some embodiments, such data can be accessed directly from the data store in the banking machine. Alternatively, the data on the machine can be transmitted over the network to other computers that can be accessed at the deposit verification facility. Naturally, numerous approaches can be used within the scope of the invention depending on the capabilities and needs of the particular system.

In the verification facility, verification is usually carried out successfully through manual opening and review of deposited items. Alternatively, the verification facility may employ machine-like devices to measure the thickness of the envelope and determine other properties of the deposited items. This may include for example passing deposited items through such devices prior to opening them at the facility to determine if there has been any change in the properties of the item between the time it was deposited and the time it reached the facility. This can be done as part of a procedure to inspect the particular deposited item for damage. In cases where machine-readable markings are used on deposited items, a reader for the thickness and marking device (or detecting other property) can be used at the facility to compare and identify the deposited items in which the markings are used. Item properties have changed since deposit. Additionally, if a deposited item has been damaged in the carrier or has been opened, the properties associated with the deposited item at the time of acceptance into the machine can be useful in determining which open or loose items found within a container to contain deposits correspond to which deposit item. Various approaches can be used within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In alternative embodiments, for example, the banking machine can detect possible situations where a user has attempted to deposit an envelope or other item that is damaged or empty. In such situations, the banking machine can be operated not to accept such an item for deposit. Such systems can prevent attempted fraud and / or avoid situations where a user forgot to place the desired deposit items in the envelope.

Deposit envelopes are provided in some automated banking machines for a user's convenient use. US Patent No. 5,590,609, the description of which may be of interest to the skilled reader, shows a

ES 2 393 068 T3 automated banking machine that provides envelopes to a user in which deposit items can be included. In some embodiments, the envelopes provided may be of a known size and / or thickness. Sensors on the path to receive deposit envelopes can detect size and / or thickness properties and the computer operating at the ATM can be programmed so that deposit envelopes that do not meet size parameters are rejected and returned to the customer by the machine or acceptable thickness. This can be done for example by the controller in the machine reversing the tank transport element.

For example, an exemplary automated banking machine may detect an envelope thickness greater than the empty thickness of the deposit envelopes provided by the machine. The banking machine can be programmed to instruct customers to place their deposit inside a machine provided envelope, even though the customer has planned to provide their own envelope to contain deposits. The machine may instruct the user to place their unconventional envelope within the machine provided envelope. In such an embodiment, if the sensors that detect the thickness of a deposited envelope do not detect a thickness greater than that of an envelope provided by conventional machine, the banking machine can return the envelope to the customer and can issue a request to the customer to to put the deposit items in the envelope and / or for the customer to use one of the envelopes provided by the machine. This reduces the risk of the machine receiving an empty envelope.

In other embodiments, the banking machine may have sensors that detect the size, area, and / or edge boundaries of a deposited envelope. In this way, if a deposited envelope does not correspond to the expected configuration of an envelope provided to the conventional machine, the deposited envelope can be rejected by the deposit acceptance mechanism.

In other embodiments, the deposit items may have common properties. For example, expected deposit items can include coins, cash notes, and checks, each of which has magnetic properties. The magnetic properties of the envelopes provided to the machine may not exist or be within a known range. The banking machine can detect high magnetic properties for deposited envelopes to indicate that either cash or checks have been placed therein. Envelopes that do not have such high magnetic properties can be rejected. Naturally in some situations the banking machine can detect other properties or additional properties and use them as a basis for accepting or rejecting the deposit.

It should be understood that in some embodiments the banking machine may function to detect combinations of properties and may not accept the envelope if any one or more properties are not within the intended limits. In some embodiments, the envelope deposits that are declined can be returned to the customer. In other embodiments the suspicious deposits can be held in the machine for analysis and / or as evidence.

In further alternative embodiments the banking machine may distribute an empty envelope to the customer for use that has no predetermined thickness, size, magnetic or other properties. In some exemplary embodiments the properties of interest may be measured by sensors in the banking machine at the time the empty envelope is being dispensed to the customer from the machine. The properties of interest can be measured again for the envelope when the user deposits the envelope with deposit items into the machine. If an expected change (or no change) in the thickness, size, magnetic properties, or other sensed properties is detected when the user deposits the envelope back into the machine, the deposit may be rejected.

Alternatively or in addition, markings corresponding to properties of interest may be printed on the envelope by the machine prior to, or at the time, dispensing of the empty envelope. Additionally or alternatively, such information may be stored in a database. This information can then be compared with that of the deposited envelope. This can be done at the time the deposit is accepted and used as the basis for rejecting the deposit by the machine or it can be done later when the content of the deposit envelopes is being checked. Other approaches can of course be taken depending on system and operator requirements.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of an alternative deposit mechanism for accepting deposits such as envelopes within an automated banking machine. This generally indicated deposit mechanism 120 includes an outer end 122 that includes a deposit opening through which deposit items are accepted. Access through the opening at outer end 22 is controlled by a gate mechanism as discussed below. Items passing into the deposit acceptor mechanism 120 through the deposit opening at the outer end 122 move through a transport member 124. Items accepted into the transport member are moved past the recording device 126 which in the exemplary embodiment comprises an ink jet printer. The deposited items are moved by the transport member 124 into a container 128 to hold deposits. As discussed in detail below, in some exemplary embodiments the container for holding reservoirs may be a removable container that is removably mounted within a chest or other secure area of ​​the TMJ. In the exemplary embodiment a partition wall 130 may serve as part of a top wall that limits the chest portion and separates it from the upper cabinet portion. This is useful in some embodiments where persons who do not have access to the secure chest can access the container to hold empty envelope envelopes or parts thereof that serve as an envelope supply. Of course this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

ES 2 393 068 T3

The exemplary form of the deposit mechanism 120 further includes an envelope storage area 132 which is alternatively referred to as a container for holding empty envelopes. The envelope storage area 132 includes in operative connection therewith devices for selectively picking up and separating a single envelope from a stack of envelopes stored in the envelope storage area. Such a collected envelope is then transported through the transport member 124 and supplied to a user of the banking machine through the deposit opening at the outer end 122. It should be understood that in some embodiments envelopes that are being provided to a user and / or envelopes received may be marked in the manner discussed above. Alternatively in other embodiments no marking or alternative forms of marking may be performed.

The envelope storage and supply mechanism used in connection with an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Figure 9-18. The exemplary embodiment includes an envelope storage and distribution device 134 which is alternatively referred to as an envelope dispenser, shown in Figure 9-11. The envelope storage and distribution device includes an envelope storage area 132 that is bounded by a movable floor member 136 serving as a floor support and an overlapping push plate 138. Push plate 138 is vertically movable in a pair of slots 140 arranged in supportive connection with the housing of the deposit acceptor mechanism. Push plate 138 is also rotatable about pivots 142. This makes it easy to rotate the pusher plate from a bypass position that deflects the stack of envelopes downward to a bypass position where the push plate extends out of the storage area so that envelopes can be easily added or removed. or other warehousing items from the storage area 132. The push plate 138, when returned to the offset position in the storage area, applies a downward force to envelopes in the envelope storage area.

A floor member 136 is supported on a base 144. The floor member 136 is also rotatable about a pivot 146 that serves as a movable support and is located adjacent to a rear area of ​​the floor member 136. In addition, the floor member has vertically extending guide plates 148 located adjacent thereto which serve to limit the container for holding empty envelopes and maintain the stack of deposit envelopes in supporting connection with the floor member.

Exemplary floor member 136 includes thereon an arranged pair of upwardly extending rails 150. The rails are useful for reducing surface tension forces that resist the movement of envelopes on the surface of the floor element. Three slots 152 extend into the floor member at one end disposed from pivot 146. Each slot 152 is aligned with a respective pickup belt that serves as a movable pickup member. The central slot is aligned with a strap 154 ​​that extends in a centered relationship with respect to the floor member. Slots 152 are aligned on either side of belt 154 each with a pick-up belt 156. Belts 154 and 156 are selectively actuated in response to the controller by actuation. The pick-up belts extend between rollers 158, 160 mounted on shafts 162, 164 in operative connection with the floor member 136. Adjacent to one end of member 136 disposed remote from pivot 146 is a pair of cams 166 disposed transversely. (See figure 11). As discussed in detail below, cams 166 serve as part of a mechanism that is operative to cause the floor member to rotate about pivot 146 and to move up and down with respect to the top surface of the legs. pickup straps 154, 156.

Limiting the front side of the envelope storage area 132 is a vertically extending wall 168. Wall 168 has, in supporting connection therewith, a release member 170. Release member 170 is movably mounted in supportive connection with wall 168 and is movable in response to operatively connected actuation. In the exemplary embodiment the release member serves as a release member to generally prevent all but one of the envelopes from moving out of the stack in a spring-loaded manner by a spring 171 serving as a downward biasing device for purposes. which are discussed below. As shown in Figures 11, 13 and 15 the stripper assembly includes a pair of friction pads 172 disposed at an angle. In the exemplary embodiment the friction pads 172 are comprised of elastic material and are angled so as to provide an elastic strip surface that extends somewhat further downward by increasing the distance to the stack. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment the end of the floor element 136 that is disposed farthest from the pivot 146 extends forward such that the grooves therein extend below the surface friction pads 172. elastic strap. In the exemplary embodiment friction pads 172 are selectively movable in a spring loaded manner with release assembly 170.

In the exemplary embodiment shaft 162 has a pair of pinch rollers 174 mounted thereon. Pinch rollers 174 are in abutting aligned relationship with transport drive rollers 176 (see FIG. 13) that rotate on a shaft 178 that is driven by a drive (not shown). The transport drive rollers 176 are driven in the direction of arrow T as shown in Figures 13 and 15 during the envelope dispensing operation. The transport drive rollers 176 each have a transport belt element 180 supported thereon. The movement of the transport drive rollers 176 and the transport belt element 180 is operative to engage and cause rotation of the pinch rollers 174. Since the pinch rollers 174 are attached to the shaft 162, the rollers 158 and the take-up belts supported thereon are also driven by the drive feeding the transport drive rollers. Of course this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

ES 2 393 068 T3

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the transport drive belts 180 are in operative connection with a tensioning roller 182. Tensioning roller 182 is mounted on a tensioning lever 184 that is in operative connection with a spring or other suitable biasing device to bias the tensioning roller counterclockwise about a pivot 186 shown in FIG. 15. Engagement of the conveyor belt element 180 with the tensioning roller causes the conveyor belt element to extend over a gap 188. The gap 188 extends between guides 190, 192. As discussed below, the Envelopes being deposited in the machine are moved through the conveyor belts to gap 188. Once the envelopes are moved through the gap they pass through an envelope deposit opening 189 through the partition wall into the storage area within container 128 for containing deposits.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the base 144 includes a tray portion 194 and a deflector 196 which is alternately referred to as a plate. The deflector 196 is movably mounted in supporting connection with the tray portion so as to be slidably movable thereon along the direction of the arrow U in the figure.

17. In the exemplary embodiment the deflector 194 is moved by a drive screw 198 which is selectively driven in response to the controller in any direction of rotation by a drive 199 and pulley assembly 200.

Deflector 196 includes an opening 202 therethrough. The tray portion 194 includes a corresponding opening 204. The tray opening 204 corresponds to the position of the envelope deposit opening 189 in the partition wall that limits the chest when the mechanism 120 is in an operative position. Tray opening 204 is located generally underlying gap 188. As can be appreciated by the selective operation of drive 199, baffle opening 202 can be selectively moved to align the opening in the baffle with the opening in the tray. In such circumstances, envelopes passing into gap 188 are allowed to move into container 128 to contain deposits. Also when the baffle is moved by actuation to cause the opening in the baffle to be disposed remote from the tray opening, access to the container for holding deposits is blocked. Thus the portion of the deflector or plate 196 that is moved to block access through the gap to the magazine envelope opening serves as the gate.

Deflector 196 further includes a pair of cam grooves 206 therein. As shown in FIG. 18, cam grooves 206 are aligned with, and sized to accept, cams 166 that extend in underlying relationship to floor member 136. As a result the movement of the deflector relative to the tray also allows the floor member to be selectively moved up and down in the area adjacent to the pick-up belts at a disposed end of the pivot 146. This interconnection causes the floor support to supports the stack of envelopes from moving with the part of the deflector that serves as the hatch.

Deflector 196 further has in operative connection therewith an actuator roller 208. The roller 208 in the exemplary embodiment is in operative connection with a cam member that is engaged with a cam portion on an arm 210. The arm 210 is movably mounted relative to the tray member through a pivot mount 212. (See figure 18). As explained in detail below, movement of the arm 210 by engagement of the roller 208 and the cam facilitates maintaining the proper operating condition of the ink jet recording head used in the exemplary embodiment.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the transport belts 180 in the area of ​​the tensioning roller 182 extend adjacent to a transport element that includes a platform 214. The transport belts 180 are also operative to engage a pair of toothed rollers 216 extending through openings in the transport platform 214. Toothed rollers rotate in coordination with the conveyor belts to facilitate movement of envelopes through them.

As depicted in Figures 19-21, the transport platform 214 in the exemplary embodiment has a surface having a curved portion and extending to a supply section 218 that extends adjacent the outer end 122 of the transport element. Platform 214 includes an article support surface with a curved portion 215 through which a plurality of aligned openings serve as openings through which freely rotating belt support rollers 220 extend. Belt support rollers 220 are positioned such that transport belts 180 move in overlapping relationship therewith.

In the exemplary embodiment the elastic transport belts 180 are supported on output rollers 222 which rotate on a movable output shaft 224 as explained below. Pressure applying rollers 226 are spring biased by leaf springs 227 and serve to maintain downward pressure on the conveyor belts in supply section 216. The biasing action of rollers 182 and 226 serves to bias adjacent lengths of belts 180 toward engagement of curved portion 215. The guide rollers 228 serve to guide the return legs of the transport belts 180 between the transport drive rollers 176 and the exit rollers 222.

In the exemplary embodiment of the deposit mechanism 120, when the automated banking machine operates to perform a deposit transaction for a user, the controller operates to distribute an envelope from the area

ES 2 393 068 T3

132 for storing envelopes and for supplying the envelope to the user of the machine through an opening in the outer end 122 of the transport member 124. The envelope dispenser at the ATM is operational to distribute an empty envelope. This is accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by the controller operating drive 199 to cause cam slots 206 in deflector 196 to move so that cams 166 extending on the underside of element 136 of ground move down to engage with cam slots 206. This causes the collection straps serving as the collection element to extend above the surface of the floor element and the rails, and to engage with the end envelope that borders the lower end of the stack 207 of envelopes. The motor drive shaft 178 operates to rotate in the direction of arrow T so that the take-up belts 154, 156 drive the lower end envelope in the stack 207 to move along a first direction toward the wall 168 . In addition, stripper assembly 170 is disposed downward such that angled friction pads 172 are disposed downward such that on the stack side they are approximately an envelope thickness above the plane of element 136 of lowered ground as shown in figure 13.

The action of the take-up straps 154, 156 urges the lower envelope to the right as shown in Figure 13 to engage the downwardly angled elastic strip surface on the friction pads. Such a latch resists movement of the envelope by engaging the side of the envelope opposite the take-up belts and generally causes the lower end envelope limiting the stack to separate from the stack.

The force of the pick-up belts, and particularly the raised lugged rolling surface areas 234 on the pick-up belts 156 serving as the toothed portion, engage the underside of the end envelope and force the leading edge thereof into space. tangency formed by drive belts 180 supported on rollers 176 and pinch rollers 174 that rotate on shaft 162. Engagement of the leading edge of a lowermost envelope in the tangent space formed by the rollers causes the envelope to move with the belt lengths through the gap 188 and to engage with the toothed rollers 216.

As best shown in FIG. 14, the exemplary configuration of release member 170 and angled release pads 172 achieves an embossing configuration on the lowermost envelope 230. The warped configuration of the envelope further helps to facilitate the separation of the lowermost envelope in the stack of other envelopes.

An additional feature of the exemplary dispenser mechanism for empty envelopes is that empty envelopes can be accommodated containing features for sealing the envelopes by an ATM user. For example, empty envelopes including release strips can be placed in the container to hold empty envelopes with such release strips directed downwardly toward the floor stand. Since generally such release strips covering the adhesive are on the transverse margins of the envelopes, the envelopes can be moved by engagement with the pick-up straps without engaging the release strips. This allows envelopes to be picked up without damaging the peel strips and without encountering significant differences in frictional properties that can result in skewed envelopes and jams. Such peelable strip envelopes may be desirable as they eliminate the need for users to suck or otherwise apply moisture to the reservoir envelopes to seal them after materials have been placed therein. Alternatively, other types of sealing approaches may be used with respect to empty deposit envelopes. They may include, for example, pull-down tabs or other approaches to expose adhesive material that is used to seal the envelope once materials have been placed thereon by a user. The exemplary dispensing mechanism, with the belt lengths and toothed portion serving as the pickup member and the angled overlapping elastic surfaces serving as the release member, is well suited for individually separating such envelopes. Of course the construction described is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, as the collected envelope 230 moves with the transport belts 180 over the gap 188, the leading edge of the envelope engages with rotating toothed rollers 216. The toothed rollers direct the leading edge of the envelope to be engaged between the surface of the transport platform 214 and the opposite platform surface directed to portions of the transport belts 180 adjacent thereto. An envelope sensor 232 comprises movable elements that extend through a plurality of slots in the platform and is positioned to sense the leading edge of the envelope in relation to conveyor belts adjacent to the platform. In response to such envelope detection, the controller in the exemplary embodiment is operative to cause the deflector 196 to translate relative to the tray portion and to cause the cams 166 to move out of the cam grooves 206. . This raises the floor element 136 upward in the area of ​​the friction pads 172. In the exemplary embodiment, since release member 170 is mounted in offset relationship with wall 168, a downward clamping force is applied to the collected envelope as it continues to move out of the stack as a result of the driving force imparted thereto by the transport belts and pinch rollers 174. In the exemplary embodiment this clamping force on the moving envelope is further operative to help separate the end envelope at the bottom of the stack from other envelopes as they tend to come out along with the collected envelope. Furthermore, the elevation of the floor element 136 is operative to cause the rails on the surface of the floor element to reposition above the movable pick-up belts. This unhooks the extra envelope pickup straps in the stack and reduces the risk of extra envelopes being picked up.

ES 2 393 068 T3

Once the collected envelope 230 has been moved from the stack such that it has left the pinch point formed by the transport belts and pinch rollers 174, the envelope moves in engagement with the transport belts between the surface. from the transport platform 214 and belt support rollers to the exit rollers 222. As this occurs, the gate adjacent to the opening at the outer end 122 is opened in a manner explained below, and the envelope is actuated until sensors detect the envelope as it extends through the opening and is available to the customer, at which point the controller ceases further movement of the transport belts.

The exemplary embodiment of the envelope dispenser mechanism is useful in that envelopes are reliably separated by both the separating action of the angled friction pads as well as the wavy-type embossing contour that is imparted to the envelope by the elements. collection and detachment. Furthermore, a reliable separation of the lower-end envelope from other envelopes in the stack is generally ensured by the clamping action that occurs as a result of raising the floor member 136 after the envelope has been moved away from the stack a sufficient distance.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the stripper is spring biased but can move in response to excessive thickness. Thus, if for some reason a substantial number of envelopes cannot be separated from each other, the entire stack can be moved out past the release member and through the transport member towards the user. This prevents malfunctions and taking the machine out of service when such conditions occur. In the exemplary embodiment the separation member is operative to allow approximately 3.5 millimeters thick envelope to pass through without jamming. This represents a substantial number of envelopes and can reduce the risk of machine malfunction.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment discussed above is that the mechanism is operative to handle envelopes that have peel strips of wax on the sides or edges of the envelope. Such release strips can be loaded into the envelope storage area with such strips directed in a downward direction. Since the exemplary embodiment does not include any elastic engaging surfaces that apply opposing forces and that may contribute to such release strips dislodging from the envelope during removal of the envelope from the end of the stack, each envelope can move with the strip. Intact peel off on the underside of the envelope towards a user.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the pick-up belts include raised segments 234 that serve as a high-force toothed portion. As best shown in Figures 10 and 11, the raised segments in the take-up belts 156 are comprised of enlarged lug tread surface portions that extend higher than the surrounding tread surface. In the exemplary embodiment the raised segments 234 are disposed on take-up belts 156, 180 degrees apart. These toothed portions provide additional thrust and friction force to move the lowest envelope in the stack.

A further useful aspect employed in the exemplary embodiment to facilitate the collection of envelopes is the use of the stepping motor to drive the rollers and belts. In the exemplary embodiment the stepper motor is in operative connection with a control circuitry that in response to the controller causes the stepper motor to operate in an oscillating manner. In some embodiments the motor can operate in a vibratory manner with a vibration frequency but always having a desired net forward drive on the envelope. This results in vibration with desired forward or backward movement which further helps to separate envelopes from the stack of envelopes. For example in an exemplary embodiment the controller may be programmed to determine if the leading edge of an envelope is detected to have reached the sensor 232 at a particular time after the effort to pick up an envelope is initiated. In response to the controller failing to detect the envelope within the desired time, the controller operates to cause the vibratory action of the motor to begin. This vibrating action and the resulting shaking and oscillating movements of the parts in engagement with the envelope is generally operative to cause the lowermost envelope to be collected. Of course, it should be appreciated that additional retrieval routines can also be performed, such as actuating the belts and rollers in a reciprocating motion as well as moving the deflector back and forth to raise and lower the floor member of the envelope-holding container, to facilitate end envelope separation.

In an exemplary embodiment the stepper motor or other drive is also used to provide an audible indication in response to the controller. This is accomplished, for example, by operating the controller to drive the stepper motor in a vibratory manner to produce an audible emission from the motor and components connected to it. This may avoid the need in some ATMs for a separate audible exit device. Thus, for example, the controller can be programmed to indicate to an ATM user that an empty deposit envelope has been picked up and moved through the transport member through the deposit opening, and is ready for use. the user picks it up. Upon sensing the over empty in this position, the controller can cause the stepper motor to be driven to vibrate and provide an audible "beep" or periodic audible signal to indicate to the user that something needs to be done. Audible signals may also be provided in other circumstances such as to indicate malfunction. In some embodiments different audible signals may be produced by vibrating action. Naturally these approaches are exemplary.

ES 2 393 068 T3

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the floor member 136 generally functions to hold the lowermost envelope unengaged by the pickup straps during times when an envelope is not being picked up. This helps to maintain a desirable contour for the lowermost envelope to facilitate collection thereof when the floor element is lowered. It should be understood that the features described in connection with collecting envelopes can also be applied to collecting other types of media such as sheets.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the portion of the baffle element that serves as the hatch is configured to maintain security by maintaining access to a container for holding deposits through the blocked gap 188 at appropriate times while a about the user. This also provides additional security to minimize the risk of criminals removing deposited items from the container. Of course, many other additional advantages are obtained by the principles employed in the exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment the supply section 218 adjacent the outer area 122 is adapted both to supply empty envelopes to a user of the machine as well as to accept envelopes for deposit in the machine. Such accepted envelopes may have uniform or non-uniform contours. As shown in FIG. 22, exit rollers 222 are supported on an exit shaft 224. In the exemplary embodiment the elastic transport belts 180 extend around the exit rollers 222. Belt support rollers 220 extend through openings in a base surface of the pallet in the supply section and are in abutment relationship with exit rollers 222 when an envelope is not extending therebetween.

In the exemplary embodiment the supply section 218 includes side walls 236 transversely bounding the transport member. The side walls 236 include in the same angled grooves 238 that extend generally upward. Angled grooves 238 are dimensioned to accept opposite ends of an output shaft 234 therein in movable relationship. Circular guides 240 located on output shaft 224 facilitate movement of outer shaft 224 relative to the slot. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment the angled grooves 238 are angled such that the tension applied by the elastic conveyor belts 180 is operative to bias the output rollers 222 and output shaft 224 toward the lower end. from the slot. This makes it easy to keep the transport straps and rollers engaged with the envelope.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the exemplary embodiment the outer end 122 of the transport member is provided with a cover housing referred to herein as bevel 242 that includes an opening 244 therein through the which envelopes pass to and from a user. Bezel 242 is operatively connected to supply section 218. Further movably mounted in underlying relationship to the bevel of the exemplary embodiment is a movable gate member 246 which is discussed in detail below. In FIG. 23 the gate member 246 is shown in an open position. As shown in FIG. 23, a sensor 248 is provided within the inner transport member of the exit rollers 222. In the exemplary embodiment the sensor 248 comprises a plurality of movable members or fingers that can move and extend through slots disposed transversely at locations through the transport member. Items move in the slots in response to the presence or absence of envelopes in that position. Figure 25 shows the plurality of sensor elements associated with sensor 248 arranged in areas through the transport element. Furthermore, the nature of the sensor elements further participates in helping to move the envelopes by reducing the surface tension between the envelopes and the base of the transport element. In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor elements are in operative connection with an electrical switch, photo switch, or other sensor that provides a suitable signal to the controller. A center rib 250 is also provided adjacent the outlet to reduce surface tension and facilitate movement of the envelope.

Figure 24 is representative of useful properties of the exemplary mounting provided for output shaft 224 and output rollers 222. The ability of the shaft to move in the grooves 238 at an angle in response to envelopes of varying thickness facilitates the ability of the shaft to adapt to the height of the envelopes so that the transport belts 180 can engage the envelopes sufficiently to move the envelopes. envelopes in them. Furthermore, the elastic nature of the transport belts in combination with the angled grooves 238 serves to deflect the exit rollers 222 along with the transport belts for engagement with the envelopes. Figure 26 shows an exemplary envelope containing coin 252. In envelope 252 the coin is shown arranged on one side of the envelope. The space provided within the carrying element allows this envelope containing currency to be moved along the carrying belts within the carrying element. An alternate envelope is shown within the transport member in Figure 27. This envelope 254 contains folded notes entering the transport member and underlying the exit rollers 222. As shown in Figure 27, the exit rollers and the transport belts supported thereon are allowed to move to allow the envelope to pass while remaining in engagement with the envelope. This generally allows the envelope to be transported without opening it by tearing or tearing.

Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 19 and 20, the displaceable character of the pressure applying rollers 226 which in the exemplary embodiment are mounted to be displaceable on curved leaf springs 227 helps maintain engagement of the blades. conveyor belts with the envelopes after moving the envelope past the exit rollers 222. In addition, the flexible offset mounting of the pinch rollers 226 allows envelopes to pass

ES 2 393 068 T3 of various contours and thicknesses. In addition, the curved portion 215 of the platform 214 and the forces applied by the overlapping conveyor belts maintain a conveyed envelope in captured relationship between the platform surface, the belt support rollers, and the belts to facilitate movement thereof. As represented by the force vector arrows in Figures 19 and 20, the force of the straps serves to maintain such engagement. In the exemplary embodiment this allows intact irregular contoured envelopes to be moved to the area of ​​gap 188 from which the envelopes can pass into container 128 to hold reservoirs. Of course, these approaches are to be understood as exemplary. However, the principles described can be applied in many embodiments to achieve the transport of envelopes or other media or stacks thereof having regular or irregular contours.

In an exemplary embodiment the rollers used for the conveyor element exit rollers 222 and exit shaft 224 may have the structures shown in Figures 28 to 30. As shown in these figures the rollers 222 are shown. without the upper outer cover that engages with the transport straps when the rollers are in operation. In some exemplary embodiments the output rollers 222 are freewheeling relative to the shaft. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments it is desirable that the rollers rotate in any direction with low frictional resistance, easily assemble into the shaft, and be reliable in maintaining engagement with and in position relative to the shaft. In the exemplary embodiment this is accomplished by the rollers being formed with a body having an integral bearing portion 256. The bearing portion 256 terminates at an inner end in an annular planar surface 258. The annular planar surface 258 is adapted to engage in sliding relationship with an annular step surface 260 extending radially on the shaft. Engagement of the annular plane surface with the radially extending step surface is operative to limit axial movement of the roller relative to the shaft.

The exemplary bearing portion 256 includes therein at an annular end opposite the annular planar surface, a plurality of radially inwardly extending deformable fingers 262. In the exemplary embodiment the inwardly extending fingers have outwardly extending edges that extend radially inward relative to hole 264 that is dimensioned to accept the shaft and that extends through the bearing portion. In the exemplary embodiment the inwardly extending fingers 262 as well as the bearing portion are comprised of generally rigid yet resilient material so that the inwardly extending fingers may deform yet rapidly regain their contour which is extend in original.

The shaft 224 of the exemplary embodiment includes annular recesses 266 therein. The annular recesses 266 are disposed axially relative to the step surfaces at a distance generally corresponding to the axial distance between the annular planar surface 258 and the inwardly extending fingers 262 of the rollers. Furthermore, the size and distance between the step surface and the annular recesses is such that in some exemplary embodiments the rollers 222 are allowed to rotate easily relative to the shaft when the roller is mounted thereon so that the fingers that extend inwardly extend into and are movable in the adjacent annular recess.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that rollers 222 can be mounted to shaft 224 without the use of tools or fasteners. As shown in Figures 28 and 30, the rollers move relative to each other axially on the shaft so that the shaft extends into the bore 264 of the bearing portion. The inwardly extending fingers 262 deform from their original position temporarily as the roller moves axially inward relative to the shaft. However, once the inwardly extending fingers reach the annular recesses 266, the fingers return to their normal shape. This engagement of the fingers within the annular recesses serves to hold the rollers in position relative to the shaft. Furthermore, when the roller is moved axially so that the finger portions engage in the annular recess, the annular flat surface abuts the annular step surface on the shaft. Such engagement prevents further axial movement of the roller that can cause the fingers to come out of the annular recess. Once the additional axial force moving the roller is stopped, the engagement of the fingers in the annular recess causes the annular flat surface in the exemplary embodiment to be adjacent to but disposed slightly away from the annular step surface. , to allow generally free rotation of the roller with respect to the shaft. In this position the annular flat surface 258 of the roller is disposed sufficiently adjacent to the corresponding step surface 260 so that the roller is allowed to rotate freely relative to the shaft but is generally prevented from moving further axially inward by the engagement. with the step surface. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment the tapered contour of the inwardly extending fingers 262 causes the forces tending to move the rollers axially outward on the shaft to be resisted by the engagement of the outer ends of the pins. fingers with radially outwardly extending surfaces on the axially outward side of annular recesses 266. As can be appreciated, this approach and method provides a simple low friction mounting for the rollers relative to the shaft and a reliable low friction arrangement and rotation of the rollers relative to the shaft.

In the exemplary embodiment the principles described in conjunction with the exit roll assembly 222 can also be applied to other rolls. Figure 31 shows an exemplary shape of guide rollers 228 used in the transport member to guide the return leg of the transport belts. Guide rollers 228 are shown mounted on a guide shaft 268. Guide rollers 228 include structures similar to those described in connection with rollers 222 to allow easy mounting and rotation of the rollers relative to the shaft. Obviously it should be understood that

These approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used. Specifically and without limitation, in some embodiments specific features may be included to provide rollers that are in fixed engagement such that the rollers rotate with the drive shaft. This can be achieved for example by including projections and recesses that engage each other in the roller and shaft structures. Such structures may include axially extending or radially extending projections or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the application and the nature of the forces being transmitted. Those skilled in the art can devise various approaches to achieve the desired degree of force transmission between rollers and shafts.

In some exemplary embodiments of the deposit accepting mechanism 120, difficulties may be encountered by envelopes entering or exiting the conveyor at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor belts 180. For example in Figure 41, an envelope 270 is shown with an extending edge that is folded over the right side of the carrier as shown due to the envelope being lopsided. This can happen for example because the envelope 270 has been lopsided on the transport element as it was being dispensed and has moved outward through the transport element in a lopsided position. Alternatively, such tipping may have occurred due to a user inserting the envelope lopsidedly. FIG. 40 is a top view showing the envelope with the edge folded into the transport member and having an edge thereof adjacent the output shaft 224. Figure 39 is representative of the envelope 270 that is being inserted into the container transport element in a lopsided manner.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 41, in the exemplary embodiment the lopsided nature of an envelope can present operational problems. Such problems can occur in both envelope distribution and envelope reception. For example, if an envelope is being dispensed to a user and it is lopsided in the manner shown in FIG. 41, the folded end of the envelope may become obstructed as it passes out through exit shaft 224. When this happens, a jam adjacent to the outlet will be detected and / or the envelope may be torn or damaged when presented to the user. Likewise, lopsided envelopes can also be a problem with respect to deposit acceptance operations. For example, an envelope may be accepted into the transport element and then because certain parameters of the envelope have been detected that hint that it should be returned to the customer, the controller operates to reverse the direction of the transport belts 180 to pass the envelope. back to the user. If under these circumstances the envelope is tilted and the trailing edge has already moved into the transport member past the output shaft 224, the folded edge of the envelope may catch on the shaft. This may result in the inability to return the envelope and / or tear or damage to the envelope.

In some alternative embodiments the problems associated with lopsided envelopes can be reduced through the use of envelope guides. Such envelope guides can function to push the envelopes at an angle to acquire a particular contour or configuration that allows them to more easily enter and / or exit the transport element without catching on other structures which can cause damage, jams or tears. An exemplary embodiment of such guides is shown in Figures 34-37. The envelope guides 272 and 274 are mounted on opposite sides of the transport belts in support connection with the side walls of the transport element. Obviously, as can be seen in Figure 34, the left carry strap is not shown for clarity. Although in the exemplary embodiment the envelope guides are mounted in fixed relation to the side walls 236, in other embodiments such guides may be movably mounted and / or spring loaded.

Since envelope guides 272 and 274 are symmetrical to each other, only guide 272 will be described in detail. Guide 272 includes a shaped surface 276 that extends generally vertically. In the exemplary embodiment the vertical guide 276 extends in a generally inward dependent manner such that it further extends inward of the transport member increasing proximity to the output shaft 224. The exemplary shape of envelope guide 272 further includes a generally downward facing surface 278. The downward facing surface 278 is tapered to be closer to the platform surface of the transport member increasing proximity to the output shaft. This forces the articles to move under the output shaft. Obviously as can be appreciated, the exemplary shape of envelope guide 272 has a vertically extending termination surface 280 that is disposed sufficiently from output shaft 224 not to interfere with movement thereof. This is shown in figure 35.

As best depicted in Figures 34 and 36, an envelope 282 that is skewed relative to the transport member is allowed to more easily move in and out past exit rollers 222. This occurs because if the envelope is being distributed and tilted in the manner shown in Figure 34, the front folded edge of the envelope engages the downward-facing surfaces of the envelope guides and is caused to deform in such a way that the folded edge of the envelope can move under the output shaft 224. This is further shown by the relationship between the downward facing surface 278 of the guide extending generally at about the level of the bottom of the undeformed position of the output shaft 224. Thus, as the envelope moves outward, the folded edge passes under the output shaft and is not trapped therein. In addition, as can be seen the inwardly extending vertical guide surfaces facilitate movement of the envelopes that can be tilted severely enough so that the folded edges of the envelope engage with the rollers and through the action of the rollers move. to deform and pass under the output shaft.

ES 2 393 068 T3

Similar principles can be applied in circumstances where an envelope is inserted into the conveying element in a lopsided manner as shown in Figure 37. In such circumstances the lopsided envelope will generally deform and bend to move past the rollers. 222 output. However, if it is necessary to reject the deposited envelope, the guides will function to deform the edges so that the envelope can pass out under the output shaft. Such approaches facilitate reliable movement of envelopes into and out of the transport member despite such envelopes being skewed and can avoid envelope jams and provide increased reliability. Of course these approaches are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

In some embodiments users may encounter difficulties when attempting to insert relatively large and / or irregularly shaped envelopes into the automated banking machine for deposit. In some cases such envelopes may not be readily accepted because the movably mounted exit rollers 222 and transport belts 180 supported therein may not readily move upward to a sufficient degree in response to snagging the envelope to allow an envelope to thick in between. This can be particularly a problem in situations where there are relatively thick or irregularly contoured envelopes that are comprised of low friction material. In such circumstances the conveyor belts may not have sufficient frictional engagement with the envelope to allow the envelope to move into the tangent space between the exit rollers 222 and the associated conveyor belts and rollers 220. Such deficiencies can result in such users trying to force the envelopes into the transport member. This increases the risks of envelope tearing and / or jamming.

To allow envelopes having greater thickness and / or lower friction properties to more easily enter the outer end of the envelope transport member, some alternative embodiments of the invention may incorporate structures such as that shown in Figures 32 and 33. In this alternative exemplary embodiment, output rollers 222 are mounted relative to output shaft 224 such that rotation of the output rollers in response to conveyor belts 180 causes shaft 224 to rotate. This can be done for example in the manner discussed above by providing latching connection between the output rollers 222 and the shaft. Obviously alternative means may be employed to secure the exit rollers to the shaft so that they rotate together.

In this alternative exemplary embodiment package rollers 284 are mounted on and rotate with output shaft 224. For the purposes of this description, lump rollers are rollers with outer surfaces that include protrusions that provide improved gripping action. In the exemplary embodiment the bundle rollers 284 are mounted so that there is a position on the shaft in intermediate relation of the exit rollers 222 as well as one on each outer side between the exit rollers 222 and the side wall 236. . In the exemplary embodiment the lump rollers are generally comprised of firm but resilient material in the area of ​​engagement with the envelope. Such a latch area is also made up of material that has sufficient gripping friction properties to facilitate latching and movement of the envelopes. In the exemplary embodiment the bundle rollers 284 generally comprise a cross shape with generally curved outer surfaces 286. As best shown in FIG. 33, the exemplary shape of the lump rollers allows the curved surfaces 286 to extend somewhat more radially outward than the surface of the conveyor belts 180 on the exit rollers 222. However, the outer surfaces 286 are positioned so that when the output shaft 224 is at the bottom of the angled slot 238 , the outer surfaces 286 are allowed to pass the base surface of the carrier without engagement.

In operation of this alternate embodiment, package rollers 284 rotate with exit rollers 222 and transport belts 180. Engaging with an envelope the outer surfaces 286 of the bundle rollers provide additional traction to the envelope, urging it to move it into the transport member to facilitate movement of the output shaft 224 upward. Further in the exemplary embodiment the arcuate recesses 288 extending between the outer surfaces 286 provide additional latching force in the areas leading to the outer surfaces which further serve to help the shaft move upward and pull. the envelopes passing through the output shaft 224. This action allows the reciprocating conveyor to handle larger thicknesses or irregular contours without damaging the envelopes. Furthermore, as can be appreciated, the nature of the package rollers 284 is such that the rollers provide similar traction when moving envelopes in an outward direction through the transport member. This can facilitate the rejection of envelopes within the transport item that must be returned to the customer. The parcel rollers can also serve to facilitate the exit of a transport element from a stack of empty envelopes which due to malfunction in the load have become entangled with each other and which can only be moved from the transport element as part of a stack. This can occur for example with certain types of envelopes that have flaps that may have inadvertently interlocked or that through contamination or errors in the manufacturing process have stuck together. Obviously it should be understood that the structures described in connection with the lump rollers are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary shape of the envelope accepting mechanism 120 is that the mechanism can be more easily adapted for use in various types of automated banking machines. This is allowed by providing that the delivery section 218 can extend horizontally beyond a curved portion 215 by varying the distances. This can be useful for using the mechanism within various types of machines where the position of the components within the machine relative to the opening at the outer end can vary. The figu

ES 2 393 068 T3 ras 42-44 show an exemplary structure used in one embodiment of the invention to facilitate delivery section 218 being of different lengths.

In the exemplary delivery section 218 shown, the delivery section is comprised of two mutually engaging sections 290 and 292. The delivery sections 292 in this exemplary embodiment are located adjacent to the outer end 122 and include the structures associated with the exit rollers and shaft. Section 292 includes side walls 236 having angled grooves 238. Further as can be seen in Figures 42 and 43, section 292 includes a base deck surface 294 having openings 296 therein in which are mounted belt support rollers 220 which are below rollers 222. output. In the exemplary embodiment the base surface 294 includes at opposite transverse ends, shaft support cavities 298 formed. The shaft support cavities 298 are adapted to house shaft parts 299 therein (see FIG. 23), which shafts support the rollers that extend into the openings when the unit is assembled. Section 292 further includes slots 300 through which movable contact fingers associated with envelope sensor 248 extend. Section 292 further includes an angled intake surface 302. The intake surface 302 in the exemplary embodiment is serrated to co-operate with the gate member 246 in a manner discussed below.

Section 290 also includes side walls 304 and a base deck surface 306. Base deck surface 306 includes openings 308 for accepting belt support rollers as well as shaft support cavities 310 similar to shaft support cavities 298. In the exemplary form of section 290 the base surface 306 also includes grooves 312 to allow the fingers associated with a mid-conveyor envelope sensor to movably extend therethrough. In addition, sections 290 and 292 further include clamping openings 214 that are used to mount additional structures therein such as rib 250. These structures should of course be understood to be exemplary and other embodiments or other structures may be used.

As best shown in FIG. 43, section 290 includes at a forward end thereof, a downwardly dependent wall 316 with locating tabs 318 extending therein. Recesses extend between locating tabs 318. Section 292 includes a downwardly extending U-shaped wall 320. The U-shaped wall 320 includes cutouts 322 therein. The U-shaped wall 320 is configured so that the distance between the legs comprising the U-shaped wall are sufficiently far apart to accept the section wall 316 290 therein. In addition, the cutouts 322 are dimensioned and positioned so that the tabs 318 are allowed to engage therewith in aligned relationship. This is depicted in figure 44. As can be appreciated when the tabs and cutouts are engaged, the walls 236 and 304 of the sections 290 and 292 are generally aligned just like the adjacent portions of the base deck surfaces 294 and 306. Additionally as shown in Figure 44 in the exemplary embodiment, the areas where the sections meet are rounded to facilitate movement of envelopes or other media through the joint area while minimizing the risk of entrapment.

Also in the exemplary embodiment section 292 includes a lug portion 324. The ear portion 324 includes an opening 326 therein. Opening 326 is located in aligned relationship with an opening 328 in side wall 304 when sections 290 and 292 are assembled. The clamping device (not shown separately) extends to engage aperture 326 and aperture 328 to hold the sections in engaged relationship.

As further shown in FIG. 43, section 290 includes a further bent wall portion 330 having cutouts 332 therein. In addition, section 290 includes lug portions 334 with openings 336 therein. As can be appreciated, these structures are similar to those used to join sections 290 and 292 and can be used to engage section 290 with an additional transport section such as an additional horizontally extending section or an upper end of platform 214 curve.

As can be appreciated, in this exemplary embodiment the delivery section 218 extending horizontally outward between the outer plate of the automated banking machine and the curved portion of the conveyor element, can be made of various lengths depending on the length. and the number of sections used. Thus the envelope deposit mechanism of the exemplary embodiment can be used in more types of machines. In addition, the structures used are easily assembled and minimize the risk of the envelopes being trapped as they pass between the sections of the transport element. Of course it should be understood that these structures are exemplary and in other embodiments, other structures and approaches may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the deposit mechanism 120, a gate device is employed to minimize the risk of people accessing the conveyor and the interior of the banking machine attempting to gain access to items of value within. In the exemplary embodiment the gate is located adjacent to outer end 122 and functions to control access through opening 244. In the exemplary embodiment the gate operates only to provide access through the aperture when the controller operates the machine to deliver an envelope to a user, or when the machine is operating to perform an envelope.

ES 2 393 068 T3 transaction in which a deposit envelope is to be lodged inside the machine. Of course it should be understood that the structures and methods described are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

As best shown in Figures 45-50, a gate member 246 can rotate about a pivot 338. The pivot 338 is supported by side walls 236 of the transport section 292. In addition, the gate and pivot element 246 is located behind the bevel 242. In the exemplary embodiment, the bevel 242 includes both a front wall 340 and side walls 342. In the exemplary embodiment the side walls extend rearward from the front wall and overlap at the gate as well as the outer end of section 292 to reduce the risk of tampering. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment the bevel 242 includes a top wall 344 and a bottom wall 346. The top and bottom walls further overlap the gate and the end of section 292 to reduce the risk of tampering. Of course, these structures should be understood to be exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

Exemplary bevel 242 includes walls 348, 350 that limit aperture 244 on the top and bottom sides respectively. Bevel 244 also includes inwardly tapered sidewalls 352. Walls 348, 350, and 352 form a funnel-shaped groove to facilitate exit and entry of envelopes through opening 244. In addition, front bevel wall 340 includes opening 354. In the exemplary embodiment aperture 354 allows the user to view lighting devices such as LEDs that are selectively illuminated in response to the controller. This allows the controller to illuminate lighting fixtures to draw a user's attention to aperture 244 at appropriate times during transactions. This may include for example when the unit is dispensing an envelope to a user and / or when the user is expected to deposit an envelope on the device. In some exemplary embodiments the light emitting devices may allow illumination in different colors and / or may flash at different frequencies in response to the controller. This can further facilitate guiding the attention of a user of the automated banking machine to the opening at appropriate times. Obviously these approaches are exemplary.

As best shown in FIG. 50, in the exemplary embodiment the gate 246 includes an outwardly extending portion 356. The outwardly extending portion 356 in the closed position of the gate shown in FIG. 50 overlaps the interior of the top wall 348 of the bevel. This serves to reduce opportunities for unauthorized access to the interior of the machine when the gate is closed.

Further as shown in FIG. 50, gate 246 includes a lower inwardly extending portion 358. Inwardly extending portion 358 comprises a plurality of transversely disposed recesses that provide a generally serrated surface in the exemplary embodiment. This surface engages in mutually engaging relationship with a plurality of projections which are elongated in the direction of movement of the envelopes on the transport member, and which are alternately referred to herein as zipper portions 380. In the closed position of the gate, the projections also extend through the serrated intake surface 302 of the base 294. In this exemplary embodiment the mutually engaging relationship of the shields, the inwardly extending toothed portion 358 and the toothed intake portion 302 in the closed position of the gate 246 helps to minimize the risk of tampering. This is achieved because deformation of the gate by persons attempting to manipulate it can cause the gate to interlock and jam adjacent structures to prevent the gate from opening. Furthermore, the structure of the exemplary embodiment reduces the opportunities for persons to gain access to the interior of the banking machine through the use of pry-type tools or other devices.

In the exemplary embodiment an actuator element 360 is movably mounted in support connection with the delivery section 218 as best shown in FIG. 46. Movement of the actuator element 360 is permitted in the embodiment by way of example backwards and forwards generally transversely to the direction of movement of the gate along the lines of arrow V through the action of mutually engaging pins and grooves 362. In the exemplary embodiment the slots 364 have an enlarged circular end portion through which the enlarged heads of the pins 366 may extend. However, the configuration of the enlarged end portions of the grooves is such that the actuator element can only engage and disengage from some of the pins in particular positions. As a result, the risk that the actuator element may disengage from its support pins in any particular position during its movement is reduced.

In the exemplary embodiment the actuator member includes a cam slot 368 adjacent the forward end thereof. The cam slot is limited within the actuator by a cam surface. A cam follower 370 is in connection with gate 246 and is engaged in cam slot 368. Also in the exemplary embodiment the cam slot 368 includes an enlarged area 372 at one end thereof. The enlarged area 372 is in an area of ​​the cam slot beyond where the cam follower is located when the gate is moved between the open and closed positions. The enlarged area is used to facilitate assembly by providing access for the cam follower head 370 to extend into the cam slot. However, as is the case with the other pin and guide structures, once the head moves away from the enlarged area in the cam slot as would be the case at all times during normal operation of the mechanism, the head cannot be pulled out of the latch slot.

ES 2 393 068 T3

As shown in FIG. 46, actuator element 360 includes a gear rack portion 374 in operative connection therewith. The gear rack portion is engaged with a rotating gear 376 that is driven by a drive (not shown separately). The drive is operated to selectively rotate the gear one way or the other in response to the controller in the banking machine. In the exemplary embodiment the state of the gate is determined by sensing the position of the actuator element.

In operation of the banking machine when gate member 246 is about to open, actuator member 360 moves to the forward position shown in Figure 47. This causes cam follower 370 to move from cam slot 368 to a relatively low position at a generally horizontally extending end portion of the cam slot. Because the cam follower is located on an opposite side of the pivot 338, the inwardly extending portion 358 of the gate moves upward beyond the opening 244. This is the gate position shown in the figure. 23 and allows articles to pass in and out of the transport element.

Rearward movement of actuator element 360 causes cam follower 370 to move to an intermediate position in a middle portion of cam slot 368 shown in Figures 45 and 48. In this position gate 246 is between the open and closed positions. Furthermore, movement of actuator element 360 rearward from the position shown in Figures 45 and 48 moves the cam follower by engagement with the cam surface delimiting the slot in an upper end portion 378 extending generally horizontally of the cam slot 368. In this position the gate moves to the closed forward position shown in Figure 50. As can be appreciated from Figures 48 and 47, the upper end portion of the cam slot extends in a generally horizontal and somewhat downward orientation. In the exemplary embodiment this reduces the risk that the gate member may be forcibly opened causing the actuator member 360 to move. This happens because the external force applied to open the gate does not result in the cam follower 370 applying a force on the actuator element 360 that would tend to cause it to translate along the direction of arrow V. Obviously these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As mentioned above, in the exemplary embodiment the bezel includes in bearing connection therewith projections which are referred to as rack portions 380. The rack portions 380 are operative in the exemplary embodiment to extend in engaged relationship in recesses in the inwardly extending portion 358 of the gate member 246 and the serrated intake surface 302 of the base 294. The rack portions 380 extend in the direction of the transport member and in interlocking relationship between the openings in the members when the gate is in the closed position. Such rack portions may further serve to provide resistance to deformation and tampering with the gate member. Of course these structures are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, controller circuitry and programming may be employed to facilitate handling of situations that may occur at the ATM and that may otherwise cause problems or an out-of-service condition. Such conditions can sometimes be the result of people putting their fingers or other objects in the opening of the transport element at a time when the gate is about to move from the open to the closed position. Other conditions that may occur may be the result of moisture entering the area adjacent to the gate and then freezing due to the ATM being located in an outside environment. When this happens, the ice that forms can cause the gate to freeze shut. A further alternative condition that may occur may be a situation where the envelope such as one that has been distributed from the mechanism to a customer or alternatively one that a customer may have started to insert, is left in the opening in an area by under the hatch.

In an exemplary embodiment the controller in combination with associated circuitry is operative to monitor at least one parameter associated with gate movement as a function of time. In the exemplary embodiment, the monitored parameter is current and the controller is operative to compare a normal current vs. time profile for a normal gate opening and / or closing operation with a current vs. time profile. It is found during each opening and closing operation of the gate. This is achieved in the exemplary embodiment by monitoring current consumption versus time for the drive moving gear 376. Such comparisons that are continuous in opening and closing operations allow detection of undesirable or unusual conditions and the controller operates according to its programming to prevent malfunctions or to minimize damage that may result from such conditions.

If for example the gate is frozen in the closed position due to freezing rain or other conditions, the current vs. time profile encountered when the controller operates to try to open the gate would indicate a power-on in a short period of time after ordering. to the hatch to open. The comparison executed by the processor of the current profile versus the time found against the expected profile would indicate the anomaly to the controller which would then operate according to its programmed instructions to further prevent attempts to open the damper and / or indicate a problem to a user and / or or maintenance person. Also in some exemplary embodiments the programming associated with the controller may continue to allow the machine to function to carry out transactions even though the deposit transaction is not available. In some exemplary embodiments the controller may further operate according to its programming to attempt additional corrective action.

ES 2 393 068 T3 such as causing the actuation of the geared actuator to enter a vibratory mode of the type discussed above through the use of stepper motors to release any obstruction. Alternatively or in addition the controller may turn on heaters, cause an antifreeze material to be applied to the gate area, or take other action that may be appropriate to return the machine to normal operation. The controller can run after attempting corrective action to operate the gate and repeat or take another corrective action if a problem is still found.

In other exemplary circumstances a person may put their fingers or other objects in the area of ​​the open hatch. Again, in these circumstances the circuitry and / or processor that compares the current profile versus the time encountered for the drive attempting to move the actuator element would detect the discrepancy between what is actually found and what is normally expected. In such circumstances, however, the controller can operate according to its programming to cause the drive to reverse the direction of the actuator to open the gate. Additionally or as an alternative the controller can operate on its schedule to take action to clear the jam. This may include for example taking repeated steps to open and close the gate. Alternatively or in addition the controller may function to cause the drive to operate the transport belts and / or to distribute and / or retract one or more envelopes from the transport element to attempt to remove the obstructions.

Alternatively or in addition the controller within the machine that is operative to compare the current profile versus time encountered in a given situation with that normally expected can be operated in a scheduled manner to take actions that are selectively dependent on the nature of the profile encountered. . For example, if the current versus time profile found shows a moderate and / or gradual rise in current draw as the gate reaches the closed position, this may be indicative of the presence of fingers, an envelope, or other material. generally soft. Alternatively if a rapid lift occurs it may indicate the insertion of a hard substance or tool into the transport element. This may be indicative of an attempted theft or other malfunction, and may be reported to the appropriate authorities. This can be done in the manner set forth in US Patent No. 5,984,178, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the ATM or associated device may be operative to capture and store images of the user and / or the machine. This can be done in the manner shown in US Pat. 6,583,810, which is also incorporated herein by reference. The controller can function to take actions based on its programming in response to the found profile.

Also in some exemplary embodiments the characteristics associated with monitoring the current profile versus time in a given situation and comparing it to a current profile versus the expected time can be combined with other sensing characteristics such as detecting the position in the that the gate encounters the obstruction, detect the area of ​​the gate with the obstruction, the temperature in the gate area and other appropriate sensors to allow the controller to make selective determinations as to the actions to be attempted. Of course, these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other or additional approaches may be used.

As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment a recording device comprising an ink jet printer is used. As shown in FIG. 51, in the exemplary embodiment an ink jet printer 382 comprises a removable cartridge that is mounted with a print head that includes nozzles adjacent to the platform 214. The ink jet printer is operated so that ink is sprayed from the nozzles on the print head to produce marking patterns to the envelopes that pass through the transport member in supporting connection with the platform 214. At the top exemplary embodiment the ink jet printer is operative to produce the markings by directing the ink through an opening in a cleaning device 384 as discussed below.

In the exemplary embodiment, a mechanism is provided for collecting excess ink that does not settle on the envelopes, as well as helping to hold the envelopes in a proper position. In the exemplary embodiment this is accomplished through an ink spittoon generally indicated 386. The exemplary shape of the ink spittoon serves as a container and includes a generally hollow body 388 with a cavity 390 therein. . The cavity 390 has an opening therein indicated at 392. The opening 392 generally overlaps the nozzles of the ink jet printer 382 at the spittoon operative position as shown in FIG. 51. As can be appreciated, this allows ink exiting the print head nozzles to pass into cavity 390 within body 388 through aperture 392 if no envelope or other item is present in intermediate relationship on the transport member. .

The exemplary shape of the spittoon 386 includes a head portion 394. Head portion 394 includes a pair of outwardly extending arms 396 terminating in pivot pins 398. In the exemplary embodiment the pins 398 can be releasably engaged in opposing walls that delimit the area above the curved platform 214 to provide pivot support. In addition, the pins 398 engage with such walls to allow the spittoon to rotate generally easily around the pins for purposes discussed later, and to generally bias the opening 392 toward the location of the nozzles.

ES 2 393 068 T3

In the exemplary embodiment, body 388 includes in operative connection therewith a revolving door 400 that serves as an access element that allows access to the interior cavity within the spittoon. Door 400 is rotatable about a hinge portion 402 to allow access to cavity 390. Door 400 of the exemplary embodiment includes integral snap-fit ​​projections 404 that are operative to releasably snap-engage with acceptance recesses 406 in the side walls of body 388 that delimit cavity 390. Door 400 allows Easily access the inside of the cavity to clean the ink inside the cavity.

In the exemplary embodiment of the spittoon 386, the body 388 is configured to include a cam surface 408. The cam surface 408 is shaped to push envelopes or other inwardly moving means in supportive connection with the platform 214 to move toward the nozzles of the ink jet printer 382. Body 388 further includes a cam surface 410. The cam surface 410 is shaped to direct the envelopes or other outward moving media past the ink jet printer to push them toward the platform 214 and the printer nozzles. In the exemplary embodiment a generally flat surface 412, including aperture 392, extends between cam surfaces 408 and 410. Of course, this structure is exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment of the spittoon 386, the cavity 390 includes within it a portion that extends below the opening 392. As a result, ink that may tend to pass into the cavity through the opening. it tends to drip from the inside of the lid and the walls that define the cavity and to accumulate in the lower part of the same below the opening. In the exemplary embodiment as depicted in Figure 51, showing the cavity in cross section, a spillway 414 is provided within the cavity to allow ink to accumulate within it on the underside of the spillway moving away of aperture 392 at a level vertically above aperture 392. This construction further facilitates the spittoon to operate for an extended period before it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

In operation of the exemplary embodiment, circumstances may occur when the controller operates the machine to print marks on envelopes when no envelope is present. In such circumstances, ink passes from the nozzles through opening 392 and becomes trapped within cavity 388. This ink may otherwise accumulate on other surfaces within the unit eventually causing the unit to malfunction. Additionally or alternatively, misdirected ink can result in accumulation of ink or other material on envelopes, rollers, and other surfaces which can prevent proper marking of envelopes. Additionally, ink jet printers can sometimes benefit from periodic efforts to test and clean ink jet nozzles that may be clogged. Exemplary structures allow such tests to be performed without any envelope being present, since ink can become trapped within the cavity of the spittoon structure. Furthermore, the structure further obviates the need for a cotton pad or other similar structure that is sometimes used in printers to accumulate excess ink that must be trapped when no medium is present. In alternative embodiments, sensors may be provided on the spittoon either within or on an exterior surface thereof to detect operational aspects of the printer.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary spittoon structure is that the body is biased around the pins into an overlapping relationship with the print head nozzles of the ink jet print cartridge. The body thus serves to cover the ink jet nozzles and reduces the risk of airborne dust or other contaminants accumulating therein. In addition, cam surfaces 408 and 410 serve to guide envelopes and / or other media moving past the ink jet printer to an appropriate position adjacent to the ink jet nozzles to facilitate printing thereon. A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that the pins and arm structures allow easy disengagement from the mechanism body to facilitate replacement or cleaning. In addition, the tilting opening door that delimits the cavity also facilitates the accumulation of the ink while allowing an easier cleaning of the interior of the same. Of course, it should be understood that these features are exemplary and in other embodiments, other or additional features may be used.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, maintenance of the ink jet printer 382 nozzles is accomplished through movement of the cleaning device 384. As discussed above, in the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device encompasses the nozzle area of ​​the ink jet printer 382 and includes openings therein through which the nozzles can spray ink. This is best shown in the operative position of the element 384 shown in FIG. 57. The cleaning device 384 includes an elastic brush portion 416 that extends downwardly and is adapted to engage the surface of the ink jet printer that includes the ink nozzles. A pair of opposing pin elements 418 extend outwardly from the wiper device 384 in an area rearward and above the brush portion.

It is best shown in Figures 18 and 54 that the forward end 420 of the wiper device 384 is operatively connected to the arm 210. In the exemplary embodiment the wiper is made generally easily releasable from the arm such as through a shaft connection. and stop. Arm 210 is operative to rotate in response to movement of deflector 196 by drive assembly 200. This occurs due to the action of the head maintenance roller 208 operating on a cam surface that is operatively connected to the arm 210.

ES 2 393 068 T3

As shown in FIG. 55, the platform 214 is formed therein with a slot 422 in which the cleaning device 384 can move. Adjacent to the groove in the area of ​​the pins 418 are a pair of ramp portions 424 arranged. Initially the cleaner is generally located flush with the deposit item that engages the surface of the platform. In response to movement of deflector 196, roller 208 engages cam on arm 210. Arm 210 moves and causes wiper device 384 to move to the right as shown in Figures 54 through 57. As wiper device 384 moves it is guided and held within slot 422. As As the wiper device 384 moves forward, the pins 418 move upward as shown in engagement with ramp portions 424. This causes the pins 418 to move up and over the upper surface of the deck 214. In this position the brush portion 416 continues to extend into the slot.

As the wiper device 384 moves forward the brush portion 416 moves forward through the ink jet nozzles. Cleaning force is further provided to the brush portion by engagement of the cleaning device 384 with the overlapping surface 412 of the body 388 of the spittoon 386. In addition, once the wiper device 384 has moved to a fully forward position, the controller operates the drive to return the deflector 396 to its original position. As this happens the cleaning device 384 moves to the left as shown causing the brush portion 416 to clean the ink jet nozzles again. The cleaning device finally returns to a position where its upper surface is level with the platform. This cleaning activity keeps the nozzles generally free of ink buildup adjacent to the nozzles and helps preserve proper nozzle function. Further in the exemplary embodiment this activity maintaining proper condition of the ink jet nozzles is achieved in combination with the movement of the deflector which provides for the collection of empty deposit envelopes and the acceptance of deposit envelopes in the container. to contain deposits. Therefore due to the interconnection between the gate, the head pickup and maintenance functions, the maintenance activities of the ink jet nozzles are carried out when the machine performs activities that involve the use of the printer. Of course, this approach is exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment, maintenance procedures for the maintenance and / or replacement of the ink jet printer cartridge, the spittoon for containing ink, and / or the cleaner can be easily carried out. In the exemplary embodiment a maintenance person begins maintenance by unlocking the lock that allows access to the cabinet portion of the housing in which the transport element is located. As discussed below, in the exemplary embodiment the base portion 144 of the reservoir mechanism is movably mounted on slides to allow it to extend out of the machine for easier maintenance. As discussed in detail later, such movement is controlled to minimize the risk that persons who are performing maintenance on the machine and who only have access to the cupboard part will not improperly access the items in storage. Therefore, in some embodiments, service persons who have the authority to access the ark portion and remove the container for holding deposits to allow removal of the deposit mechanism from the machine can do so, which may cause the procedures to be carried out. maintenance is even easier.

In the exemplary embodiment the spittoon 386 can be easily disengaged from the bearing connection to the housing by disengaging the pins 398 which extend at the head portion of the engaging recesses in the housing. This allows the spittoon to be moved away from the ink jet printer nozzles as well as removed from the machine. A maintenance person can then open the door 400 in the spittoon to access the internal cavity and remove accumulated ink therefrom. Alternatively, a maintenance person can replace the spittoon with ink inside with a different spittoon that does not have ink accumulated inside. The maintenance person can then replace the empty spittoon or replace the spittoon in operative connection with the machine housing by engaging the pins therein with the housing.

Also, preferably with the spittoon removed from the machine, a maintenance person can choose to clean or replace the cleaner. This can be accomplished by the maintenance person disengaging the cleaner 384 from the arm 210. Such disengagement allows the cleaner, which includes the brush portion therein, to be removed from the opening in the platform 214 where the cleaner is normally located. With the cleaner removed, a maintenance person can clean and / or inspect the cleaner, replace it in the opening, and reattach the cleaner to the arm. Alternatively, a maintenance person may choose to replace the cleaner with a new one. In this case the maintenance person will place the replacement cleaner into the opening in the deck and reconnect the arm. Since it will generally be more efficient to replace the cleaner with the removed spittoon, the maintenance person will reinstall the spittoon in movable engagement with the housing after reinstalling the cleaner.

Alternatively or in addition, a maintenance person may at the time of maintenance of the spittoon and / or cleaner replace the ink jet printer cartridge 382. As discussed above, the printer cartridge is made to be movably removable in supporting connection with the housing.

This is preferably done through deformable elements that provide a secure engagement for the cartridge but allow for quick snap release from the housing as well as electrical connections to the cartridge.

A replacement cartridge can then be replaced and attached to the housing. In some maintenance methods, the maintenance person can replace the cartridge without removing the spittoon or cleaner, or

ES 2 393 068 T3 can remove and / or replace certain items without replacing others. The approach taken will depend on the particular circumstances and the reason for maintenance.

Generally, once the maintenance person has carried out the maintenance activities, the maintenance person will run the machine to test the operation of the transport element and the printer. This can be done, for example, by passing an envelope through the transport element and printing marks on it. In an exemplary embodiment the maintenance person provides one or more inputs to the machine so that the controller is operative to cause the printer to print test mark patterns to verify that the printer is operating properly. After the maintenance person has verified that proper operation of the printer and transport is occurring, the maintenance person can close the housing and put the ATM back into service. Of course these methods are exemplary and in other embodiments other methods may be used.

Container 128 for containing reservoirs and associated structures used in an exemplary embodiment are now described in connection with Figures 58 to 66. According to an exemplary embodiment, container 128 comprises a body 126 for containing that is composed of Of generally rigid plastic material. Container body 126 includes a pair of outwardly extending lip portions that include retaining lips 428 which in the operative position of the container extend horizontally. A protruding portion 430 extends in the container generally vertically upward above lips 428. In the exemplary embodiment the protruding portion includes a plurality of openings 432.

A housing 434 is dimensioned to engage the protruding portion 430. Housing 434 includes projecting clamp elements therein which are adapted to engage openings 432 in the projecting part. As shown in FIG. 60, housing 434 includes surfaces adapted to both overlap and underlie projecting portion 432.

A generally flexible drum door 436 is adapted to engage the housing 434. The drum door 436 is preferably composed of plastic material and includes a generally rigid end portion 438 and a generally flexible portion 440. The flexible portion of the exemplary embodiment is comprised of connected transversely extending slat structures. End portion 438 includes a generally rigid upwardly extending shoulder 442, the purpose of which is discussed in detail below. The transverse ends of the flexible portion 440 include a plurality of T-shaped cover projections 444. As best shown in FIG. 60, the housing 434 includes a recessed channel portion 446 on each transverse side thereof. The projections 444 extend into and are allowed to move along the channel.

A cover 448 fits in an overlapping, nesting relationship with the housing 434. The cover 448 includes a channel portion 450 that corresponds to the channel portion 446 and overlaps the projections 444. The channel portions form a surrounding channel in which the movement of the cover protections is constrained. Cover 448 engages with housing 434 in fixed relationship so that once attached they do not easily separate, and thus projections 444 attached to the drum door are allowed to slide into channels formed by portion 446. and 450 to allow the drum door to selectively open and close an opening 452 that extends through the cover. As the drum door moves to the open position, the flexible part of the drum door moves into the interior area of ​​the container. In the exemplary embodiment the cover 448 also includes an opening 454 for mounting a cylinder lock therein. The lock associated with a cylinder in opening 454 can be used for purposes discussed later. Also in the exemplary embodiment a handle 456 is pivotally mounted in connection with lugs 458 that are molded into body 126 for containment.

In the exemplary embodiment, the container 128 for holding deposits is releasably mounted within a chest portion of the banking machine. In operation of the exemplary embodiment, only authorized persons are allowed access to the ark portion. However, in the exemplary embodiment other parts of the deposit acceptance mechanism such as the components that are supported above the base 144 are adapted to be located in the closet portion and outside of the chest. While this makes it easier to keep these components out of the ark, it can present risks. Unauthorized persons having access to areas of the machine outside the ark may attempt to gain access to the interior of the container to hold deposits through the tray opening 204, which corresponds to an opening in the partition wall that delimits the top of the ark. . This must necessarily be done, however, by moving the mechanisms that allow dispensing of envelopes and moving envelopes to and from the outer end 122. In embodiments where such mechanisms are mounted in support connection to the chest in ways that prevent clearance of such mechanisms, this can provide adequate security.

In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable to facilitate easier maintenance of the deposit acceptance mechanism that is located above the safe chest. This is accomplished in some embodiments by mounting the base 144 in movable support connection with the slide guides 460 shown in FIG. 8. In exemplary embodiments the slide guides are in supporting connection with the partition wall and may be used to move the base and the reservoir mechanism and components supported therein away from the operative position for ease of maintenance. In some exemplary embodiments a service door located at the

ES 2 393 068 T3 rear of the machine for the cabinet part can be unlocked and opened, and the base and other associated components removed through in support connection with the slide guides 460. Because in such embodiments there is a risk of unauthorized persons gaining access to the area above the ark and moving the mechanism to access the deposit envelope opening at the top of the ark, it may be appropriate to provide a mechanism to reduce the risk of this. This is done in the exemplary embodiment through an interlock mechanism shown in connection with Figures 63 to 66.

In this exemplary form of the interlocking mechanism the container 128 is supported within the secure chest by engaging the underside of each lip portion 428 along each long side of the container with an inwardly extending protrusion 462 located on each side of the container (see figure 65). The projections 462 allow the container to slide in and out of the operative position when the door of the secure chest portion is unlocked and open. In an exemplary embodiment the orientation of the container and the ark door is such that the container cannot be moved from the operative position unless the ark door is open. A latch 464 of the interlock mechanism that is rotatable about a pivot 466 includes a projection 468. The projection 468 is aligned with an opening 470 in the dividing wall that delimits the ark portion and is operative to engage with an opening 472 in the base 144 when the base is in an operative position.

When the tank container 128 is installed in the operative position within the ark portion, the latch 464 is engaged with the cover 448, causing the projection 468 to fully extend upward and engage the opening in the base 472. This is shown, for example, in Figures 63 and 64. In this position of the projection 468, the base 144 is generally prevented from moving on the slide guides 460 to a holding position in which the deposit mechanism moves away from the deposit envelope opening. As a result, when the container for holding deposits is inside the ark part so that it can contain deposits, unauthorized persons accessing the cupboard part are generally prevented from moving from the base to gain access to the opening in the cabinet. ark that can afford access to such deposits.

However, in circumstances where the ark has been opened and the container for holding deposits has been removed from the ark, indicating that an authorized person has secured access to such deposits, the base is allowed to move in connection with slide guides 460. This is allowed because removal of the container to contain reservoirs causes the latch 464 to fall out, retracting the projection 468 from the opening 472. This allows movement of base 144 in support connection with slide guides 460 to a position where the reservoir mechanism extends out of the housing. Of course, it should be understood that this approach is exemplary and other interlocking mechanisms and approaches may be used in other embodiments.

A further useful aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the ability to cause the drum door to open automatically upon insertion of the container for holding deposits in the operative position, and further to have the drum door lock automatically when the Container for holding deposits is removed from the machine. This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment because the housing includes within it a locking mechanism 474 shown in Figures 62 and 67. The locking mechanism 474 includes a rotatable member 476 that is in operative connection with a key cylinder. and that it can only be turned from outside the case if you have a suitable key in the key cylinder. Rotation of element 476 in a counterclockwise direction from that shown in FIG. 67 causes engagement and clockwise rotation about a pivot of a retaining element 478. The retaining member 478 includes therein a locking boss 480. Once it is moved to the open position, a locking projection is temporarily held therein by a trigger element 482. Trigger 482 includes an extension 484 that contains latch 478 in an unlocked position against a biasing force provided by spring 486 which operates to bias latch 478 to move counterclockwise as shown. .

In the exemplary embodiment, the firing element 482 is accessible through an opening 488 that extends through the housing 434. A flat portion 490 of the firing element 482 deflects toward the aperture in response to a force of deflection conferred by a spring 492, also shown schematically.

Extending on an inner face of the end portion 438 of the drum door 436 is a latch boss 494 formed. Latch boss 494 is shaped to engage locking boss 480 on latch 478 when latch 478 is in the position shown in FIG. 62. In the exemplary embodiment this will hold and hold the door. drum in a closed position. As can be seen from Figures 62 and 67, after using the key to open the lock, the retaining element 478 is held in the position shown in Figure 67 by the action of the firing element 482 in engagement with the same. In this position the drum door can be opened and closed as the latch projection 494 can freely move in and out of the area adjacent to the locking projection 480.

Next if the door is ready to be locked by moving the trigger element 482, the latch element 478 will move in response to the biasing force to the position shown in Figure 62. This is generally done by extending a setting pin or other. protruding through aperture 488 to engage flat portion 490 of firing element. Once latch 478 has moved to this position, the next closing of the drum door will cause latch projection 494 to engage latch 478 and latch in place.

ES 2 393 068 T3 hook therewith until the rotating element 476 is rotated counterclockwise using the lock. This is used in combination with an exemplary form of the invention to provide the ability to insert the container for holding tanks into its operative position, and then causing the drum door of the container for holding tanks to automatically close and latch. lock as you withdraw.

As shown in FIG. 66, a downwardly extending latch lever 496 is operative to latch shoulder 422 upward of the drum door as the container is moved to the operative position in the ATM. When the container for holding deposits is moved into position and the lock is in an unlocked position, the drum door is moved to open by the sliding action necessary to install it into position. In the exemplary embodiment the container for holding deposits may be installed with the drum door open or closed, and if the door is closed it will be opened by installation. Furthermore, the latch lever is operative in the exemplary embodiment to be housed in a recess 498 that is formed in the end portion 438 of the drum door (see FIG. 69). This allows the latch lever to engage the drum door in recess 498 so that when the container for holding deposits is removed from the machine, the drum door moves to a closed position. An additional force applied to the container then pulls the latch lever 496 out of the recess and allows the container for holding deposits to be removed from the machine.

Further in an exemplary embodiment a pin is mounted in a suitable position relative to the container for containing deposits within the ATM housing so that when the container for containing deposits has been fully inserted into the operative position, the pin is extended. through aperture 488 and moves firing element 482. Thus even though the locking mechanism 474 is initially in the open position shown in Figure 67, when the container is inserted into the machine, activation of the trigger element causes the lock to move to the position shown in Figure 62 a once the drum door has been opened. Then when the container for holding deposits is removed the locking projection 480 engages with the latch projection 494, holding the drum door in a closed position to lock the tanks inside until a person with an appropriate key unlocks. the recipient. This facilitates the management of deposited items and minimizes the risk of loss. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment because the components associated with the container are structured in the manner shown, efforts to gain unauthorized access to the reservoirs within the container will cause readily observable evidence of the fact that access has been gained. Not authorized. Of course, it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the container for holding tanks is that although the structures indicate tampering, it is nevertheless not possible to achieve authorized person replacement of the drum doors in situations where the doors are old. or otherwise its replacement is necessary. As shown in Figures 59 and 61, the exemplary shape of channel 446 in housing 434 includes on a lower side thereof a breakable portion which is referred to herein as section 500. In addition, cover 448 includes a recessed area 502 in the lip overlapping channel 450 that corresponds to breakable section 500. Obviously, it should be appreciated that although these features are shown only on one side of the container, the exemplary embodiments include such features in the channels located on each side.

As shown in Fig. 59, the breakable section 500 can be broken on one side once the door has been opened, and the now movable part has moved up on one side towards the recessed area 502. This produces an inward-facing opening in the channel. Then by moving the drum door in the direction of the arrow X and down into the container, the drum door can be separated from the channels by removing the channel guards. When separated from the channels the drum door can be removed from the container through the opening and a new drum door installed with the projections 444 extending into the channels. The breakable section can then be returned to its original orientation which delimits the channel and the new drum door will function in the manner described above. Furthermore, it is possible to replace the doors again by moving the previously rotated section 500 into the recess. Thus in this exemplary embodiment, drum doors that may have broken, aged, or damaged can be replaced by authorized persons without having to disassemble and reassemble the tops of the cases. This facilitates carrying out the exemplary embodiments in a manner that allows for generally permanent bonding of the various parts and enhances the properties discussed above of providing an indication when tampering with the container for holding reservoirs is attempted. Also in alternative embodiments the breakable section may comprise a channel delimiting section that is movable but does not require any initial breaking of a channel delimiting surface. For purposes of this description a frangible section will be considered a section that is deformable to separate from an adjacent surface to allow the drum door to separate from a channel, regardless of whether an element fracture is required. Of course, it should be understood that these features are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

As discussed above, in exemplary embodiments the base 144 supporting the deposit acceptance mechanism components located outside the chest may be movably mounted in support connection with the housing slide guides 460. This allows the reservoir mechanism to be extended out of the housing for maintenance and then allows the mechanism to be returned back to the operative position. In such

In embodiments the chamfer 242 at the outer end 122 of the transport member must align with a corresponding opening in a machine plate. This can present problems related to achieving bevel alignment with such plate openings. To minimize the need for precise plate alignment in some exemplary embodiments, it is envisaged to provide plate sections that are in supporting connection with the housing but movable relative to other parts of the plate. This is depicted in Figures 69 and 70 in connection with an exemplary plate 504. Board 504 is in operative connection with the outer board of the banking machine. However, it is mounted in such a way that something is allowed to move in two (2) dimensions relative to it. This engagement is achieved in one exemplary embodiment through a sandwich-like structure but other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 69, the rear of the plate plate 504 includes a pair of side guides 506 and a vertical guide 508. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, plate plate 504 includes projections 510 that form a cavity in which bevel 242 can nest in aligned relationship.

As a result, when the deposit acceptor mechanism is moved from a holding position where it extends out of the machine on guides 460 to an operative position, bevel 462 engages with guides 506, 508, and 510 to causing the plate plate 504 to move relative to the plate to an appropriate position so that the opening 512 in the plate plate corresponds to the location of the bevel and the deposit accepting opening in the bevel. As can be appreciated, this exemplary approach eliminates the need to maintain a precise aligned arrangement between the devices and the plate, as the movable plate plate can compensate for slight misalignment. Obviously, it should be appreciated that these features can be applied to other devices as well that are required to mate with the machine board. Of course, it will be appreciated that these structures shown in relation to the deposit acceptance mechanism are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments allow the controller and other circuitry that may operate in the banking machine to detect conditions that may be indicative of conditions and problems with the deposit mechanism or other components of the banking machine. This is accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by a series of sensors that are schematically indicated in relation to FIG. 68. These sensors include in the exemplary embodiment, an exit sensor 248 that is operative to detect envelopes or other objects adjacent the outer end 122 of the transport member. In addition, the exemplary form of the invention includes a mid-conveyor sensor 514 similar to sensor 248 that is operative to detect envelopes and other objects in the conveyor section and can be used in combination with sensing fingers that extend in grooves 312 in section 290 discussed above. The sensor 232 discussed above and which can also be similar to the sensor 248 detects envelopes or other objects on the platform adjacent to the gap 188. A gate position sensor 516 is operative to detect the position of the gate through the placement of the actuator element 360. An internal gate sensor 518 is provided to detect the position of the deflector 196 relative to the base 144. In the exemplary embodiment, at least two (2) sensors are used for this purpose to facilitate detection of the deflector at its different levels. positions. A container full sensor 520 is provided in the area through which the envelopes pass into the container in order to determine if the container is full. In addition, a container presence sensor 522 is provided in order to determine if the case is installed in the proper position within the machine. Finally, a print head sensor 524 is provided to detect the operating position as well as other properties of the print head. Of course, these sensors in their relative positions within the mechanism are exemplary. Additional sensors or other types can also be used. Furthermore, sensors of various types may be employed in connection with the embodiments to achieve these functions. For example, although contact sensors have been described in connection with output sensor 248, sensor 232, and medium transport element sensor 514, other types of sensors such as photosensors, radiation sensors, sensors may be used alternatively or additionally. induction sensors, sonic sensors, capacitance sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors or other types of sensors.

In operation of the exemplary embodiment, the sensors are generally monitored for changes in state and are operative to send signals that notify the controller or other circuitry of any change in state. When this happens in circumstances where the controller has not instructed the mechanism to perform a function that would raise this event, an asynchronous event is observed by the control software. The nature of this event is observed and the controller can take action according to its schedule to perform an appropriate function. For example, if the medium transport element sensor detects an item on the transport element, in circumstances where the controller has not been operated to cause an item to be within the transport element, the controller can be programmed to indicate a state of alarm. The controller can function to notify an appropriate maintenance person or other authorities of possible tampering activity with respect to the machine.

Similarly, when the machine is operated to dispense envelopes or to receive envelopes into it, the controller operates according to its programming to detect whether the sensors detect appropriate activities in the proper sequence and at the proper times. These events are compared through the operation of the controller to store data in a data store that corresponds to the sequences of events that are expected to occur in the course of such operations. If during these operations an abnormal event occurs or one is

ES 2 393 068 T3 In the event of anomalous events, the computer will operate according to its programming to try to correct the anomalous event and / or to record and notify tampering events. For example, if a user is requesting a deposit transaction and if as soon as the deposit gate is moved to an open position, the presence of an item is detected at the exit sensor within the transport element before it has been An envelope has been detected at the medium transport element sensor 514, it is likely that someone is trying to insert a stealing tool into the transport element. In such circumstances, the controller may function to cause the machine to move the deflector 196 to the closed position appropriately preventing access to the container for holding deposits. In addition, the controller can operate on schedule to alert the appropriate personnel to the suspected tampering event. In addition or alternatively, the controller may function to operate associated cameras or other alarm devices to notify the event and to capture information such as images showing the identity of the person who was involved in the operation of the machine when it occurred. such an event. Of course, these approaches are exemplary and other approaches may be used in other embodiments.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to deposited items that are envelopes, the principles of the invention are not limited to such items. The principles of the present invention can be employed with respect to tickets, checks, money transfers, bills, and other types of items that can be deposited into or distributed from automated banking machines. Furthermore, the principles described can be applied in situations where the operators of such systems need to accept monetary deposits or other items. Numerous alternative approaches within the spirit of the principles described will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.

Thus, the apparatus and methods described achieve at least some of the objectives set forth above, eliminate difficulties encountered in using the prior devices and systems, solve problems, and obtain the desirable results described herein.

Certain terms have been used in the foregoing description for the sake of brevity, clarity and understanding, however unnecessary limitations thereof are not to be assumed because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. Furthermore, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as means to perform a function should be considered as encompassing any means that those skilled in the art know can perform the cited function, and should not be considered limited to the particular means shown in the description above in the present document or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the characteristics, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results obtained, the structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, New and useful methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.